A dance troupe from Rajasthan performs at Nehu. Telegraph picture

Shillong, Nov. 7: The Desert Symphony Uttarayan, a presentation of various dance forms of North India, was staged last night on the North Eastern Hill University (Nehu) campus, Shillong, thanks to the initiative of the BSF, Assam-Meghalaya frontier.

The Nehu campus came alive with enchanting performances by the artistes, attracting not only dance enthusiasts but other spectators as well. The symphony, organised by the BSF, had the support of North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) of Allahabad.

According to BSF, Northern India’s multi-state composite cultural show at Nehu left behind everlasting impressions on the audience.

The programme depicted the rich culture of the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. The artistes of NCZCC, Allahabad, in collaboration with North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, presented the dandia and garba of Gujarat, ghoomar of Rajasthan, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, bhangra of Punjab and other dance forms.

The Kalbelia dance performance by noted dancer Gulabo from Rajasthan left the audience spellbound.

Renowned Hindi poet Ashok Chakradhar, vice-chancellor of Nehu, A.N. Rai and senior BSF official M.L.Batham were present on the occasion.

The colourful costumes and swift and graceful body movements of the dancers with the accompaniment of folk music ushered in the rhythm of the desert in the hill city. The transition from the heat and sand to the chill and fragrance of pines on the slopes was a delectable study in contrasts.

Uttar Pradesh governor B.L. Joshi, who graced the occasion as chief guest, said the cultural programmes would help bring people of various states together, thereby ensuring unity and national integration.