India, Pakistan artistes to celebrate Independence Day at Munabao


Folk artistes, social workers and other eminent personalities from both the countries are set to take part in the Independence Day celebrations on August 14-15 at Munabao, the border village in Jaisalmer district.

Promoting cultural and economic exchanges between India and Pakistan has been strongly advocated by several artistes and prominent personalities from both sides of the border since long.

In an effort to send out a message of peace and harmony, folk artistes, social workers and other eminent personalities from both the countries are set to take part in the Independence Day celebrations on August 14-15 at Munabao, the border village in Jaisalmer district.

The event, a first at the Rajasthan border, is a brainchild of Magsaysay Award winner Aruna Roy and social activist Nikhil Dey.

Roy told The Times of India that the event is still in the initial stages of planning but she is confident about seeing it through.

Folk artistes from the Barmer-Jaisalmer region of Thar are set to perform popular folk tracks such as 'Nimbuda' and 'Kesariya balam'. Talks are on with artistes from Pakistan to perform on the occasion.

"The message to spread peace through this event will touch everyone's heart," Roy said.

"We are in touch with the Barmer collector, and officers of the BSF for permission to hold the event," Dey said.

Although, by drawing a line on the lands of India, two countries have been made India and Pakistan, but despite partition there has been no change in tradition, eating habits, living style and language. Even today, people of both countries celebrate independence day on the night of August 14-15 at Wagah Border. Based on these lines, it has been planned that on the forthcoming August 14-15, folk artists and other people will come on border area at Munabao in Rajasthan and will celebrate Independence Day, said Magsaysay winner Aruna Roy and social worker Nikhil Dey talking to The Times of India.

They said that folk artists residing in Thar Desert of Barmer-Jaisalmer play Neembuda-Neembuda, Kesaria Balam including other famous folk songs, which the folk artists of SIndh area across the border also play. People of both area speak same language and enjoy the same cuisine. The land was divided, but people could not. Relatives are in both countries and they go to each others places through Thar Expres. Everything is same at both places and in such situation, to strengthen the relations between both countries, it has been planned to celebrate Independence Day together at Munabao border on the lines of Wagah border.

Roy said that in the planning is at the initial stage, but she is quite serious and preparations will be started after making the complete details. On the occasion of August 15-16, folk artists of both countries will not only sing folk songs, but will celebrate the national festival. This moment of sharing the message of peace will really heart touching, she added.

He said that for getting the permission, he is contacting with Barmer Collector, BSF's DIG, and other officials.