| 17-22 February, 2004; Dipalpur, Punjab, Pakistan | ||
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For once the mother tongue was talk of the town. People came in thousands; lured by their love for music, theatre, film and poetry. Puppets contributed in attracting children and families. Shear size of the festival and ‘foreigners in our town’ made it an occasion that nobody could afford to miss. | |
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| Music formed the core of the festival. Vocalists and instrument players enthralled the audience for three of the five evenings. Groups and individual vocalists and instrument players from all over the Punjab participated. | ||
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Many
modern and traditional theater
groups performed at the Boli Mela. Lok Rahs presented a special play
on the issue of mother language. Traditional and modern glove puppets attracted thousands of children. |
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Many aspects of language issue in Punjab were discussed. A number of intellectuals from local districts, Pakistan and India presented papers and participated in forum. Sujag’s work with three partners on a computer program to transliterate Shahmukhi and Gurmukhi was also introduced and discussed. A long poetry recital session engaged audience during one evening. Unlike traditional festivals, a large number of women also attended and participated in the Boli Mela. A kabadi competition and number of other shows kept the Mela humming with activity. Bhangra on stilts by our friend from Holland was another highlight. A delegation from Indian Punjab added a different color to the Boli Mela and it a memorable event for so many people. |
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| We served 2000 meals every day and made arrangements for the over night stay of 600 delegates. | ||
| Complete Boli Mela 2004 Album | ||
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