Purvanchal Spirit and culture is not confined to the some districts Uttar Pradesh. This spirit can be found in almost every part of the world. There are many mini-Purvanchals in the country and abroad. Initially to celebrate this Purvanchal spirit and strengthen the sense of belonging among Purvanchalis living in Delhi-NCR, an initiative called “Maati” was launched with a grand festival held on 4th March 2018 at Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi. Thereafter, it has become an annual feature on Delhi’s cultural calendar and so far, we have held 7 editions of Purvanchal Festival very successfully with almost 8,000 visitors and many who is who from politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, corporate, art, film and media. Now we are all set to embark on the 8th edition of Maati slated for 10th November 2024 at Rajghat, New Delhi.
This is first of its kind a complete festival of #Purvanchali_khana, #Purvanchali_gaana and many more like display of handloom and handicrafts items, performances of dance and drama and other folk art forms.
The major contents of the festivals are as follows;
- Singing Performance of Sohar, Birha, Aalhas, Chaiti and other folk forms
- Live Presentation of Nautanki, Kisan Ka Naach, Laonda Ka Nacch etc.
- Serving Ethnic and Traditional Foods by Purvanchali cooks
- Honouring extra ordinary achievers of Purvanchals
- Display of Tourist Attractions and Places of pilgrimage
- Exhibition of Bhadohi’s Carpets, Banarasi Saris, Nizambad Pottery etc.