Showcase of Indonesian, Indian culture
Published on: Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: It may after all be a showcase of "Wonderful Indonesia" – the nation's latest official promotion catch phrase – judging from the grandiose Ganatari Gita Khatulistiwa troupe which is coming for the 11th Sabah International Folklore Festival 24 -30 July.Its potential to win the International Folkdance Competition finals on July 30 at the Sabah Cultural centre, Penampang, cannot be ruled out.Year 2005 marked the birth of this troupe but it wasn't until 2013 that the group started naming themselves Ganatari Gita Khatulistiwa.
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Its mission is to get young generations of Indonesians to become active agents in the preservation of traditional Indonesian performing arts, especially in the area of dance and music, as well as spread the message of peace and harmony through culture – which befits this year's festival theme : Peace Through Culture. It's own tagline is: "Our Culture, Our Pride.' North western India dance troupe Bhangra Desire International Folk Art Club, aspires nothing less."We are devoted with heart and soul to the promotion of Punjab culture," according to its group profile. Bhangra is a folk dance and music of the Punjab, north western India and also north eastern Pakistan – a popular music genre that emerged from it in the mid to late 20th century, which began as part of harvest festival celebrations but later became part of diverse occasions like weddings and New Year celebrations.
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"The motto of our club is to preserve the tradition of Punjab's performing arts by providing a positive social and educational environment for members." Formed in 2012, the club's success is helping young people navigate the difficult balance between contemporary youth culture and their cultural heritage, according to the group profile statement.
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In 2014 and 2015, it twice performed in Muscat and Salalah, Oman respectively and at Ufa, Nvgorod, Russia in 2015 while clinching second price in an All India Folk Arts Contest.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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