Youth festival celebrates love and harmony

A six-day extravaganza of music, dance and arts brightened the culture scene in the Capital as the 7th edition of the Youth Festival started here on Thursday. The event features an impressive line-up of artistes performing dance, music and special acts, all spreading the message of love and harmony, with the theme 'Let Love Live'. The youth festival will conclude on February 27.

Organised by the Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Department of Art, Culture and Languages of the state government, the fest will showcase a wide variety of talents from across genres at the Central Park. Featuring both renowned and upcoming artistes, the main focus will, however, be on promoting young performers. Salaam Baalak Trust, Khirkee 17, Tanva Creative Dance Ensemble, Sursagar Society of Delhi Gharana, Sifar, and Bal Ashram are some of the groups performing at the festival.

Meanwhile, in his address on the first day of the event, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia talked about the murder of Ankit Saxena, who was allegedly killed by the family of his girlfriend. "Hate must be countered by love and we must celebrate the freedom to love. The unfortunate killing of a young man by the family of his lover has shaken the conscience of the people of Delhi. This is not the culture and ethos of either our city or our country. Hate of this nature can and must be countered by love and we must celebrate the freedom to love," he said.

"The festival will host performances that drive home this message among youngsters. We dedicate this edition of the Youth Festival to love and harmony," he said.