This folk fest promises a cultural feast

From the desert songs of Rajasthan to dance forms from distant Assam, it's a cultural feast for you to savour. The best of folk traditions, music, dance, crafts and cuisine from across India and abroad comes your way in a carnival-like atmosphere at Jayamahal Palace between August 8 and 10. And it's The Times of India International Folk Festival that sets the stage for these celebrations. Top folk artistes from West Bengal, Kerala, Kutch, Maharashtra, Assam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Norway will showcase their talent at the fest. Watch out for Bhaskar Kogga Kamath's stellar performance of Yakshagana Gombeyata.
There'll be performances by Chandana Dance Guild of Sri Lanka: rendition of Rajasthani folk songs by Chugge Khan who'll be accompanied by Kheta Khan, Salim Khan, Birbal Khan, Swaroop Khan, Karim Khan, Sajan Khan and Kutub Khan and Kalbelia dancers Sangeeta Sapera and Deepika Sapera: qawwali by Ustad Amjad Aziz Ahmed Khan Warsi and Ustad Asad Zaheer Ahmed Khan Warsi, better known as the Warsi Brothers: performance of Ottan Thullal, a folk form from Kerala by Kalamandalam Mohankrishnan Nair, and performance of Mahishasura Badh in Purulia Chhau form by Tarapada Rajak, a leading light of the Purulia Chhau tradition.
Other highlights include a performance by Unni Lovlid, a Norwegian musician, and dance by Sonal Mansingh and group. Accompanied by 14 artistes, Sonal will perform When the Gods Meet, a unique confluence of Indic and Greek myths, which explores the common connections and unravels the deep philosophy that bind the mythologies .
Other performances include Indonesian Royal ballet, Indonesian shadow puppetry, exhibition of Phulkari by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, arts and crafts mela with craftsmen and artisans showcasing their wares. And there's multi-ethnic cuisine from several states served in traditional style. Festival director Nivedita Honatti says the attempt is to reconnect with the spirit of India and expose Bangaloreans, especially the youth, to the richness and variety of our folk manifestations.
"We also want to bring to Bangaloreans the best of international folk performances," she adds.