Kurukshetra University's cultural fest 'Ratnawali' returns today

KURUKSHETRA: Carrying on a 31-year-old tradition, Kurukshetra University is set to organize its cultural festival “Ratnawali“ from Monday in the campus.
Haryana governor Kaptan Singh Solanki will inaugurate it. The event is known for staging of Haryanvi pop songs, bringing Haryanvi orchestra as a popular event and revival of Saang folk theatre of the state.
Ratnawali attracts more than 8,000 people as audience and participants every year at the six main venues and around 31 events in which colleges and universities from all districts of the state send their students.
Director of the department of youth and cultural affairs C D S Kaushal said, “We as a university have been toiling to make a contribution in the revival and promotion of Haryanvi folk culture through youth. Ratnawali has been quite successful in establishing a success story as it started with only three events and now it has more than 31 events.“
A former student of fine arts department, Anjali Rawat, said, “We feel happy and proud to be part of such a big event, I will keep coming to make this colourful Rangoli even after graduating from here.“ Geshna Kaushal, who has been a part of volunteer team since 2012, said, “It's an attempt to strengthen our culture. The best thing about Ratnawali is that it is made by youth. Here, one can witness why Haryana is so rich.“
The fest will start around 11am in the university auditorium. The highlights of the fiesta will be Haryanvi rituals, costumes, folk songs and dances like Rasiya, Chopal, Raagni and Saang folk theatre.
This year's Ratnawali is already crating hype on the social media and a team of volunteers and alumni have spread word about the fest. There are about 1,300 followers added in less than a week on the Ratnawali official Facebook page. About 50 colleges and university teams from all over Haryana are participating in the festival.