File picture of dancers performing Ranapa, a traditional dance form of Ganjam.

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27: Folk artistes will get an opportunity to perform and showcase their art at Ekamra Haat in the city.

As a part of the programme, to be organised by the state culture department, a folk art group of the state will be invited every week to perform at the amphitheatre of the haat.

The initiative aims to highlight the folk performing arts of the state. “Our folk tradition is very vibrant. Every district has its own folk culture. But, the exposure of the art forms is very limited among the urban crowd,” said director of the state culture department Sushil Das.

“So, the proposal will provide an opportunity to the people of the city to get an enriching experience of folk art and culture and also a platform to the artistes to showcase their art,” said Das.

Speaking about the reason behind choosing Ekamra Haat as the venue, the director said: “The place has become a major hangout zone in the city. People of all age groups gather here. Moreover, it is located at the heart of the city. Therefore, we expect that the footfall will increase.”

Spread over five acres, Ekamra Haat provides a platform for the artistes to display their handicrafts and handloom products. There are around 42 shops and eight open display corners at the haat. The shops are designed like huts and the sprawling grass mounds add to the ambiance of a village.

The event will take place on every Saturday evening when there would be maximum crowd around the haat.

The state’s popular folk dance forms such as Chhau, Paika, Danda nata, Ranapa, Chaitighoda and Dalkhai will also be staged in the event.

Other performing groups of Medha nacha, Ghoomra, Changu and mask dance will also be invited. Musical groups singing Loka geeta and pala will also be included.

“We have asked the Sangeet Natak Akademi to select such groups and take the necessary steps regarding the same. The proposal will be functional by November 15,” said Das.

“We will try to find out the hidden talents and groups residing in the rural areas of the state. Earlier, at the haat, only craftsmen and artisans got an opportunity showcase their mettle. But now, performers will get that chance as well,” said secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Chitta Ranjan Mallia.