Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 31 Aug: The second edition of the Arunachal Lok Nritya (ALN), aimed at preserving and promoting the rich folk traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, will begin with auditions on 1 September, the organisers said on Monday.
Being organised by NGO People Foundation, the initiative seeks to provide a platform to folk dance groups and traditional artists from across the state to showcase their talent and cultural heritage to a wider audience.
Addressing the media at the press club here on Monday, ALN chairman Mirnia Game said the programme is dedicated to promoting the state's folk arts and traditional practices and encouraging the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots.
The winner of the folk dance competition will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the first and the second runner-up will be awarded Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively.
The competition will also feature eight sub-categories, he said.
Following the auditions, the top 10 performers or groups will advance to the next stage. The date for the grand finale is yet to be announced.
The season will also feature a 'Viewers' Award', allowing audiences to support their favourite performers through Facebook and YouTube. Performances recorded during the auditions will be uploaded on digital platforms for viewers.
A national award-winning woman folk singer associated with the initiative said the competition would focus on authentic folk traditions, with participants required to perform using traditional songs and musical instruments. Recorded music will not be permitted during the auditions.
According to the organisers, each participating group should have at least 15 members, while performers are expected to wear traditional Arunachali attires and use traditional musical instruments.
The organisers said the programme is not merely a competition but an effort to document, showcase and preserve the distinctive dances, music, costumes and cultural practices of the state's numerous tribal communities.
They also sought government support for the initiative, saying institutional backing could help provide greater opportunities to traditional artists and take Arunachal's folk heritage to a wider audience.
