The fifth All India Chitra Bharati Film Festival truly became a convergence of cinema, culture, and culinary delights over three days. During this period, four special theaters showcased 133 films, with 29 selected by the jury for awards. The Haryana Tourism Complex in Panchkula offered more than just film screenings, featuring Haryanvi songs, music, food, and sculpture, puppet shows, and binoculars for added enjoyment.
The three-day celebration witnessed the lively presence of Dhol Manjire, a group of women singing Haryanvi folk songs, and the enchanting tunes of the flute, creating a joyous atmosphere.
Special performances, such as the Himachal Police Band and Vinod Panihari’s impactful Haryanvi presentation in the Dada Lakhmichand Auditorium, added to the festival’s uniqueness.
Notable attractions included Mohali resident Shilpa Rai’s live sculpture-making art, Ludhiana resident Shivani Gupta’s tattoo artistry, and a live sketch by Chandigarh student Noor, captivating festival attendees.
The festival-goers eagerly participated in the competition to have their idols, sketches, and favorite tattoos created on their arms.
Artistic heritage: Following in father’s footsteps
Chandigarh: Shilpa Rai, a fourth-year student at Government College of Art in Chandigarh Sector 10, shared that she has received the artistic legacy from her father, Subroto Rai. While her family roots trace back to Bengal, her father, Subroto Rai, is a dedicated sculptor, specializing in crafting statues of animals as well as depicting gods, goddesses, and eminent personalities.
