Virasat Mela abuzz with Diwali shoppers
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 28 Oct: Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as the chief guest at the Virasat Festival, said on Sunday that the tradition of Indian culture has grown on a large scale all over the world today. He said that the people of India should constantly connect with this cultural heritage, so that it continues to move forward. The Minister also said that the REACH institution has been continuously preserving the cultural heritage for the last 35-40 years, which is indeed commendable.
He said that recently a 6-day Kumbh Mahotsav of the International Indian Dance Programme was organised in Delhi, in which many famous folk dancers and cultural artists had gathered.
Before the beginning of the memorable evening of Brian Silas, who is considered to be the magician of piano, the cultural evening was officially inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Union Minister Shekhawat. Former Director General of Police Ashok Kumar felicitated the artists. On this occasion, General Secretary of REACH, Shri RK Singh and Vijayshree Joshi were also present.
In the grounds of Virasat Mahotsav-2024, beautifully adorned and captivating vintage cars of various models became the centre of attraction on the day. Vintage two-wheelers also did not lag behind, and showcased their charm. Former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari flagged off the vintage car and two-wheeler rally. Also present were former Vice-Chancellor of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna University, Professor IP Saxena, RK Singh, Sunaina Agarwal, and Vijayashree Joshi.
From early morning, dozens of vintage cars in various captivating styles adorned the vast grounds of Virasat Mahotsav’s grand tented area. Not only that, vintage two-wheelers that once raced down the roads also joined the vintage car rally, drawing both admiration and surprise from the crowd. The vintage car rally started from the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium and proceeded along different routes and people marveled at the sight.
The rally traveled along various routes, reaching near Pacific Mall on Rajpur Road, and then returned. Some cars became special attractions, including Vishal Ahmed’s 1942 model car, Sagheer Ahmed’s 1948 model vehicle USJ-8577, and Vijay Agarwal’s Ford AVH-600. The vintage car rally featured an impressive display of 42 two-wheelers and 22 cars.
‘Virasat ke Mehmaan’ synchronised to the rhythm and melody of Abhishek Lahiri’s Sarod. His performance at Virasat Mahotsav was exceptionally captivating, touching both heart and soul. Accompanying him was skilled tabla player Pandit Subh Maharaj. Lahiri began his performance with the majestic Raag Kedar, transitioned to Raag Charukeshi, and concluded with a beautiful melody in Mishra Pilu, showcasing the brilliance of his sarod.
Then, renowned pianist Brian Silas mesmerised the audience with his melodious piano playing. Accompanied by Jaideep Lakhtakia on guitar and Tulsi Madhav on tabla, the performance was filled with melody and rhythm that left a lasting impression on all those present. “Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Ye….. Kahan Shuru, Kahan Khatam…….. “Chaudhavi Ka Chand Ho…… Ya Aftab Ho….. Khuda Ki Kasam Tum Lajawab Ho…… were among the presentations of music by Brian Silas.
There was a bustling shopping scene at all the stalls on Sunday. Daily offerings included American corn, food items from Maharashtra, dry fruits from Afghanistan, famous chaat from Delhi, Anna dosa, Chinese food, items from Punjabi dhabas, tandoori chai, Gujarati food, Goli Banta soda, Bihari cuisine, Rajasthani food, and Kolkata’s famous kati rolls. Shopping intensified just two days before Diwali. From the morning onward, shoppers flocked to the Virasat Mela. Women, particularly, focused on acquiring the best decorative items to adorn and enhance their homes for the Diwali festival.
Women focused on purchasing intricately carved items, brass-filled furniture, bell strings, statues made of brass, a brass swing for Lord Ganesha, various types of brass showpieces, attractive artificial flower-pots, Kashmiri shawls and kurtas, mirror-studded scenery, brass items, appealing clay products, scenic paintings, and many other goods from the fair.
