Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 21: International cultural show ‘Dances of Sri Lanka’ organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, and Government of India in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) mesmerized the spectators here at Abhinav Theatre.
Presented by Arpeggio Creative Dance & Drama Academy which came all way from Colombo presented diverse cultural traditions of Sri Lanka. Mandated to bring world to India and take India to the world, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) showcased the 7th International cultural show in Jammu after the establishment of ICCR’s regional centre in Jammu.
Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, J&K Government, was the chief guest on the occasion.
The artists from Sri Lanka opened the show with their traditional welcome dance which was a combination of major dance styles of Sri Lanka representing upper, lower and central regions of Sri lanka.
The opening performance followed Naga Gurula and Naga Raksha dance which belonged to the lower region of Sri lanka and their movements are those linked to demons and their usual fights.
In the entire programme, the visiting International artists made a wonderful effort of showcasing the diversity of performances right from traditional music styles to the vibrant mask dances of Sri Lanka through ‘Swara Vadanayasic’, ‘Ana Bera – Nonchchi’ ‘Mal Padya’ ‘Thelme Dance’ ‘Up-Country Mask Dance’ and ‘Bera Sandawaniya (Drum Fusion).
The Sri Lankan artists who gave engrossing performances include Jayarathana Nayakageimal Rangana, Maligaspe Koralage JN, Hidderalage Pradeep Sampath G , Dunusinghe Vidanalageyohan CN, Malawige Thilina Maduranga and Hitihamilage Tharanga Sampath D.
At the culmination of the performances, the visiting International artists were also honoured by the chief guest on behalf of ICCR Jammu. The chief guest was also joined by Aziz Hajni, Secretary, JKAACL and Dr AR Nazki, Regional Director, ICCR, Kashmir, in felicitation of the International artists. The show was anchored by Anil Tickoo.
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