Nagpur, 19 August 2026

 

The South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, showcased the rich and diverse folk traditions of Central India at the ‘At Home’ programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, from August 15 to 17, 2026, as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Under the guidance of Director Smt. Aastha Karlekar, a total of 120 artists presented the cultural heritage of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa through vibrant folk dances, music, traditional instruments and indigenous art forms.

The cultural presentation brought together a wide range of traditional art forms from the four States. Maharashtra was represented through Lavani and Koli dance, Lezim, Zanj, Dhangari Gaja, Tutari, Dhol-Tasha, Dashavatara and Songi masks. Madhya Pradesh was represented through Bhagoria, Gangaur, Baiga Karma and Badhai dances, while Chhattisgarh presented Muria, Gedi, Gaur Maria and Kaksar dances. Goa added its traditional flavour through Samai dance, Ghumat and Ghode Modni, creating a vibrant showcase of the region’s varied folk traditions.

The performances were complemented by traditional décor reflecting Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The venue featured traditional rangoli, aakash kandil, an entrance prepared with banana leaves and a traditional gate made using date palm and coconut leaves. Together with the folk performances, these elements created an engaging cultural setting and highlighted the distinctive artistic traditions of the region.

The programme also brought together artistes and cultural practitioners from across the South Central Zone, providing them an opportunity to present their traditional art on a prestigious national platform. The musical arrangements were by Shri Ashwin Dalvi, Director, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, while the dance direction was by Smt. Maitri Bapat, Pune. The presentation sought to bring the rich folk heritage, traditional art forms and cultural diversity of the South Central Zone before a wider national audience, adding colour and cultural richness to the Independence Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 

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PIB Nagpur | Shubham Gudadhe/Darshana Rane

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