Ranchi: The festive spirit of the Rath Mela here is set to extend beyond the chariot procession this year, with the art and culture department curating a six-day cultural extravaganza from Monday. Around 150 folk and classical artists and cultural groups from across the state will transform the mela grounds into a vibrant stage, presenting music, dance, theatre and folklore every evening.Organised as part of the Rath Mela celebrations, the event will celebrate indigenous cultural heritage while introducing audiences to classical art forms. The performances are expected to draw thousands of devotees and visitors to the mela, one of the state’s largest gatherings.Director of art and culture Asif Ekram said the festival was designed to showcase the diversity of folk customs and artistic traditions. “Around 150 cultural groups from different districts will participate in the programme. Audiences will witness Hindi musical performances, Panchpargania folk traditions, Nagpuri songs, folk theatre and folklore-based presentations that reflect the cultural identity of different regions of Jharkhand,” he said.Traditional dance forms such as Chhau, Paika and Goda will be among the major attractions, alongside classical performances, including Kathak, Kuchipudi and Bhangra. “The idea is to create a cultural confluence where visitors can experience both the indigenous art forms of Jharkhand and India’s classical traditions on one platform. Such festivals also provide valuable exposure to local artists while helping preserve folk practices,” Ekram added.With lakhs of visitors arriving at the Rath Mela, the evening performances are expected to add a vibrant cultural dimension to the celebrations. The festival will provide a significant platform for local artistes, folk musicians and theatre groups to showcase their talent while creating a source of income.
