Living Traditions: Festival of Uttar Pradesh

An NCPA Presentation

India is perhaps the most musically diverse region in the world. This diversity is evident in the folk traditions associated with different parts of the country, which we showcase through this festival. The 13th edition will focus on Uttar Pradesh.

The most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh is the land of the two holy rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, with a forest cover of seven per cent, and a cultivable area of around 82 per cent. Several mainstream political entities that existed in ancient and medieval India, including the Maurya, Harsha, Gupta, Pala and Mughal empires, and the Delhi Sultanate, had their base in the region.

Uttar Pradesh boasts an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. It abounds with hills, waterfalls and a variety of minerals. The state has a rich cultural heritage and the common languages spoken are Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj and Bundeli.

The two-day festival will feature six well-known troupes comprising nearly 100 artistes  from across Uttar Pradesh that will present different forms of music, dance and folk theatre. Each presentation will be introduced with an appropriate sociocultural and aesthetic context. Artisans will also demonstrate the making of wooden toys and paintings on both days.

Box Office now open.