A taste of indian culture

This year, Kankaria Carnival will bring cultures of various states alive on the lakefront. In addition to regular events that are part of the annual festival, theme-based performances by people from other states are expected to be major attractions. DNA takes a look at such events:

Odisha:  King Ashoka's Kalinga war
On the theme of 'Epitome of King Ashoka,' 66 participants of Orissa Socio-cultural Association (OSCA) will perform for an hour at the carnival. "We presented a spectacular show last year on the theme of 'Jagannath Rath Yatra'; this year we have decided to dramatise the life of King Ashoka as it was in Odisha where the Kalinga war was fought and Ashoka embraced Buddhism," said Shanta Patra, programme co-ordinator.

Talking more about the theme, Patra said: "We have decided to perform on this theme of King Ashoka and peace, since Gujarat is a state of peace and harmony and we are relating the same of both the states." The members will present three dance performances, including one on Paika community. Paikas belong to the warrior community of Odisha and a performance on their dedication towards war will be presented. The performance by OSCA members will take place on December 25 at 8 pm.

Kerala: Folk dances will be plenty
If you are one of those looking to watch traditional folk dance of Kerala, then Kankaria Carnival is the right place. The Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam (AKS) is preparing for an impressive performance at the carnival. This year, the theme will be 'Kerala paithrukam (Culture of Kerala).

Various forms of traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyatam, Theyyam, Thiruvathira, Daffmuttu, Kalaripyattu, Vallamkali, Pulluvanpattu, Nadan dance, Maragamkalli, and presentations on few famous legends/characters like Ezhuthachan and Parasuraman will be there. "We will present it for two hours on Stage 2 on December 31 at 8 pm.
A total of 167 members of AKS will participate in the event.

Tamil Nadu: Madurai city will be theme
The theme on which members of Ahmedabad Tamil Sangam will be performing is on the city of Madurai. "We want to highlight and showcase how the city of Madurai is, its nativity, culture and taste of the city," said, G Sambasivam, president of Ahmedabad Tamil Sangam.

In all, there will be 7-8 performances by the members. "We will also present on Shiv Stuti, Ganesh Stuti, folk dance and various other interesting dances for which the rehearsals are going on," added Sambasivam. Around 40 members, including children, will participate.

Karnataka: Harvest season in rural set-up
Around 50 members of Karnataka Sangha Ahmedabad will present beautiful performances on the theme of 'Typical day's proceedings in a village during harvest time'. Sangha executive member Dr Ashok Nagarhalli said, "The stage will be set keeping in mind the harvest season and we will depict how farmers carry out harvesting, women help them and children play in fields. The entire stage will have the ambience as if you are in Karnataka and witnessing harvest season."  In all, six performances will be given. The performance of the association is scheduled on December 30 at 7 pm.

Andhra Pradesh: Telugu culture on stage 
Around 60 members of Ahmedabad Andhra Mahasabha will entertain the audience with folk dance of Andhra Pradesh and will also bring the state's culture to people. "As such, we have no special theme, but we have decided to depict the culture of our state with an intention to entertain the general public,'' said cultural co-ordinator PV Prasad.

Items like decorative lamps, colourful pots and umbrellas will be used during the performance. Prasad said, "The preparations are going on for one-and-a-half months. In all, 10 performances have been planned wherein children will perform on devotional songs of Lord Balaji, Ganesh, Hanuman, Krishna and also on modern songs of Telugu movies."