Jalandhar, November 20
Punjabi folklores of lecherous kings, unfortunate daughters, faithful-to-the-hilt beloveds and treacherous rivers came alive at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium yesterday evening during the first day of the World Punjabi Cultural Festival “Mitti Dee Khushboo”. Artistes from India and Pakistan regaled the audience with songs and comedy.

Gurdas Mann, with his soulful singing sprinkled with homilies, struck an instant rapport with the audience. In his high-spirited, no-holds-barred style, he touched upon interesting bits of Punjabi culture, particularly the undiluted, rustic part. Jat Brothers from Pakistan rendered the Sassi saga in all its poignancy. Punjabi ‘bolis’ and Punjabi proverbs saw their liberal use, when commonalities between Indian and Pakistani cultures were repeatedly emphasised.

The deep, husky voices of Pakistani singers, including Afshan and Surriya Khanum, lifted the evening to the sublime. Humour, too, sneaked in from time to time during the show.

For the most part, it was the robust Punjabi humour, sometimes bordering on innuendoes of various shades. Anchor Satinder Satti peppered her talk with anecdotes, extending from the Land of the Five Rivers to the far-off Greece.

Even as the evening was gathering momentum, instances of fracas between the law-enforcers and some over-eager audience members, were reported. The SP, City, Mr Rakesh Kaushal, said the police had a tough time in controlling the audience. Meanwhile, tableaux showcasing Punjabi culture were taken out in a procession that passed through various parts of the city today morning. Apart from some Pakistani delegates, city students dressed in traditional finery took part in the procession. Snippets of common village life in India and Pakistan were visible in the tableaux.