LUCKNOW : The two-day festival, “Awadh, Braj, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Paschimanchal Sawan Songs Festival,” organized by the Nav Anshika Foundation, commenced today at the International Buddhist Research Institute campus auditorium in Gomti Nagar. The event, a vibrant celebration of Uttar Pradesh’s diverse folk music and dance, was inaugurated by chief guests Ritu Shahi (member of the State Women’s Commission), Padma Gidwani, and Rajesh Kumar Sharma, along with Nira Lohani and festival convenor Nishu Tyagi.
Under the guidance of Nishu Tyagi, who is also the President of the Foundation and the festival’s organizer, folk singer Deepika Mishra opened the evening with a traditional devotional kajri, “Veena Wali Maiya.” She then brought the spirit of Ayodhya to Lucknow with the Awadhi kajri, “Hare Rama Awadh Dham Ati Pyara.” The performance continued with kajris from different regions: “Sakhiyan Jhulan Chali Re Phool Bagiya” from Varanasi, “Radhe Sang Jhule Nand Lal Ho” from Braj, and “Mat Jana Hai Abla Hume Naar Piya” from Mirzapur. The audience particularly applauded the Bundeli kajri, “Are Rama Saiyan Gaye Pardesh,” and the captivating Nirguni kajri, “Tor Dehiya E Mati Ke Makan Ba.”
Continuing the “Panchrangi” (five-colored) flow of Sawan songs, Arun Kumar and his group captivated the audience with popular tunes such as “Janme Awadh Mein Ram Mangal Gao Ri,” “Are Rama Rimjhim Barse Paniya,” and “Ari Bahna Uthi Hai Ghata Ghan Ghor.” The event also featured beautiful dance performances by Vishal Gupta’s troupe on various melodious songs.
During the event, which was skillfully hosted by Aamir Mukhtar, the foundation’s vice president, Neera Lohani, explained that Sawan songs are inspired by nature and often depict themes ranging from devotional praise to swing songs, and even the joy and sorrow of separation and reunion with a beloved. The two-day festival’s management is being handled by Rahul Sharma and Dabir Siddiqui.
The final evening will feature performances by Nutan Pandey and Sweety Singh’s troupe from Sant Kabir Nagar, promising another vibrant and colorful cultural show.
