Seminar held on folk art

ALLAHABAD: A seminar was organized to discuss folk art and steps needed to preserve it.
An speaker Anupam Anand said that the major exponent of Bidesia folk art was Bhikari Thakur. He played a vital role in popularizing this art form. He created this drama and formed a team to popularize it. This art form conveys the agony of a woman whose husband has gone outside for earning money and has not returned.When the narrator asks the woman how he would identify the husband, the agonizing wife reveals the attire of her husband. The separation and union of husband-wife convey through this art form greatly influenced the masses which came to be known as Bidesia. This art form is popular in Bhojpuri regions.
Another speaker Uday Chandra Pardesi observed that Bhand is an ancient folk art of Bhojpuri region which is full of humour and satire. However, the sad part is that this art is losing its luster. Originally, they were called to perform during functions. The popular musical instruments accompanied with this art form are nagara, dholak.
Vijay Laksmi said that 'Bahurupiya ' is also another art form which is popular in Bhojpuri areas. It could also be the main source of income for the performer. The performer adopts the attire of the different characters and also performs their roles. They roam at different houses and the people give them money for performance.