Carnival to begin on a rhythmic note today

The Times of India International Folk Festival (TIFF) begins on a vibrant note on Friday, with an Ottan Thullal performance by Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnan Nair and his team, and Selamat Datang, an Indonesian folk dance by Pelangi Nusantara group. The Silicon City is set to witness some rare folk art forms from different parts of India and abroad in the next three days.Being hosted at Jayamahal Palace, the event will celebrate the best of folk traditions, music, dance, crafts and cuisine from across the globe.
The Pelangi Nusantara group, formed in 1978, aims at conserving and developing Indonesia's cultural arts, especially dances and musicprofessional performing arts. Selamat Datang stands for `Welcome from Indonesia'. Nair is the torchbearer of Ottan Thullal, the Kerala folk form also known as poor man's Kathakali. The solo perform ance is a fusion of dance, drama, satire and songs. Nair has performed at festivals in London, Scotland, Ireland, Muscat and other countries. Local artiste Sangeetha Katti will enthrall visitors with some soulful music.
Besides music and dance, there's plenty on offer for art aficionados too.
The event will feature an exhibition of Phulkari and Gond paintings, a mela of craftsmen and artisans showcasing their wares and talents, Surpur paintings, Chittara art, pottery and Rajasthani handicraft. Gourmets can look forward to multi-ethnic cuisine from several states. Entry is free. For more details, log onto http:www.tiffblr.com.