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TURBANED ARTISTS –
CYNOSURE OF ALL EYES AT DOHA FESTIVAL
Showing traditional ambience
and Punjabi vigour, folk dancing troupe of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council
(PCPC) was again the cynosure of all eyes in the popular Gulf Country Qatar
recently, during the 6th Doha Cultural Festival (World
Festival). The spectators got mesmerized with the magic of this
internationally acclaimed performing group of PCPC led by Mr. Davinder Singh
Chhina.
Doha was the meeting point of
many cultures of the world with the participation of more than dozen
International Folk ensembles from around the world”, said Mr. Chhina.
Folk Artists from Punjab Mr.
Rajpal Singh Raju (Ludhiana), Mr. Charnjit Singh Sandhu, Mr. Parminder Singh
Nona, Mr. Gurcharanjit Singh Raju Dalla, Mr. Mandip Singh Jagraon, Mr.
Lakhbir Singh, Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ms. Pooja Kanaujia (Chandigarh), Ms.
Kulwinder Kaur Dhaliwal (Chhiniwal Barnala), Mr. Amarnath (Dholi), Mr.
Arvinder Singh and prominent Gatka Instructor Mr. Avtar Singh (Punjabi
Varasity, Patiala) had showcased a rich flavour of Punjab folklore at Doha
Cultural Festival during International performances at Beach Resort Alkhor,
Beach Gardens Al Wakrah, in Museum Gardens on Corniche and at Heritage
Village site.
Punjabi Artists were also
relayed on Qatar TV time and again. Gulf newspapers Gulf Times and Peninsula
brought out special colourful supplements on the festival, highlighting
exotic Punjabi stars.
Sikh martial Arts, by Avtar
Singh, Rajpal Singh Raju, Ms. Kulwinder Kaur & Raju Dalla caught everybody
by surprise. Displaying swords, Chakkar and Wooden sticks, these folk
artists displayed great sikh traditions in this international event.
Mr. Adi, Organiser admitted
that Punjab dancers had really dominated the International showcase programs
by putting up spectacular shows. Even Punjabis working in Qatar enjoyed
Punjab dances. Mr. Harbans Singh, a prominent Punjabi Contractor from Doha
was all praise for 13 member Punjab troupe, “such Punjab shows are rarely
seen here” said Mr. Piara Singh Doha.
Malvai Gidha, Malbi Keema,
Jhoomer, Bhangra, Vanjara and display of folk instruments (folk Orchestra of
Punjab) got maximum response from the spectators, “Punjab troupe proved to
be a big draw”, said choreographer Mr. Rajpal Singh Raju.
Air-Water Spectacles, show of
International Pop Stars, Desert heritage show of camels, Jockeys and
falconers, great Qatari hospitality, show by Award winning international
Actress Thelma Houston, Debbi & Joni shows and International shows by
Lebanese troupe, Maxican troupe, Belgian and Spanish troupe left great
impressions on the Punjabi troupe, the only troupe invited from India for
this Doha festival.
“Punjab Dances are wonderful
and unique, we would like to take some cultural themes from these dances”
said Mr. Mokhalatti, Choreographer of Lebanese troupe. “Punjab Dances are
colourful, exotic and the most powerful one”, said Belgian delegation.
PCPC is committed to the
culture of Peace and multiculturism and would provide international platform
for the talented youth of Punjab to display their instincts in World fests
in future too. “Promoting dialogues between cultures and building
international friendship are the objectives of PCPC. The spirit of Punjab
must be internationalized to let the world community know about our great
historic traditions,” said Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina, in an exclusive
interview to HT after successfully participating in world festivals at
Australia and Qatar.
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