Surat sets world record with fusion of folk art and dance at Nayika 5.0 festival
Surat: The Diamond City is rapidly moving towards achieving global recognition in the fields of art and culture. In a grand event organized through the joint initiative of the Surat Municipal Corporation, Taal Group, and Rangini, the Nayika 5.0 and Rangini festivals were held at the Surat Science Center. The most significant achievement of this event was the establishment of a new world record created through the confluence of folk art and folk dance.
The Founder Director of Taal Group, choreographer and architect Kritika Shah, described Nayika not merely as a cultural program but as a celebration of women power and femininity. The event was organized as a preparation for the upcoming International Women's Day on March 8. As per agency report, several workshops were conducted under the Rangini festival with the objective of reviving the vanishing and rich handicrafts of India. Renowned Padmashri artists from across the country participated in this exhibition to showcase their skills and mentor the younger generation.
During the workshops, Pithora art expert Pareshbhai Rathwa taught children the nuances of tribal art, while the famous Molela sculpture artist from Rajasthan, Prashantbhai, demonstrated his craft. Additionally, well-known Warli artist Maheshbhai provided training to thousands of children from Surat. On February 13, thousands of students from various schools in the city enthusiastically participated in these sessions, receiving direct guidance from the Padmashri artists which provided a new platform for their creative talents. An art exhibition featuring local artists also served as a major attraction during the festival.
A historic moment was witnessed on the second day of the program, February 14, when the highest number of folk dance and folk art artists gathered on a single stage to perform. To recognize this unique accomplishment, representatives from the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records arrived in Surat and presented official certificates to the organizers. This achievement has become a matter of pride for the city, as such a large-scale presentation of folk culture had never been witnessed together before.
