Traditional folk singing festival held at Shanishwara Swamy Temple

A vibrant folk singing festival took place on Tuesday at the Shanishwara Swamy Temple premises in Chikka Muduvadi, organized by the Aremgere Durgaparameshwari Cultural and Social Trust. The event celebrated the rich tapestry of folk arts, honoring the traditions and artists of the rural region.

Cultural coordinator K. Kalayya addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of promoting and nurturing rural folk arts and artists. He noted that such folk singing festivals are essential to ensure the survival and growth of these traditional art forms. “In current times, there is a noticeable decline in support for folk singing and its practitioners. The influence of television has led to challenges for folk literature, and it is disheartening to see people drifting away from rural arts and literature,” he lamented.

Devraj Swamiji of the Chikkamuduvadi Mutt also spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of folk literature and vachanas as valuable assets of the nation. “Basavanna transformed society through his vachanas. Similarly, folk literature serves as a vital means of passing down our culture to future generations. Thus, it is imperative to support and encourage folk literature and its artists,” he stated.

The festival featured performances by various artists, including folk songs by the K. Kempagowda team and Ramesh and his group. K. Shivarama masterfully performed the folk songs, while Chiranjeevi showcased his talent on the tabla and Shivakumar provided keyboard accompaniment.

The event aimed to revive interest in traditional folk arts and create a platform for artists to share their talents, fostering greater appreciation for the cultural heritage that defines the region. The participation of community members in such initiatives is crucial for preserving these art forms and ensuring they thrive in the contemporary landscape.