Kurukshetra University remains abuzz with activities on Day-2 of Ratnawali festival

Kurukshetra University campus was abuzz with activities as a large number of participants, dressed up in traditional attires, performed on the second day of the four-day state-level Ratnawali festival on Saturday.

The festival, being organised by the Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra University, will conclude on October 28.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, who was the chief guest, said people across the state enthusiastically await this state festival.

As an alumnus of Kurukshetra University, Bedi recalled his student days and encouraged the students to practice and hone their skills in each and every artistic genre, for which Haryana Government was always there to support them. He asserted that women’s safety has always been the priority of Haryana Government due to which the evil of female foeticide is being eliminated and gender ratio has improved.

He said the Prime Minister's vision for India to become third largest economy was soon going to be fulfilled and Haryana Government's contribution was immensely noticeable.

On the second day of Ratnawali solo Haryanvi dance, Fashion Show, Folk Orchestra, Folk Songs, Ghazal, Geet, Quiz, Saang, Short Film events were the highlights.

Meanwhile, students and artisans, who had gathered from across the state, continued to present their skills and art on the second day of the festival.

Saraswati and her husband Subhash, who are on a mission to revive the traditional craft of creating earthenware pots mixed with paper an multani mitti, are well-versed with the importance of environmental sustainability despite their limited education.

At the Ratnawali cultural fest, they are showcasing their handmade pots, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic and harmful materials. Saraswati emphasises the advantages of these eco-friendly pots, inspiring young minds to adopt an environmentally conscious lifestyle. At their stall, they're not just selling these eco-friendly pots, but raising awareness about their advantages over plastic and other harmful materials.

Students from various colleges and universities were also showing a keen interest in these traditional pots. Arpita, a microbiology student, said, “To reduce our dependence on plastic, we need alternatives, which are environmentally friendly."

Saraswati shares, “There's been a surge in demand for earthen pots, especially from industrial families seeking eco-friendly options for weddings and special events.”

“I recollect the memories of when I came across this couple in a small village during our hunt for traditional talent. They readily agreed to join our mission to connect the younger generation with old traditions. They are doing great work to connect youth with traditional containers,” said KU Director Public Relations Prof Maha Singh Poonia.