Gandhinagar, June 27 (IANS) Visitors to the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar will now be able to experience Gujarat’s tribal cultural traditions through regular live performances after the Statue of Unity (SoU) Authority and the Gujarat Tribal Research and Training Society (GTRTS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalise the initiative.

The agreement provides for traditional tribal dance and cultural performances to be held twice every month on Saturdays at the world-renowned tourist destination, featuring artists from tribal communities across Gujarat.

The programme will include 14 traditional dance forms representing different districts of the state.

These are Rathwa, Gher and Mewasi dances from Chhota Udepur; Kahadiya and Pawari dances from Dang; Folk Dance and Holi Dance from Narmada; Gamit Dhol Dance and Chaudhary Folk Dance from Tapi; Talwar Dance and Timli Dance from Mahisagar; Mandal Dance and Tur Dance from Navsari; and Kahli Dance from Valsad.

The performances build on an initiative that began on ‘Gujarat Foundation Day’ on May 1, 2024, when tribal dance programmes started being organised every fortnight at the Statue of Unity.

According to the state government, the performances have received an encouraging response from visitors, prompting the authorities to formalise the arrangement through the MoU.

The agreement was signed by Gopal Bamaniya, Additional Collector of the Statue of Unity Authority, and Dr C.C. Chaudhary, Executive Director of the Gujarat Tribal Research and Training Society.

Speaking on the occasion, Gopal Bamaniya said: “The initiative is aimed at introducing visitors from India and abroad to Gujarat’s diverse tribal culture and traditions through live performances.”

Dr C.C. Chaudhary said tribal artists from different districts of Gujarat would present traditional dances and cultural programmes every fortnight on Saturdays at Ekta Nagar as well as during special occasions.

“The initiative would provide wider recognition to the state’s tribal culture while creating a stronger platform for local artists to showcase their talent,” he noted.

The programme is being implemented under the supervision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel and Minister of State, P.C. Baranda, as part of the state’s efforts to preserve and promote Gujarat’s tribal cultural heritage.

–IANS

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