Home Minister Babulal Gaur inaugurated three-day Kerala festival at Bhopal Haat on Friday. The festival on the 60th foundation day of Kerala State is being held at nine places in the country.
The festival at Bhopal is organised by Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi's Madhya Pradesh Chapter. Gaur expressed gratitude towards Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi's Madhya Pradesh Chapter and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation for organizing the festival. MlA Vishwas Sarang was also present on the occasion.
Kerala's traditional folk dance Padayani was centre of attraction at the inaugural function. Word Padayani means a row of warriors in which artistes give a presentation through songs, dance, masks, fine art, satire, etc. It is a part of worship of Bhadrakali and is staged in temples dedicated to the Goddess from mid-December to mid-May. Padayani is an old art form of central Kerala. It is regarded as a remnant of the Dravidian forms of worship that existed before advent of Brahmanism. Mohiniattam, Bharatnatyam, folk dances, thiruvathirs, classical songs were also performed by artistes from Kerala and Bhopal.
A complete food festival was organised on this occasion. Various dishes of Kerala attracted people at the festival. Display of Ayurvedic medicines and consultation stalls also become centre of attraction.
The people of Bhopal enjoyed and appreciated all types of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes and snacks from the Kerala during the occasion. Kerala Handlooms, Handicrafts and Ayurvedic stalls attracted the public in huge number.
Kakarishi Natak, Kathprasangam, Kaviarangu, street magic and folk dances will be the attractions of the festival on Saturday.