International Delegations from Poland and Greece explored the great heritage and folkloric traditions of Punjab during their 10 days stay in Punjab, on the invitation of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC). While the Greek Folk ensemble Karagouna - Karditsa (GREECE) extended invitation to PCPC to participate in World festival in Karditsa (GREECE) in summer this year, the Polish Folk Ensemble Promyki  and Cultural Centre of Wieliszew Municipality, Poland, signed Memorandum of Understanding with of PCPC Director Davinder Singh Chhina, for ‘International Cultural Exchange programs’ so as to strengthen  Polska – Punjabi International friendship.

Director of Dom Kultury (Cultural Centre), Wieliszew Poland, Dr. Dariusz Skrzydlewski, while taking to HT in Moga last evening remarked “Punjab is a Historic land with exotic culture and great folkloric traditions. The love, warmth and hospitality of Punjabis will remain in our hearts forever, I am going back to Poland with Punjabi Heart.”

“Punjabi International Folk Festivals organized by PCPC would always remind us about Punjab in future and we have witnessed Bhangra, Gidha and Sikh Martial Arts, Gatka performances live in these fests” disclosed Mrs. Theologi Chrysis, the officiating Head of Greek Folk ensemble, Karagouna from Karditsa City of Greece.

PCPC organized Bhangra workshops, Folk village Life Sight Seeing Tour, visit to Sikh History Museum at Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib (Near Jagroan) and visits to other historic places for these visiting delegations, during their visit to Punjab, “ PCPC had hosted International Folk ensembles and hundreds of students from Greece, Russia, Poland, Germany, Scotland, Belgium, Australia, Bulgaria, Colombia, Austria, Mongolia, Denmark, Czech Republic and Slovakia in the last couple of years, so as to let them know about great heritage of Punjab and show them the place of world harmony.  The Golden Temple, Amritsar”, said Mr. Chhina.

Promyki (The Rays) Folk Group and PCPC have agreed in principle to host the students and folk groups from each other side and explore their respective cultures. Polish Students shown keen interest  in learning Bhangra –Steps. Polish Girls Ms. Marlena and Ms. Ania enjoyed their Punjab visit more as they got chance to perform in Punjabi costumes during ‘Hamdard International Folkloric Festival’ as Kapurthala recently. Ms. Magda informed HT “I have learnt to greet my friends with folded hands saving- Sat Sri Akal and these words have touched me a lot”.   Greek Dance Teacher Mr.Antonio got lessons of tying Turban from PCPC Secretary Jaspreet Singh Bablito, during this stay. Vice President of Karagouna – Karditsa Group, 67 years old Madam Patramani Pinelopi remarked “ I  had 50 years experience of visiting various world Cultures and communities around the world but I am moved by the affection, warmth and uniqueness of Punjabis more here, than any other part of the world.” Polish students Ms. Ania, Ms. Katarzyna, Mr. Pontek Mateusz, Ms. Dominika were thankful to PCPC trainers Mr. Jaspreet Singh Bablu and Mr. Ropan Singh Bajwa, for imparting Bhangra coaching to them. “Now we have learnt Bhangra and Punjabi Dances” said Mr. Mariusz.

"These International Delegations participated in Punjab International folk festival  at Guru Nanak National College, Nakdoar on 17th February afternoon, at Punjab International Folk Music Dance and Martial Arts Festival 2009 at Dumra Auditorium, Ludhiana on Feb 17th evening and Hamdard International Folk Festival 2009 at Kapurthala on 20th Feb.  They also visited the Golden Temple, Amritsar to pray for world peace and had also explored the village folk life of Punjab during their 10 day stay in Punjab" informed Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina, the festival director of Punjab International Folk Festivals.

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