Pakistan is the most prominent among the regional countries taking part in the ongoing China Xinjiang International Folk Dancing Festival opened in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The festival was scheduled from July 20 to Aug 5, as gathered more than 20,000 dancers from countries all over the world including Egypt, Pakistan, Georgia, England and Myanmar. More than 60 performances stage in the city. Luo Shugang, China's Minister of Culture, said that this year's festival is themed

"Chinese Dream, Colorful Silk Road".

"The Ministry of Culture supports cultural development in Xinjiang, a core region of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and boost the inheritance and promotion of Xinjiang's traditional folk cultures," Luo added. "The festival aimed at enhancing communications and cooperation between Xinjiang and the world." Meanwhile, a 32-member cultural group of Pakistan National of Arts (PNCA) was given warm welcome when it reached China to participate in the ‘Xinjiang Cultural Festival’ where it will present the regional dances of the country, said an official accompanying the delegation.

The troupe is being headed by Syed Jamal Shah, Director General Pakistan National of the Arts (PNCA). The delegation comprising of folk singers and dancers from all parts of the country as well as traditional music instrumentalists will be performing at four different places in Xinjiang. The National Performing Arts Group (NPAG) will be performing various dances including Kalash Valley dance, Leva, Kashmiri, classical, Kathak, Sindhi Jhoomar, Khattak, Bhangra, Dhol and Aaj Rang Hae of Ameer Khusro. Every dance is very colourful and reflects the local traditions, customs and the vibrant dresses and jewellery, official added.

The cultural troupe’s performance begins with the Kalash dance that is from the extreme north western region of Pakistan where the mountains meet the sky. The Kashmiri dance is a vital part of the performances. In the legendry paradise on earth that is the verdant valley of Kashmir surrounded by snow-capped mountains, girls gather for the traditional Kashmiri dance. The symbol of their land is the leaf of the plane tree, which is embroidered in white silk on their green velvet skirts. Kashmiris keep warm in winter by wearing a pot filled with glowing embers encased in mulberry wicker baskets around their necks – the Kangri.

The troupe also includes the Balti dance from the highest Karakorum Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, the extreme Northern region of Pakistan. The music and dance loving people of Baltistan welcome the spring through the popular dance called “MENDOO TANGMO” in which the young boys and girls keeps on exchanging flowers through their bantering dance movements to select their life partners. 

Credits: INP-WealthPk