“Karnavati Lokmanthan” Showcases Gujarat’s Folk Heritage

Bharatiya Vicha Manch and Gujarat University Unite for Cultural Enrichment

“Karnavati Lokmanthan” a two-day program, organized by “Bharatiya Vichar Manch” and “Gujarat University”, will be held on October 21-22, at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium, Gujarat University.

“Karnavati Lokmanthan,” an enchanting celebration of Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage, featuring the vibrant folk dance Garba, the captivating drama “Bhavai: Jasma Odan,” tribal team dances from Chhota Udepur, and the soulful melodies of forgotten instruments like the Jodiya Pava, Morchang, and Ravanahatta, alongside the compelling story “Vachikam,” all aimed at re-painting our society in cultural colors, as well as traditional folk dishes will be relished.

We are honored to announce that the program will feature esteemed guests, including Mrs. Dr. Neerja Gupta, Chancellor of Gujarat University, Chancellor of the M.S. University and Chairman of Bharatiya Vichar Manch, Srimant Rajmata Shubhangini Raje Gaikwad, renowned classical dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Mrs. Sonal Mansingh, retired IAS officer and Chairman of Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, Mr. Bhagyesh Jaha, Narrator and Novelist Mr. Ram Mori, Artist and Writer Naishad Purani, Writer and Experimental Teacher Dr. Bimal Bhavsar, VSSK founder Mrs. Mittal Patel, as well as film-maker Abhishek Jain will be present and will discuss and present views on several cultural topics, including the “attempt to restore folk culture”. Their presence will enrich this celebration of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.

“Karnavati Lokmanthan” will also showcase a diverse array of folk art, featuring talented artisans including Patola weavers, Sompura artists from Dhangdhra, Tanglia creators from Surendranagar, Kutchi embroidery specialists, Rajkot’s Patola artisans, farmers from Junagadh, beadwork artists from Chhotaudepur, wooden toy makers from Bhavnagar, Padmashri Bhanubhai Chitara, a renowned Mata ni Pachedi artist, an artisan from Banaskantha, Jamnagar’s Bandhni, Ajarkh, Batik and block print fabrics, bamboo work artisans from Narmada-Bharuch, and Pareshbhai Rathwa, a distinguished Pithora artist from Chhotaudepur and Padmashri awardee, will also be joining us. Their participation will bring a rich artistic dimension to this celebration of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.

Attendees will also have the delightful opportunity to savor a variety of traditional dishes, including Nagli Roti from Dang, Bamboo Pickle, Udat dal’s Dhebra from Chhota Udepur, Maize Rota, Jowar-Bajra Rota from Saurashtra, and Eggplant Porridge. Additionally, they can indulge in Ajma from Junagadh, Fennel, Gulkand, and Cinnamon cinnamon-flavored honey, along with rich Cow Milk Basundi and Live Ice Cream, making for a truly immersive culinary experience at “Karnavati Lokmanthan.”

Apart from this, “Karnavati Lokmanthan” will feature stalls showcasing bronze healing tools, panchagavya beauty products, Sahitya Bhandar, plantain leaf diaries from Chhotaudepur, and pottery. This event will provide a unique opportunity for urbanites to connect directly with artists and artisans from various districts.

Through “Karnavati Lokmanthan,” the “Bharatiya Vichar Manch” aimed to connect with rural communities by showcasing art from regions including Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Surendranagar, Gandhinagar, Karnavati, Chota Udepur, Dahod, Valsad, and Dang. This event offers a free platform for artists to engage and share their unique talents.

It is to be mentioned here that after a gap of 2 years, a program called “Lokmanthan” is being conducted by Pragya Pravah. The program, which has been held since 2016, seeks to introduce people to India’s rich heritage and rich tradition through folk culture, tradition, and practice-based cultural programs.

After Bhopal, Ranchi, and Guwahati, Lokmanthan is going to be held in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad) from November 21 to 24 this year. Lokmanthan has also been held in Kutch and Saurashtra in the state earlier.

Dedicated to the idea of “आ नो भद्रा: क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वत:,” the Bharatiya Vishwa Manch has been active in the intellectual field for the past 33 years. Throughout the year, regional and national conferences are organized. “Karnavati Lokmanthan” is a novel attempt to showcase the intriguing aspects of folk life, folk art, and folklore.

Top Highlights

• A Tapestry of Talent at ‘Karnavati Lokmanthan’ Cultural Fair
• Echoes of Tradition: Relishing the Melodies of Jodiya Pava, Garba, Teamli, and Bhavai
• World-Famous Bhavai ‘Jasma Odan’ Takes Center Stage
• Rajmata Shubhangini Raje Gaikwad to Grace the Event
• Vachikam: Naishadha Purani and team Jalso to Dazzle the Stage”
• Delight in Traditional Treats Like Naglino Shiro and Corn Rotla

Regards,

“Bharatiya Vichar Manch”

Kedar Deshmukh                

Secretory, Bharatiya Vichar Manch, Karnavati

PS: The sessional information of “Karnavati Lokmanthan” is given in the booklet.