ICCR, Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Articulate Festival, Mysuru and Vidya Vikas Educational Trust, presented Lithuanian and Karnataka Folk Music and Dance traditions on Jan.16 at the Premier Studios Convention Centre in Jayalakshmipuram. The first half was that of the European country whose presentation was as gentle and elegant as their demeanour was, the second half being typically colourful and vibrant. It was like a gentle rain to begin with and ended in thunderous downpour in the mid-January, a befitting event to celebrate Sankranti, the celebration of nature and its bounty. The Lithuanian group called RATILIO and Karnataka group Adi Dravida Smskruti Kala Thanda were unique in the sense that neither of them were professional folk artistes of their respective region but their intense passion towards their culture was seen in their presentation. While the RATILIO group comprised students pursuing academics at the Vilnius University of Lithuania, learnt their folk traditions to perfection to form the group, Vilnius University Folklore Ensemble, the Adi Dravida group, children of the pourakarmikas of Mysuru and surroundings, were brought together to be trained in the folk culture of their region. Both gave an impressive performance for two-and-a-half hours, enthralling the audience.
