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| Traditional tribal music is set to regale the audience during a two-day Santhali Utsav next month |
Bamboo flutes, drums, pipes and of course the evergreen mandar will get a new lease of life in the hands of folk artistes this February as they take the stage at Sahebganj district for Santhali Utsav.
The two-day festival, which will be organised by the state art and culture department from February 25, is aimed at reviving the age-old art and culture of the hinterland, with special focus on Santhali folk music, that is being snuffed out of life slowly.
More than 400 artistes will take part in the utsav.
Speaking to The Telegraph, assistant director of the state arts and culture department Vijay Paswan said that the government was committed to save the fast dying folk music that once reverberated from every Santhal household.
“We aim to provide them (tribal artistes) a platform to showcase their talents. Close to 20 groups, with 20 professional artistes in each, will take part in the two-day programme. All the artistes will be clad in traditional attires while they put up song and dance performances,” Paswan said.
Asked about the choice of time and place, the assistant director said they wanted to organise the festival in the spring season as tribals took a break from work to have fun during this period.
“We chose Sahebganj as it is an integral part of Santhal Pargana division. The tribals will not only feel proud that such a huge festival is taking place on their turf, they will also rejoice,” Paswan said.
The total cost for organising the event is estimated to run up to Rs 5 lakh with the state government bearing the entire expenses.
“We will make proper food and lodging arrangements for all folk artisans making their way to Sahebganj for Santhali Utsav,” the assistant director informed.