The second edition of Arunachal Lok Nritya (ALN), an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the diverse folk traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, starts with auditions on September 1, the organisers said.
Organised by NGO People Foundation, the cultural initiative seeks to provide folk dance groups and traditional artists from across the state with a platform to showcase their talent and heritage before a wider audience.
Speaking to the media at the Press Club in Itanagar, ALN chairman Mirnia Game said the programme is focused on promoting traditional art forms and encouraging younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
The winner of the folk dance competition will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the first and second runners-up will be awarded Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively. The competition will also have eight sub-categories.
Following the auditions, the top 10 performers or groups will qualify for the next stage. The date of the grand finale will be announced later.
This edition will also introduce a ‘Viewers’ Award’, allowing audiences to support their favourite performers through Facebook and YouTube. Videos recorded during the auditions will be uploaded on digital platforms for public viewing.
A national award-winning woman folk singer associated with the initiative said the competition would give priority to authentic folk traditions. Participants will have to perform traditional songs using indigenous musical instruments, while recorded music will not be allowed during auditions.
According to the organisers, each participating group must have at least 15 members. Performers will also be required to wear traditional Arunachali attire and use traditional musical instruments.
The organisers said ALN was not merely a competition but an effort to document, showcase and preserve the distinctive dances, music, costumes and cultural practices of Arunachal Pradesh’s numerous tribal communities.
They also appealed to the state government to extend institutional support to the initiative, saying such backing could create greater opportunities for traditional artists and help take Arunachal Pradesh’s rich folk heritage to a wider audience.
Arunachal Lok Nritya 2nd edition begins auditions to preserve state’s rich folk heritage
