The Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Folk and Tribal Culture, Lucknow, successfully concluded a Ten-Day Kajri Folk Singing and Dance Workshop held from 25 July to 4 August 2025. The event drew enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural learning and artistic expression.
The grand inaugural ceremony on July 25 began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before Maa Saraswati and a soulful Saraswati Vandana. The program was formally inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Pramod Sharma, who underlined the urgent need to preserve folk traditions in the face of globalization. “Through such events, our new generation discovers the essence of folk culture. It is the responsibility of universities to transmit culture along with knowledge,” he said.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, emphasized that the workshop was designed to connect students with the richness of their cultural heritage. He described Kajri as an art form that beautifully reflects the emotions of love, longing, celebration, and nature.
Dr. Seema Sharma, Head of the Department of Languages and Program Coordinator, introduced students to the origin, themes, and significance of Kajri, a traditional singing style of North India associated with the monsoon month of Saavan. “Kajri is not just a song; it is a living cultural experience blending music and dance,” she remarked.
The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Gaurav Saha, a seasoned folk artist, who trained students in traditional Kajri compositions, rhythm patterns, and dance movements. The participants also learned about costumes, expressions, and group performance techniques. On the very first day, students impressed the audience with a touching performance of the traditional Kajri “Barsi Jaye Sawan Ki Badariya”, which drew loud applause.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Atul Dwivedi, Director, Uttar Pradesh Institute of Folk and Tribal Culture, who described Kajri as “a glorious heritage of Indian culture” and stressed that folk music is a heartfelt expression that does not depend on instruments. He encouraged students to cherish and spread the tradition.
Dr. Shalya Raj, Chief Executive Officer, extended her congratulations and expressed happiness over the success of the initiative, appreciating the participants for their dedication.
Throughout the ten days, students engaged in interactive sessions, hands-on training, and cultural exchanges. The workshop attracted faculty members, researchers, and students from various departments, including Prof. Rajeshwar Pal, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Dr. Rafat Khanam, Dr. Swati Sharma, Dr. Nishi Raghav, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Dr. Ranveer, Mr. Abhijeet, Mr. Ankit, Ms. Sanya Agrawal and others, who lent their support and encouragement.
On the concluding day, participants were awarded certificates for their active involvement and dedication. The program ended with the collective singing of National song Vande Mataram, symbolizing unity and pride. The event was smoothly anchored by Vidhi Goswami and Kanishk Gautam.
The Kajri Folk Singing and Dance Workshop was more than an artistic gathering—it was a cultural mission to revive and safeguard one of India’s most cherished folk traditions. For the young participants, it became a memorable journey of rediscovering roots, celebrating heritage, and carrying forward the timeless beauty of Kajri.
