AMRITSAR: The 13-member art troupe from Bulgaria who performed during the 11th Amritsar International Folk festival, apart from visiting various places in and around the holy city, was impressed by the unique and grandeur architectural style of Khalsa College. They praised the heritage building and were for all admirations for the 1892-built distinctive structure of the College.
The festival that was organized at Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (KCVAS), Amritsar last week saw the fusion of Punjabi and Bulgarian culture on stage. Following this the artists from the European country witnessed a workshop at Khalsa College Girls Senior Secondary School where they learnt about the dance steps of Punjabi folklore including Bhangra and Gidda.
The artists also performed at Indian Academy of Fine Art (IAFA) where they also rock the stage with their foot-tapping music and mesmerized the audience with their well-orchestrated dances from their native land. They also visited village Varpal where they laid wreath on the memorial built in memory of those Sikh soldiers who laid lives for European countries’ freedom during World War I and II where they were honoured by Bhupinder Singh Holland who has done vast research on contributions of the Sikh soldiers in World Wars.
Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC) Chief Dr. Davinder Singh Chhina who is instrumental in organizing record number of international festivals with the help of Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) said the festivals were launched to globalise the legacy of Amritsar heritage city and more particularly the living and intangible heritage of uniquely phenomenal Khaksa College across the borders thus sending message of peace and harmony beyond the horizons.
“Since 2006 the whole media has propagated these festivals across the world. I am very happy and humbled that the Gurus’ message of humanity, peace, universal brotherhood and harmony is spreading across. We aim for multiculturalism where in the foreign delegations demonstrate their respective folkloric skills and in our all editions we put emphasis on promoting Sikh martial arts Gatka”, said Chhina who hailed Bulgarian artists for their appreciation and love for Punjabi culture and heritage of Khalsa College.
He thanked KCGC honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Sing Chhina who had been promoting the inter-cultural exchanges of Khalsa Colleges’ students. “Without the help from senior Chhina it was not possible to organize so many editions of the festivals in Amritsar. Hats off to RMS Chhina for his vision, guidance and encouragement which had made it possible to make festival a regular feature since 2006”, said Dr.Davinder Chhina.
He also highlighted how more foreign folk delegations would be arriving in coming years, especially one in November 2024 from a South American country. He thanked Bhupinder Singh Holland, Daljit Singh Sandhu (USA), and his team of Gurinder Mehrok, Harpreet Singh Bhatti, Kulbir Singh Brar, Joga Singh Sandhu (USA), Dr Karamjeet Singh Gill, Karaj Singh Gill for their kind cooperation.
Bulgarian Folk Delegation Director Chipova, folk singer Alexander Alex, team leader Rumen Georgiev during the visit to Khalsa College were in the awe when they saw the picturesque building. “We are highly fascinated to see the Khalsa College heritage and unique architecture”, said Chipova. European famous singer Alex remarked, “I am totally in love with Amritsar and more specifically with Khalsa College Amritsar that’s why I joined this festival for the second time”.