Darjeeling, Nov. 1: A socio-cultural
organisation here has decided to counter the increasing hold
that the hip-hop culture is exercising on GeNext, to the `detriment
of traditional culture`.
The Parbartiya Sanskriti Sanrakachan Sanshthan
has decided to start a massive campaign in the hills in an
effort to attract the younger generation to their traditions.
The association, which is a cultural wing of the Hill Employees’
Association (Amar) group, has decided to organise a two-day
event at the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Samity Hall in Darjeeling
from November 6.
The cultural group has christened its campaign
as Sangaliyara Rakhou Birshako Sanskriti (Let us preserve
our forgotten traditions), and promises to showcase the rich
and diverse culture of the hill people.
`The country has never been so young, with
half the population below the age of 30, but it is sad that
our traditions and our rich musical legacy are slowly fading
into oblivion. It is to preserve this legacy that we have
decided to launch this campaign,` said Amar Rai, the president
of the association.
Folk singers from the region like Badri
Kharel, Durga Kharel and Man Moktan have been invited to perform
popular folk songs during the two-day extravaganza. Members
of the Himalayan Gorkha Nitya Toli will participate in the
function. The event will also highlight the different folk
dances of the various sub-communities of the Gorkhas.
`We have rich traditions, but the reason
why the youngsters are distancing themselves from our culture
is due to the lack of a proper platform. We intend to give
artistes a proper forum,` said Rai.
Folk dances like the Lakha dance, which
is performed by the Newar community especially during the
Dashain and Diwali festivals, will be performed along with
the Kanjhari dance of the Hitkari community.
`Communities like the Gurungs, Tamangs and
Limbus will also stage their shows. We have decided to use
artistes from the Darjeeling hills as it is all about providing
a platform to local performers. Dances like Churki, which
is performed by the people of Eastern Nepal and Ropi Nitya,
which used to be performed while planting paddy, will be the
highlights,` said Rai.
The cultural association plans to sit for
a review meeting after the event but Rai promised to carry
on the campaign in various fora. |
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