New Delhi, Jan 24: President Pratibha Devisingh Patill will inaugurate the six-day “National Folk Dance Festival" named as Loktarang, here today. President Patil will inaugurate the festival and Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni will preside over the function, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture N C Goel told reporters here.

“The inaugural show will begin with the lighting of a lamp to invoke the Agni (Fire), the most essential of the five basic elements of life known as 'Panch Mahabhoots". Forty-two Folk dances selected from all the states and two Union Territories with about seven hundred folk artists will participate in this event," he added.

The festival is a regular event, which is organized by the Culture Ministry every year with an objective of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our country represented through folk dances. This event will provide an unique opportunity for the people to witness colourful, vibrant and authentic folk dances drawn from various parts of the country and will go a long way in preserving, promoting and disseminating the country"s folk dances.

The Culture Ministry in association with the seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) is organizing the festival as part of the ensuing Republic Day celebrations.  Entry to the event will be free of cost for general public at Hamsadhwani open-air theatre in Pragati Maidan on all days of the show except the inaugural function.

 

ANI