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UTSAV, a three-day cultural extravaganza was held at the natural surroundings of Vihara Mahadevi Open Air Theatre in Colombo from 17-19 November as a part of India@70 celebrations showcasing glimpses of popular Indian culture. Minister of Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage S.B. Dissanayake, Thamara Dissanayake along with High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu, graced the occasion and inaugurated the festival. Ambassadors, members of consular corp., members of Indian community, several other dignitaries and public enjoyed the scintillating performance at the open air theatre.
In his remarks High Commissioner Sandhu said, “Utsav in Hindi, Sinhala and Tamil means festival. Our festivities are an integral part of our shared cultural heritage. I am delighted to see all of us together to share our joys and celebrate…. Drums and rhythms are popular in Sri Lankan culture, as in Punjab, a vibrant Indian State, to which I also belong.”
Colourful energetic Punjabi folk dance and music performance by visiting artistes from India kept the audience thrilled and moving to their beats. They performed various forms of folk dances from Northern state of Punjab such as Luddi, Giddha, Jhumar, Jindua, Bhangra and many more. The most interesting was the orchestral number where various rare folk instruments of Punjab were played together which filled the air with melody and enthusiasm.
Folk dance and music group from Punjab also enthralled the audience at Galle and Polonnaruwa with their vibrant dance and melodious music. Minister of State for Foreign Minister Vasantha Senanayake graced the occasion as Chief Guest at Polonnaruwa.
