Gurgaon: Folklore fest bridges culture divide

The week-long International Ethnic Folklore Festival (IEFF) that began on Friday (August 21) at Leisure Valley ground in Sector 29 concluded on Thursday.

The week-long International Ethnic Folklore Festival (IEFF) that began on Friday (August 21) at Leisure Valley ground in Sector 29 concluded on Thursday.

Polish artistes perform at the closing function of the International Ethnic Folklore Festival on Thursday. (Abhinav Saha/ HT Photo)

The festival attracted many performing arts enthusiasts as it brought together 12 international folklore ensembles from the USA, Poland, Mexico, Lithuania, Indonesia, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Eqypt, Nepal and Sri Lanka. In addition, three ensembles from Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat too participated in the event. On its final day, the festival saw a combination of various ethnic patterns in clothes, dances, music and hairstyles.

The festival was organised by Shrustii Multicultural Centre, a non-profit organisation, to promote folk, classical and theatre performances on a global stage. The seven-day event provided an array of cultural experiences to city residents who were also able to interact with international folklore experts.

On Thursday, artistes decked up in their native costumes performed their traditional dances, turning the evening magical.

Visitors to the festival described the concept as a unique method to spread awareness about folk art.

“These cultural festivals are an eye-opener. There is so much more to explore,” said Komal Sharma, a resident of South City II.

The international participants too enjoyed their time here. “I enjoyed this trip, every festival has its own distinctive features,” said David Hermosillo, an artiste from the USA. Artiste Daniel Gonzalez of Mexico said, “I went to Agra and Jaipur with my group to gain exposure to Indian culture. I liked the surroundings as I learnt a lot from the trip.”