Raising electoral awareness in Noida

From Kathak and Bharatanatyam dances to ghazals and qawwali performances, over 500 performers showcased their talent at the recently concluded Noida Sanskriti Mahotsav. Organised at the Shilp Haat in Sector 33A, the three-day cultural event saw artistes from all age groups performing on a single platform. The festival was an initiative of the Noida Authority and Foundation for Krishna Kala and Education Society.
Posters were put up to raise electoral awareness
With elections due in the city in just a couple of weeks, the Noida Authority had put up posters and banners at the main attraction points at the venue to create awareness regarding voting rights. “Under the Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation programme, posters and slogans spreading awareness regarding voting rights have been put up across the venue. We have also created some selfie spots to attract the youth and at the same time encourage them to vote in the coming elections,” said Rajiv Tyagi, General Manager, Noida Authority.
Members of the National Cadet Corps from 31 UP Girls Battalion participated in the poster-making activity. “The themes included ‘Development in Noida’, ‘Communal Harmony’ and ‘Save the Environment,’” said Vinita Singh from Government PG School, Sector 39. According to the organisers, the festival registered a footfall of around 20,000 people over three days.

Members of the National Cadet Corps from 31 UP Girls Battalion participated in the poster-making activity

‘Platform for the like-minded artists and performers’
Students of various schools, colleges and institutes put up their best show. From performing arts, street plays, yoga and skits, the event had it all. “We had been practising to perform here for over a month now. It is great to finally have a place in Noida where we can showcase our talent and be among like-minded artists and performers who also share our passion,” said Sangita Kulshreshtha from a dance academy in Sector 61, who performed Bharatanatyam.
Anu Sinha, Director, Foundation for Krishna Kala and Education Society in Sector 35, said, “We aimed at focussing on the youth and exposing them to the country’s traditional art and culture, which is soon fading away because of contemporary distractions.”
Dubbed as Noida’s Dilli Haat, over 150 stalls promoted the work of local artisans as well. “My kids’ Board exams just got over so we decided to come here and enjoy. While they enjoyed the cultural performances, I was surprised by a wide variety of traditional items up for sale here. I liked some of the Madhubani paintings displayed here,” said Sonali Ahuja, a resident of Sector 41.