Sundaridam Festival: Folk Culture Meets Environmental Protection in North 24 Parganas

• The 'Sundaridam Festival 2026' was held at Gobind Kati High School grounds in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas, amidst the Sundarbans mangroves.
• Organized by UNESCO and West Bengal's MSME & Textiles Department, the festival aimed to unite diverse folk cultures and revive endangered art forms.
• Over 100 folk artists performed various genres like Jhumur, Baul, Bhatiali, Raibeshe, and Gambhira, captivating the audience.
• The festival also promoted environmental awareness, with special exhibitions on protecting mangrove forests and showcasing folk art and handicrafts.
• It provided a platform for rural artists to showcase talent, achieve financial self-reliance, and attracted both locals and tourists.

Why It Matters: The Sundaridam Festival successfully blended folk culture with environmental awareness in the Sundarbans.