Have you ever heard Rasan Chowki, the instrumental music of Bihar, or chenda, a cylindrical percussion instrument widely used in Kerala?

If not, then look forward to a four-day extravaganza at G-Town Ground in Bistupur beginning on February 24 that promises to enthral the city with an exquisite conglomeration of folk music and dance forms from different parts of the country.

Being organised for the first time in the city by Sangeet Natak Akademi, in association with Jamshedpur-based NGO Kalamandir, the event, Desaj, will also include panel discussions and seminars to promote the folk culture of India.

"India, being home to diverse races, has nurtured different faiths, languages, societies and ways of lifes. Desaj, therefore, is a platform that brings diverse art forms together and gives the audience an opportunity to enjoy the riches of India," said Sonia Nair, the programme co-ordinator, Kalamandir.

Bihu of Assam, Bhand Pather dance of Kashmir, Danger Putul dhance of Bengal, Dhobiya songs of Uttar Pradesh, Gotipua dance of Odisha, Nafiri shehnai of Delhi, Baredi folk dance of Madhya Pradesh, Putul Nach of Tripura, Seraikela Chhau, martial art Thang-ta of Manipur, tribal dance and music of Nagaland will be some of the attractions during the folk fest.

Over 500 artistes from across the country are expected to take part in the event.

Besides, chhau mask making and dokra making workshops, Santhali poetry reading, seminars on the importance of tribal languages, film and panel discussions on indigenous cultures of Jharkhand will keep the audience engaged.

"The programme, being organised for the first time here, will surely attract folk music lovers. It will not be just entertainment but also a platform to share a great deal of knowledge," said Nair.

Among the many annual festivals that Sangeet Natak Akademi organises, events like Desaj have been received well by the audience in different parts of the country over the years, she added.

The Akademi's efforts not only provide folk artistes from non-descript villages a platform to exhibit their talent but also help revive many dying folk arts.

Before Sangeet Natak Akademi, Tata Steel Rural Development Society had organised a similar programme in the steel city a couple of years ago.