DC Himanshu Jain Inaugurates the Festival, Says “Ruh Festival is Preserving India’s Heritage Through Folk Art, Handicrafts, and Sufi Music”
– Ludhiana to witness vibrant folk traditions from April 4, with performances by renowned artists at the Rural Urban Heritage Festival
– Emerging artists to get a free platform to showcase their talent every day
For the first time, Ludhiana is hosting a mesmerizing fusion of handicrafts and folk art at the Rural Urban Heritage Festival, being held at Government Girls College Ground, Ferozepur Road. The festival features award-winning artisans like Islam Ahmed, a three-time Cannes Film Festival demonstrator in lakh bangle making, and Sant Kabir Awardee Rapolu Ramalingam as key attractions.
Every evening, a star-studded cultural night will feature internationally acclaimed artists, promising to captivate Ludhiana’s art lovers. The festival’s performance lineup includes:
• Day 1: Kabir Gayan
• Day 2: Sufi evening with Sultana Nooran
• Day 3: Sufi band performance by Suhail
• Day 4: Qawwali night with Niazi Brothers
• Day 5: Stage performance by Harmon German duo
• Day 6: Live act by Ali Zain
• Day 7: Performance by Lakhwinder Wadali
Festival organizers Sunil Verma and Varun Verma shared that after Ludhiana (April 4), the festival will continue in Chandigarh’s Parade Ground from May 2. The event aims to showcase India’s cultural heritage, diverse arts, cuisines, and handicrafts on a grand scale.
A Celebration of Art, Music, and Craftsmanship
The Rural Urban Heritage Festival will bring together renowned artists from seven countries and 20 Indian states for performances in folk dance, folk music, handicrafts, and Sufi traditions. The festival will also host live workshops on sculpture, handicrafts, and other art forms, with free participation for school students.
“Our goal is to preserve, promote, and popularize India’s rich cultural heritage,” said the organizers. The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors daily. Folk performances will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM, followed by headliner acts from 8 PM to 10 PM. Additionally, school students (11:30 AM – 2 PM) and local artists (4 PM onwards) will be given a platform to showcase their talent.
This year’s festival will feature multiple Padma Shri and National Award-winning artists, offering live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as:
• Lakh Bangle Making
• Rajasthani Woodwork
• Khadi Weaving & Tie-Dye
• Tamil Nadu Wood Carving
• Glass and Madhubani Painting
• Doll Making
Ludhiana residents will get a firsthand experience of India’s rich artistic traditions. School groups can pre-book visits through the Ruh Festival’s social media pages for interactive sessions with master artisans.
