Manipuri drama Nungu gi tingathkhol being performed at the Global Theatre Festival. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 28: The Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal still stands as a symbol of eternal love.

The white domed marble mausoleum is still a source of inspiration for thousands of people across the world.

The history behind the creation of Taj Mahal and its subsequent turn of events came to live when the artists of Manipur performed a drama based on the love between emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz during on the ongoing 11th Global Theatre festival here in the city yesterday.

The artistes of Basikong Dramatic Association also created the horrific events in which the hands of artisans and master craftsmen who created the Taj Mahal were chopped off by the orders of the emperor.

“We were aware of the love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz that led to the creation of Taj Mahal. This was for the first time that we came to know about the pain and suffering of the artisans,” said Saurabh Das an audience .

Nearly 110 groups from 16 states in the country and around 4 from abroad including groups from Norway, England and Bangladesh are now showcasing their talent at the Global Theatre festival organised by Theatre Movement at Kala Bikash Kendra.

“The theatre is one of the most important medium to unite people. The main objective of the event is to promote universal brotherhood and send a message of peace and harmony,” said organiser G.B. Das Mohapatra.

Theatre groups from Manipur, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam and other parts of the country are participating in the Global Theatre fest which will conclude on January 31.

Apart from this, various traditional folk dances of different states are also other attraction at the festival.

“Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi or the Labani of Maharastra all such interesting dance forms are being performed on one platform which is certainly a visual treat for audience like us who are too young to understand the basic dance forms,” said a student.

“India has a rich cultural tradition and the folk dances form the essence of our culture. However, there has been a drastic change in the taste of people who are these days inclined towards western culture. Despite this, such kinds of programme will certainly help in preserving certain art forms which are fighting for existence,” said an artist from Manipur.