Pinjore Heritage Festival kicks off on a colourful note : The 11th Pinjore Heritage Festival at Pinjore Gardens began with much enthusiasm and gusto at Pinjore Gardens on the auspicious day of Dussehra. The spirit of festive season was evident in the ambiance as school children and visitors thronged the venue.

The beats of Dhol Nagara and the dance troupes performing at the terraces and ramparts of the palace offered a stately welcome to the visitors. The Gardens wore a festive look adorned with flowers and colourful decorations. The entrance gate, Sheesh Mahal and Rani Mahal are decked with flowers and eye-catching rangoli.

The Festival encapsulates traditional flavours and is a tribute to the world-famous Mughal Gardens that form its venue. This is the only Mughal garden outside Kashmir and has been laid and curated on a classical plan of Shalimar Gardens of Srinagar.

True to its name, the Festival depicts heritage in its original form with traditional craftsmen from the region at the first terrace of the Gardens. There are interesting live demonstrations being given to visitors by barbers, Garhia Lohar (ironsmiths), potters and weavers spinning on loom and weaving beds with jute ropes.

Abdul Ghaffur, a traditional pottery maker from Pinjore district Panchkula, is all smiles displaying the art of making pottery items instruments for visitors. He says that his creations are made with special skills and are used for decoration and especially for ceremonies and poojas.

Jaggar and his team from, Issar Nagar, displayed his innovative Chullas (stoves) with much glee as he excitedly talked about how effectively this small chulla can make roti and tea easily and can be carried anywhere.

One is taken back to the bygone era looking at the interesting display of items and artefacts on display which include urns, charkha, chhota hookah, Gandasa and utensils made from different alloys. The items give a feeling of travelling back in time and witnessing the true heritage of the region of Haryana.

Sh Vikas Yadav, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism, Corporation stated that the Festival offers a great connect between the new generation & historical past for which many initiatives have been taken like creation of Anarkali Bazaar displaying the arts and crafts from across the states, the artisans and craftsperson from rural backgrounds displaying their traditional art and skills along with a unique display of vintage artefacts from Haryana.

Revelry in the air with cultural performances, representing different parts of India, made the visitors dance with abandon. The enthralling Day Performances by folkdance groups of North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, like Been Sapera, Naati dance from Himachal, Bhangra, Giddha and Jindua from Punjab,  Ghoomar, Phaag from Haryana  and Rouf from J&K brought the pathways of the Gardens alive and entertained the visitors to the hilt.

The cultural day performers like, Been Sapera, mimicry artist, saxophone player, mughal soldiers, kachi Ghori from Rajasthan , Baazigars from Punjab and Dhol troupes enthralled the crowds to the hilt as they equally participated with artists and joined them in dancing.

Students from various schools of Pinjore, Panchkula and surrounding areas made a beeline at the Gardens to enroll themselves for various competitions like rangoli making and folk dance. The students showcased their hidden talent during these competitions. The talent of these children mesmerised the audience and even the judges had a tough time deciding the winners.

The added attraction of the Festival is the Mughlai Food Court dishing out delicacies such as biryani, roasted delights, naan etc. Students from State Institutes of Hotel Management (SIHMs) from Rohtak, Kurukshetra Faridabad and Yamunanagar rustled up spicy and mouth-watering treats for visitors.

The Crafts Bazaar has ethnic handlooms and handicrafts on display from various parts of the country including stone bangles terracotta & brass metal artefacts, shawls & suits, kurtis handbags, carpets, decor items and bedcovers.

The evening is all set for the lovers of theatre and art. A play – 1857 ki kahani, Haryana ki zubani is ready to take the audience on a historical journey. The play is a collaborative venture between traditional Swang performers and CEVA Drama Repertory Company directed by G.S. Chani.

Result for school competitions at Pinjore Heritage Festival

FOLK DANCE COMPETITION

Senior Group

1^st Prize  –       Govt. Senior Secondary School, Saketri

2^nd Prize –       Akal Jyot Public School, Pinjore

3^rd Prize  –       Noble High School, Pinjore

Junior Group

1^st Prize  –       St. Vivekanad Millenium School (HMT Pinjore)

2^nd Prize –       J.B. Smart Kids (Pinjore)

3^rd Prize  –       Darshan Academy School, Kalka

RANGOLI COMPETITION

Senior Group

1^st Prize  –       St. Vivekanand Millenium School (Pinjore)

2^nd Prize –       Noble High School (Pinjore)

3^rd Prize –        Govt. Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School (Panchkula)

Junior Group

1^st Prize-         Noble High School (Pinjore)

2^nd Prize-        New India High School, Ratpur, Pinjore

3^rd Prize-         D.A.V. Senior Secondary School, Surajpur, Pinjore