1,100 artistes, forgotten traditions, folk tales & culinary saga in city from Jan 26

Bhopal: City is about to explode with life and poised to transform into a living kaleidoscope of sounds, colours, tastes and stories from Jan 26 as the 41st Lokrang Festival commences — bigger, bolder and more breathtaking than ever. Curated by Tribal Museum Bhopal, and department of culture, Madhya Pradesh, this five-day folk and tribal fiesta at Ravindra Bhavan and MVM College will be inaugurated by CM Mohan Yadav and governor Mangubhai Patel.Imagine this: Over 1,100 artistes from 15 states, bringing to life India's beating heart through rhythm, song and motion. Tribal dances like Dedhiya, Baiga, Gudumbaja and Charkhula won't just be seen — they'll be felt, pulsing through the crowd like an electric current."This is a mega national event, wherein over 500 folk and tribal artisans along with 600 performing artistes will enthrall the connoisseurs," says Ashok Mishra, curator of Tribal Museum. "We have organised an art, craft mela at Ravindra Bhavan as well as MVM College, seeing the mammoth scale of the festival this time."The opening night sparkles with a dance drama on Saint Singaji, a pillar of the Bhakti movement cherished and revered by the Nimadi community — and brought alive by celebrated actor Govind Namdev.Stroll through aisles of handwoven shawls, rich earthy pottery, hand-painted ceramics and carpets that sing of soil and craft. Little ones can laugh, play and compete in traditional games while elders haggle and marvel, says the curator. And here's the real treasure: "Those of you who want a sneak peek into lost traditions of Indian kitchens — cooking pots, pans, cutlery, serving platters, bowls, storing and utility utensils — of brass, copper, bronze, stone and wood — that have now become extinct from modern homes, will also be exhibited from our storage collection. These will be displayed for the first time; we are sure people will love these old beauties," adds Mishra.