Winter Carnival Shimla: Free Stalls for Artists, but Wood In Wilderness
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Shimla Dec 24,2024 Ritanjali Hastir
The Winter Carnival Shimla, inaugurated by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought an air of festivity to the City, celebrating the state’s rich traditions. Yet, for the artists who have been given free stalls to exhibit their creations, the question remains: Wood In A Wilderness (जंगल में मोर नाचा, किसने देखा?)
While the initiative to provide complimentary exhibition spaces for artists is commendable, its effectiveness is questionable. The placement of these stalls in Bantony Castle, a historically significant but secluded location, feels more like a symbolic gesture than a practical effort to promote art. The castle, currently housing the State Museum and hosting a light and sound show, has failed to attract substantial footfall compared to the bustling Ridge or the Gaiety Theatre.
Adding to the irony, the Gaiety Theatre, which boasts a dedicated exhibition hall, has prioritized showcasing woollen garments over artworks. This trend of side-lining art in favour of commercial interests seems to undermine the carnival’s cultural objectives. The self-help groups and woollen garment stalls, prominently positioned at high-traffic locations, have already enjoyed significant exposure over the past few weeks, leaving artists to grapple with limited visibility.
Artists, though grateful for the government’s support, are left wondering why their work—requiring significant effort to reach audiences—has been relegated to the periphery. The Carnival, intended as a platform for showcasing the state’s creative spirit, risks becoming a missed opportunity for the art community.
Furthermore, the unseasonal weather has compounded the challenges, with moisture threatening the integrity of the displayed artefacts. While the government’s intentions may be well-meaning, the lack of foresight in planning raises concerns about whether the support is genuinely beneficial or merely symbolic.
The saying, “not everyone who puts you in trouble is your enemy, and not everyone who helps is a friend” resonates deeply here. True support would involve ensuring that artists have equal opportunities to showcase their work in prominent locations, alongside other cultural and commercial attractions.
As the Carnival continues, it is imperative for the administration to reflect on these shortcomings. Future events must prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all participants, ensuring that art and culture do not just occupy space but command attention. After all, a peacock’s dance deserves an audience, and so does the creativity of Himachal’s artists.
