Zonal-level Group Folk Dance Competition celebrated India’s cultural diversity

The Zonal-level Cultural Competition 2026–27 for Group Folk Dance, organised by the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT Delhi, and hosted by Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, saw spirited and energetic participation. Organised for Zone 23, the live event brought together students from several schools to celebrate India’s cultural heritage through traditional music, colourful costumes and energetic folk-dance performances.

The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from 24 teams, including 19 teams in the girls’ category and five teams in the boys’ category. The school auditorium remained vibrant throughout the event as students, teachers, judges and guests watched young performers present the folk traditions of different Indian states.

The programme began with a ceremonial welcome for the distinguished guests, judges, participating teams, teachers and accompanying faculty members. The event highlighted the role of folk dances in preserving regional histories, customs and cultural identities. Through expressive movements, traditional costumes, music and group formations, the students brought India’s diversity alive on stage.

The gathering was attended by the esteemed Chief Guest, Ms Rekha Rani, Cultural Secretary, Directorate of Education; and judge, Ms Shweta Mishra, anacclaimed Kathak exponent and Founder-Director of the Kathak Kalakriti Institute in Delhi. Mr Anand Singh was also named as a member of the jury.

The programme began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by the Chief Guest and judges, accompanied by chanting and live singing by the students. The guests were given a green welcome and were felicitated with a token of appreciation by Mrs Swapna Nair, Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. The ceremony reflected the host school’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

Taking the stage, Mrs Nair welcomed the judges, teachers and students from the participating schools. Addressing the young performers, she encouraged them to approach the event in a fair and positive spirit.

Welcoming everyone to Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, as it hosts the zonal tournament in the school, she said, “I want all of you to take care of the fact that the event causes a competition, but it should be a fair competition, and each one of you who climbs onto the stage will be a winner for us. You’re here from your school, which shows you’ve been the best there. I’m sure that you will give your best through your performances and also learn from your counterparts the same things that they have to present here in front of you. Wishing each team all the very best for their performance for the day.”

Her address set an encouraging tone for the competition. Every student who had reached the zonal stage was already a winner because being selected to represent one’s school was itself proof of talent, preparation, discipline and hard work. The event was therefore not limited to securing prizes. It also offered the participants an opportunity to perform confidently, gain experience and learn from other teams.

Before the performances began, the participating teams were briefed about the guidelines. The competition was conducted separately for the boys’ and girls’ categories. Each team was required to consist of 12 to 16 participants, and the students had to wear authentic costumes associated with the folk dance they had selected.

The performances were expected to depict the culture of a particular Indian state and had to remain within the prescribed time limit of five to six minutes. Recorded music was permitted, and teams were required to carry their tracks on pen drives. The participants were also instructed to avoid inappropriate costumes or dance movements and to follow the rules strictly. The decision of the judges was declared final.

The teams were judged on costume, authenticity, coordination, stage utilisation and overall performance. These criteria ensured that the presentations were evaluated not only on dance technique but also on cultural accuracy, teamwork, discipline and visual impact.

The girls’ category featured 19 teams, all of whom performed enthusiastically and brought energy, colour and variety to the stage. Their presentations represented folk traditions from states including Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Assam and Rajasthan.

The teams appeared in traditional attire and jewellery that reflected the identity of their chosen regions. Punjabi performances drew from popular forms like giddha and bhangra, while teams representing Uttarakhand and the Garhwal region presented movements inspired by hill traditions. Odia and Sambalpuri performances showcased the cultural richness of Odisha, while Assamese, Haryanvi and Rajasthani presentations added further diversity to the programme.

One Haryanvi performance was based on the theme Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The presentation combined folk culture with a significant social message related to the education, protection and empowerment of girls. It demonstrated how dance could serve as both an artistic expression and a medium for spreading awareness.

The boys’ category featured five teams and brought another spirited dimension to the event. The participants presented group folk dances representing different regions, including Tamil Nadu and Assam. Their coordinated movements, confidence and stage presence earned appreciation from the audience.

Speaking about the performance, Ms Mishra said, “I was encouraged to see students carrying India’s cultural traditions forward with such enthusiasm. Group dance requires more than individual talent; performers must connect mentally, remain in sync and communicate through their eyes, expressions and movements. I would advise teams to devote more time to coordination, uniform costumes and a clear understanding of the folk form they present.”

Every dance has a purpose, history and cultural context, and students should know what they are performing and why, she added.

“Facial expressions, lip-sync, gestures and stage discipline are as important as body movements. Teachers and parents can play a vital role by guiding children with care and helping them treat dance as more than a co-curricular activity. Dance is an expression of who we are. When approached seriously, gently and consciously, it builds discipline, teamwork, mutual respect, confidence and a deeper appreciation of culture,” she advised.

As the programme concluded, all the participating teams were applauded for their performances. The host school thanked the judges, teachers and students for contributing to the successful conduct of the event.

The results were declared later on the official portal. In the girls’ category, The Indian School secured the first position, followed by Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, in second place, and SKV Green Park in third.

In the boys’ category, GBSSS Chirag Delhi won the first position; Shaheed Anushuya Prasad Government Boys’ Senior Secondary School, Sector 5, Ambedkar Nagar, stood second, while GBSSS Malviya Nagar secured the third position.