Living Traditions: Festival of Jharkhand

An NCPA Presentation

India is perhaps the most musical and musically diverse region in the world. This diversity is evident in the folk traditions associated with different regions. Through this festival, we try to showcase these folk traditions.

In the 13th edition, the focus will be on Jharkhand.

Formed in 2000, Jharkhand is one of the newest states located in the north-eastern part of India. Literally meaning ‘the land of forests and bushes’, the region has a great diversity of flora and fauna, beautiful natural resources including hills and waterfalls, and is rich in a variety of minerals. The state is equally  rich in its cultural heritage. Be it chhau, mundari, kathi mage, dasai or nagpuri and jhoomar, these performing art forms are not only means of entertainment for the different tribes indigenous to the region, but they also have a place in rituals of worship.

During the two days of this year’s edition of Living Traditions, over 100 artistes comprising six well-known troupes from various parts of Jharkhand will present varied forms of music, dance and folk theatre. Each presentation will be introduced in appropriate sociocultural and aesthetic context.

Additionally, on both days, artisans will demonstrate mask-making and bamboo artwork in the Experimental Theatre foyer. There will also be a display of the publications which have resulted from the meaningful decade – long dialogues with the communities in Jharkhand.

Box Office now open.