Amritsar heritage festival

Annual heritage festival underway in Punjab
by Ravinder Singh Robin

Amritsar: A three-day cultural extravaganza, featuring the rich heritage of Amritsar, got underway with a colourful procession. People from all walks of life in the city are participating in the annual heritage festival. The festival is a major draw with caparisoned elephants, camels and horses, Bhangra and Giddha groups. Authorities say that the festival helps in reviving the link between youngsters and their heritage. "As western culture is influencing the present generation, a lot so such festival would help re-establish the bond between youngsters and their legacy," said Bhagwant Singh, deputy commissioner, Amritsar. Harpreet Kaur, a participant, said she felt proud to be a part of the heritage festival. "I am really happy that I performed in this festival. I wish this festival is organised every year. This festival gives a message that people should not forget their heritage and should not take over the western culture. They should always appreciate their heritage and be a part of it," said Kaur. The opening-day on Friday included a heritage procession comprising elephants, horses, traditional musical instruments, and the traditional Sikh martial art of "Gatka". Traditional dances such as Bhangra and Giddha were also part of the inauguration ceremony. Other events like street-plays, singing competition, painting competitions, and poetry will be part of the festival. An exhibition of Punjabi books is also on. An exhibition of Punjabi books is on during the festival. On Saturday, the second day, painting competitions and a seminar on Punjabi were held in which Punjabi teachers from the district would participated. A programme for folk dances, folk music instruments was held in which Kavishri, Dhadhi jatha, Sufi songs would be the events to watch. On Sunday, the final day, a "Virasat Yatra" or heritage walk in the early morning will be taken out which will cover heritage buildings, five pious water ponds, Gurudwara Santokhsar, Ramsar, Kaulsar, Amritsar and Viveksar will add to the list of spots to be covered during the walk. A kite-flying competion would also be held. In the evening, noted singer Gurmeet Bawa along with her daughters would regale the viewers with her hit numbers. Local artistes, who have performed in the popular TV "Laughter Challenge" programmes, will be felicitated on the final day of the festival.
-Feb 21, 2009

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