Haryanvi Folk Theatre Festival till 20th

The six-day Haryanvi folk theatre festival is regailing the city's theatre lovers presenting the vignettes of Haryana's vanishing folk theatre, 'Saang'.
From 15th January, Saang Utsav organised by the Haryana Cultural Affairs Department at Tagore Theatre, is on till 20th January.
Till Sunday, 'Jaani Chor', 'Chhabili Bhatiyan', 'Harishchander', 'Shashikala Sukhbir' and 'Maya Devi' have been held.
On Monday, 20th January, 'Dharuv Bhagat' directed by Sanjay Malik shall be performed.

'Swaang' has a long history and from centuries ago the theatrical performances dominated various parts of northern region including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh. On an open platform without any backdrops or props, the stage is set with the folk singers singing paens to the goddess of knowledge, Bhawani.  In olden times, the village chaupal was the place for everyone to congregate, to watch the performance.
During my short stint in Haryana Government in 70s, swaang was a powerful medium to spread the message to the masses, especially in the rural areas, which has a mix of dialogues, mimcry, songs, and dance to the live music. And I was surprised to see that it is a male-dominant folk theatre, in which even the role of female characters are performed by male artists.

Ay re bhawani baas kar maira ghat ka parda khol
Rasna par basa kara bhai shudh shabd much bol
 Goddess Bhawani, open the doors of knowledge to me.
Live on my tongue so that all I speak is pure.)

The entire performance is punctuated with music, mimicry and comedy, with actors, at times, interacting with the audience, and responding with typical Haryanvi wit. It is a treat to watch the 'Swaang'.

ik dhundh se aana hai...ik dhundh mein jaana hai

Fog in Chandigarh is a great attraction for many; while many fume when the flights and trains get cancelled...obviously. These days there are quite a few.  Nevertheless, it is the time when you can wrap yourself in overcoats, mufflers, and sit down anywhere in Sector 17 plaza, sip a cup of coffee, and enjoy the the life go by.

Picture Courtesy: http://www.freevisuals4u.com

Another Five Star Feather in Chandigarh's Cap

Photo Courtesy: http://www.freevisuals4u.com

The much-awaited five-star property, The Lalit, opened last week in Chandigarh.  After Taj Chandigarh, JW Marriott and Hotel Mountview, this is the fourth entrant but with much bigger offerings, more space, bigger banquet, more rooms, to talk about.  

With 179 rooms, The Lalit shines on the backdrop of the Shivalik hill range in Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park.  Though it does augur well for the CEI (conferences, exhibition and incentives) segment, it may have hard time bringing in more tourists especially with large existing capacity in five-star segment in the city.  

This may be a challenge but the tourist inflow is expected to grow in the city especially with a large number of events on sports, literature, art and culture events happening in the city. And for the time being, as is the city resident's wont, all roads lead to The Lalit to taste the cuisines in its well appointed restaurants. 

Neelam Theatre: The Lovable Hangout

The Neelam theatre in Sector 17 Plaza, Chandigarh, is perhaps one of the oldest heritage building of our city.  Suddenly the dark facade was lit by innovative lighting and an audiovisual show by Rotary Club of Chandigarh on 13th January to mark the three years of polio-free India.  The brightened look attracted many and shoppers and visitors stopped to look around. 

Neelam theatre was a fascinating landmark when it opened in 1962-63 with Manoj kumar-Mala Sinha starrer, Hariyali aur Rasta.  The 1000 capacity auditorium used to be full till 90s, recalls  Rajinder Thakur, General Manager of the theatre, who joined way back in 1967, and continues to hold the fort.
I remember, as a school kid from Ambala in '67 or so, my father drove the family down to Chandigarh from Ambala Cantt for an outing, and it was fascinating for small town folks to be fascinated by the red carpetted floors, giant chandeliers, and a peep into its 70mm screen. Chandigarh was a tourist destination
The road from Sector 18 to Sector 16 used to pass through the entire stretch of the market, in front of Neelam theatre, what it is now the plaza and parking.  And used to be favourite after-College-hangout for most of us.
The theatre is in for renovation and may get converted to a multiplex.  I hope it continues to retain its glorious exteriors the way we have loved it.