For preserving the traditional folk stage art form like ‘Ralas’, which is on the verge of extinction, Dau Ramchandra Deshmukh Sanskritik Samiti, Bhilai and the villagers from Panthi Gram, Jarvay had jointly organised a 3-day ‘Natya Mahotsava’.
Former Parliamentary Secretary Vijay Baghel was present as chief guest, while President (Chhattisgarh Bhojpuri Parishad) Prabhunath Baitha, District Panchayat Member Prem Sagar Chaturvedi and social activist Vishnu Nirmalkar were present as special invitees.
The programme commenced with the garlanding the portraits of Radha-Krishna and Dau Ramchandra Deshmukh and ceremonial lamp was lighted.
The coordinator of the Mahotsava, Ramkumar Verma, after welcoming the guests, apprised about the traditional ‘Ralas’ form of folk stage art, which is still popular in the Satnami community dominated villages and towns like Navagarh, Kawardha, Bemetara, Ratanpur, Bilaspur and Balodabazaar.
He also stressed on the need for reviving such traditional art forms and also introducing them to the younger generation.
The performers of Ralas and the organizers, who are contributing in preserving the traditional art form, like Itwari Madhukar, Chaitu Kurre, lal lakre, Ashok Dhritlahare, Devchand Ratre and Ram Kosle were felicitated by chief guest Vijay Baghel.
Prem Sagar Chaturvedi and Prabhunath Baitha lauded the initiative of people from Jarvay in popularising and propagating the traditional art forms of Chhattisgarh. Baghel said “although Jarvay is a progressive village, full of outstanding performing artistes, sportspersons, educationists and progressive cultivators, but still the populace of this village loves its traditional folk stage art forms.”
He appreciated the commitment and dedication of ‘Ralas’ performers who, in spite of many hurdles, are preserving the traditional folk stage form. The troupes of folk artistes arrived from different places enthralled the audience with their highly entertaining presentations of Ralas.