After getting recognition from Limca Book of Records for largest folk instrument ensemble, the folk artists of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday gathered and played folk instrument at Paddal Ground to better their earlier record.

On the second day of Shivratri fair at Paddal Ground of Mandi district around 150 kms from here, 2023 Bajantris (local folk artists) on Sunday played the folk instruments in the form of music concert while targeting for yet another record to set in their name.

Assembled from all over the district, the folk artists displayed enthralling presentation with traditional musical instruments, reverberating the air with Dev-Dhawani and mesmerizing the audience. 

“Bajantaris from over Bali Valley, Chuhar Valley, Bali Chowki, Seraj, Jhanjehli, Sanor, Badaar and Uttarshala valley of Mandi district participated in the Dev-Dhawani, playing traditional musical instruments as Karnaal, Dhol, Nagada,Shehnai, Narsingha, Baamb, Bhana etc,” a state government spokesperson said.

Lauding the efforts of folk artists for musical concert, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said with the joint efforts of the district administration and the ‘Dev Samaj’, more than 2000 Bajantaris gave their presentation. “These folk artists or Bajantaris are the integral part of procession of deities who come to participate in Shivratri fair,” he said.

“The local deities, musicians along-with ‘Kardars’ (caretaker of local deities) are welcome to the traditional fair. These artists are the ones who add colour to the fair and make it more festive,” he said.

Singh said to honour the Bajantaris , a decision has been taken to provide them honorarium, as is being paid to Kardars as they were  inseparable part of the family of these deities. “We always remain surrounded by our deities who always participate in every day to day function and rituals,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also stressed for preservation of our traditional custom and culture and said that as we progress ahead in life, we should carry our language, culture and traditions along-with, no matter where we stay. 

Mandi Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Kadam said that without Bajantaris, the local deities don't move as it was evident since time immemorial that the local deities dance to the tunes of music as displayed by Bajantari. 

It is worthwhile to mention here that the folk instrument ensemble of 1806 artists, Devdhwani at Paddal Ground of Mandi district held on 10 March 2016 was listed in the National Record by Limca Book of Records on 22 February 2017.