Udeesha Sahityotsav Day Two Celebrates Vasant Panchami with Cultural and Literary Flourish
The second day of the Udeesha Sahityotsav–Chaupala Literature Festival in Moradabad unfolded on Sunday, deeply rooted in tradition while resonating with contemporary literary thought. The day commenced with Vagishwari pujan and maha aarti, marking the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami, which underscored the festival's profound cultural ethos and spiritual foundation.
Interactive Workshops and Traditional Performances Enthrall Attendees
Literary and performing arts sessions dominated various venues throughout the day, offering a rich tapestry of creative expressions. At the Jaun Elia Zone, artistes from the Yathakarm group conducted an interactive theatre workshop, introducing participants to the fundamental principles of acting and stagecraft. This hands-on session provided valuable insights into the art of performance, engaging both novices and enthusiasts alike.
Simultaneously, the Dushyant Manch hosted a traditional Ramleela, a vibrant theatrical depiction of the epic Ramayana, reflecting Moradabad's enduring cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving age-old artistic traditions.
Storytelling and Poetry Take Center Stage
Storytelling emerged as a focal point at the Ramganga Lawns, where Anita Bhatnagar delivered an enlightening talk on narrative traditions, exploring the evolution and significance of storytelling in Indian culture. In another captivating session, poet Muntazir Firozabadi delved into the life and poetry of Jaun Elia, captivating audiences with profound insights and lyrical analysis.
Panel discussions further enriched the day's agenda, exploring a wide range of themes from cultural pollution and urban literary history to the impact of social media on contemporary shayari. These dialogues fostered intellectual exchange and critical thinking among participants.
Evening Culminates with Musical and Lyrical Grandeur
The day concluded on a high note with poet Alok Shrivastav's lyrical presentation Alokanama, which mesmerized the audience with its poetic depth. This was followed by a classical music recital by the renowned Pt Sajan Mishra, whose soulful melodies added a musical dimension to the festival. A conversation with Bhojpuri artiste Manoj Tiwari provided insights into regional artistic expressions, culminating in a star night performance that left attendees spellbound.
Festival Continues with Diverse Programming Until January 26
Udeesha Sahityotsav, which runs until January 26, promises to host an array of writers, poets, musicians, theatre artists, journalists, and thinkers from across the country. The upcoming programme includes sessions on poetry, storytelling, theatre, journalism, mental health, social media, artificial intelligence, and contemporary social issues. Each evening will feature musical and cultural performances, ensuring a holistic celebration of arts and literature.
The festival also boasts a book fair, art and photo galleries, folk performances, a food festival, and live sand art installations by Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, adding visual and sensory delights to the literary experience.
Promoting Cultural Dialogue and Showcasing Heritage
Moradabad commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh emphasized that the event is organized with the aim to promote cultural dialogue and provide a platform for both established and emerging voices. By showcasing Moradabad's literary and artistic heritage at a national level, the festival seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for regional contributions to India's cultural landscape.
