Curtains on three-day Ganga Mahotsav at Sriganganagar
The three-day Ganga Mahotsav concluded at Sriganganagar late on Sunday night with hundreds of people taking an oath to say “No” to drugs.
In the past, the Founder’s Day of Sriganganagar used to be celebrated with a less-attended traditional event at the Shivpur headworks of Gang Canal near the Abohar-Sriganganagar border.
This time, District Collector Manju came up with the three-day celebration schedule. Rangoli in the headworks lane and around the life-size statue to Maharaja Ganga Singh gave the “Stop smoking” message.
A unique splendour of Rajasthani culture was reflected at the valedictory programme, ‘Ek Sham Dhoron Ke Naam’. People enjoyed camel safari and horse rides. A performance wherein camels danced on two cots surprised everyone. At the same time, spectators were delighted to see horses dance.
Folk singers and dance groups presented cultural programmes and won applause. A large number of citizens along with their families had gathered under the open sky on the mounds in the programme which lasted till 10.30 pm.
The cultural programme began with 75-year-old folk singer Nek Mohammad’s welcome song, Padharo Mhare Desh, along with Dharti Dhoran Ri. After this, people were on their feet when Damadam Mast Kalandar and Dhol Manjira Baje Re were sung.
Varsha Saini group presented ghoomar on Jhula Ghalya, Pallo Latke, Kalyo Kood Padyo Mela Mein and other songs by carrying fire-lit pots on their heads.
The Surma Nath troupe gave a captivating presentation of Kalbelia dance.
At another cultural event, Anima Dance Group presented Ganesh Vandana. Sameer Dance Group presented Rajasthani dance Shubh Din Aayo Re. A play on de-addiction appealed to people to stay away from drugs.
Besides, the visitors were regaled with ghoomar, bhangra, peacock dance and Kathak performances. Sufi singing by Sumit Khatri mesmerised the audience.
Earlier, Sarv Dharma Puja was performed at the Shivpur headworks and tributes were paid to Maharaja Ganga Singh who scripted the development of Sriganganagar by constructing Gang Canal in 1927. The canal emanates from the Ferozepur headworks and passes through Abohar.
