“Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat 2024” a great event happened at SGT University for three days from 25th to 27th April 2024 from 10:00 am onwards at TV Studio, A Block. It aims to celebrate unity in diversity by encouraging students to showcase their culture and tradition across India.
At SGT University there are various students from various regions of India, each carrying the unique traditions, languages, and religions that make India a Kaleidoscope of vibrant cultures. This event provides a platform for students to showcase their culture and tradition with their talents in various fields which helps them to explore and experience a diverse India.
Through various competitions, we gain a deeper understanding of different customs, beliefs, and lifestyles that shape the distinctive identity of each state to which they belong. With the help of this event, we understand our nation’s unity has become a great strength that helps to build unity among the students.
Libaas was one of the competitions organized by SGT University in the event “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” in which students have to represent their state through traditional attire that display the cultural heritage. The event was an incredibly enriching and memorable experience.
The first state represented by the students was Jammu and Kashmir in which twelve students displayed traditional attire deeply influenced by its rich cultural heritage and the climatic conditions of the area. Kashmir is famous for its beautiful embroidery work which reflects the region’s artistic heritage. Most of the clothing is made from wool, silk, and cotton. dresses such as Pulharo, Khraw, Salwar-Kameez, Kashmiri pheran, Kahmiri dastar, Shawl, Kashmiri Turban, and Kurta salwar are showcased by the students. The best part was when it showed both religions when Hindus greet with Namaste and Muslims greet with As - salamu - alaikum which shows the unity between the different religions. They highlight important factors such as their dance or customs followed by them also reflect the beauty of Kashmir with the help of props.
The second represented state was Punjab in which they mention the line in the starting Panjabi Parampara or Dharmik Gaurav ka Prateek which was displayed by the students. The four students presented the state of Punjab in which they showcase the traditional attire of Punjab such as elegant Phulkari suit, the embroidered Phulkari Dupattas, Kurta - Pyjama, colorful Jutti footwear, Punjabi Turban, stick as a prop all things were presented exact the same belonging to Punjab. The music and short dance step was deeply rooted in Punjabi folk traditions, featuring energetic Bhangra dance. Through this rampwalk the spirit of Punjab comes alive, celebrating its cultural diversity.
Haryana - a tapestry of traditions, the next ramp walk represents Haryana by the four students who wear the traditional attire such as Kurta - Dhoti, Daman, Long sleeved Kurti with Chunderi, Lehenga Choli, Jutti footwear the props holded by the students such as banta or tokni. The music and the whole representation was deeply rooted in Haryanvi folk tradition. This ramp walk represents Haryana and had an energetic response to the viewers.
Delhi, the heartbeat of the incredible India, represents the next ramp walk in which four students portray both modern as well as traditional culture. Delhi’s status as a city where the old and new co exist. In which they wear the attire of Delhi’s Rajat Bhumi which becomes the sign of prosperity. Both modern and traditional outfits depict the true picture of Delhi. The ramp walk is a long ceremonial walkway that cuts through the heart of Delhi, serving as a vivid representation of the city and the state itself.
From Ghats to Grandeur - Uttar Pradesh, the next ramp walk included four students. Uttar Pradesh is mostly a state of two, Hindus and Muslims. This ramp walk showcases both through kurta pajama, Lehenga choli with odhani, Sherwani, the muslim suit for womens. The ramp walk serves as a canvas to display the intricate chikankari work from Lucknow, the famous Banarasi brocades with vibrant prints and patterns inspired by the region’s folk art. The ramp walk truly encapsulates the spirit and pride of Uttar Pradesh’s culture.
The next ramp walk from Uttar Purab is a vibrant celebration of diverse and rich cultural tapestry that adorns the northeastern states of India. The models showcase their different attires in order to represent their states. Outfits such as Phanek, Khwangchet, Kajenglei, Uriset, Khamenchatpa Feijom, Ningkhamsamji, Koket, Enaphi, Uriset, Pumyat, Lengyan phi. The ramp walk pays homage to the myriad tribes and communities that call Uttar Purv their home. This fashion spectacle not only highlights the region’s artistic heritage but also serves as a platform to promote and preserve these age - old traditions, ensuring that the cultural legacy of Uttar Purv continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.
West Bengal is the next state. The ramp walk includes four students in which the ramp walk celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage with the traditions surrounding two of its most significant events - Durga Puja and Marriage ceremonies. It pays homage to divine feminine energy worshiping the goddess Durga. And the tradition of carrying brides during ceremonies was a remarkable tradition which was portrayed by the students in this event.
Bihar is a symbol of culture and hospitality. The next state which represents the cultural tradition of Chhath Puja, which is celebrated during the Rama Navami in Bihar, one of the most significant events in this state. The deep rooted tradition of offering prayers to water bodies and the sun. The great beliefs and customs bring the whole community together. The portrayal of the Chhath Puja by the students is enough to highlight the state's cultural heritage.
The next state was Telangana, the ramp walk highlights the state’s vibrant textile traditions with participants adorned with the exquisite handloom sarees and traditional attire. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of these attires reflect the cultural heritage of the state.it is a religious celebration showcasing the state’s diverse cultural traditions.
Last but not the least Rajasthan a real tapestry of India’s real past where forts and palaces whisper tales of valor or grandeur. The ramp walk of this state represents the royal history and wars between Kings which are considered as an important part of our history. The ramp walk features traditional clothing and accessories worn by Rajasthani Kings, Queens and members of Royal families during war. To depict the history of war and conflicts between Kings they show arms or weapons as a prop and the important thing done by their Queens before war was Raj Tilak in order to pray for their winning in the war.
At last all students came together with different pairs belonging to different states. And stand together in order to show the unity in great diversity of culture, customs, beliefs, religions, traditions or states. Different states consist of diverse communities form a united India which showcase the unity among the huge diversity of people. The music played a great role at each ramp walk in showcasing the inner feelings of participants.
Then there was a question and answer round in which Judges ask questions to students related to the state they presented or based on the diverse culture, tradition of India. After completion of question and answer round the event wrapped up.
On the last day of the event the result was announced for each competition. In the competition “Libaas” the first position goes to the student who represents the state of Rajasthan, then the second runner up was Himachal and the third goes to the Northeast. The event also praises other states by the title ‘Special Mention 1’, ‘Special Mention 2’ and ‘Special Mention 3’. The title ‘Special Mention 1’ goes to Telangana, the ‘Special Mention 2’ goes to West Bengal and the last but not the least ‘Special Mention 3’ goes to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
By the time the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” event wrapped up, there were smiles all around. It was a proud movement for all who were present in the event. It was a dazzling celebration of our nation’s diversity expressed through the rich traditions and styles of each state, the event left everyone feeling proud of India’s vibrant culture and eager to see what the next edition will bring to the ramp.
