Gurgaon Utsav - A festival of traditional and modern performances in a breathtaking setting

Article in the Hindu by Ashok Kumar, 14th November

Entertaining the residents of Gurgaon with innovative theatre and music for the past five years, Gurgaon Utsav, is arguably one of the most-awaited events in the city.

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Organised by the Arts and Literature Foundation, in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and in collaboration with Haryana’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the three-day event kicked off at the Aravalli Biodiversity Park to a packed amphitheatre on Friday.

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“Uma and Anjali, the organisers, attract a diverse audience making it a memorable performance for the artist. I have enjoyed every opportunity to sing here,” said singer Vidya Shah, who performed Women on Record and Akhtari.

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Danish Hussain, who has staged an English play Chinese Coffee, regaled the audience generic valium teva with snippets about Begum Akhtar in Akhtari. The audience say the festival is like a breath of fresh air in the otherwise chaotic environment. “We enjoy the perfect setting and the depth and diversity of performances. We got to know about it through newspaper two years ago and have been regulars since,” said Nanaki Singh. Another audience member, Gita Sikand, said the festival comes up with beautiful performances every year in breathtaking surroundings.

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The festival showcases traditional artistes experimenting with western instruments, electronica and gospel. Mame Khan, Hari-Sukhmani and Sonam Kalra will sing Sufi poetry of Sindh and Rajasthan, including Mira Bai, Kabir, Lal Shahbâz Qalandar, Bulleh Shah and Baba Ghulam Farid as well as tappas of Punjab and the Gospel.

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