On 19th July 2025, Parvatiya Lok Kala Manch, Delhi presented the grand musical staging of the Kumaoni play “Bala Goriya” at Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road, Delhi.
This performance was a heartfelt tribute
to the institution’s founder and source of inspiration, Late Shri Ganga Datt Bhatt.
Plot of the Play “Bala Goriya” is a religious and culturally significant theatrical presentation based on the divine saga of Golu Devta (Goriya), one of the most revered folk deities of Uttarakhand.
The story, set in the backdrop of the Dwapar
Yuga, vividly portrays events such as the protection of Pradyumna, son of Lord Krishna and the divine vow of Gaur Bhairav to safeguard the entire Himlaya region. This epic bridges the divine and the human, powerfully presenting the eternal spirit of justice and faith.
The foundation of this saga lies in scriptures like the Shiva Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, and deep roots of Kumaoni folk literature. The credit for transforming this sacred tale into a stage-worthy epic goes to the playwright Hem Pant, whose remarkable research, artistic vision, and cultural sensitivity brought the narrative to life in a structured, emotive, and compelling manner. His writing displays a rare balance of depth and simplicity, turning the performance into a living journey rather than just a theatrical act.
Notable Performances and Artists
The play was written and directed by Hem Pant, with Dr. Kamal Karnatak contributed significantly as co director.
Together, they skillfully guided the performers and beautifully captured the emotional and cultural depth of the storyline on stage.
Prominent roles were played by Mahendra Latwal, Deepika Pandey, Mamta Karnatak, Vedant Karnatak, Mayank Bhatt, Yash Bhatt, Sunaina Bisht, Govind Mahto, Bhoopal Singh, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Kukreti, and Virendra Kainta, who delivered impactful performances that left the audience impressed.
Meanwhile, Pushpa Bhatt, Pushpa Dutt and Lakshmi Mahto were also praised for their valuable contributions. Integration of Tradition with Modern Technology
A special mention must be made of the digital backdrops and visual compositions, where the traditional divine tale was innovatively presented using modern technology.
The use of digital slides and visual effects not only enhanced the stage presence but also transported the audience into the mystical world of the narrative.
This fusion of tradition and technology made the presentation not only entertaining but also culturally enriching. Such innovative efforts by the institution demonstrate how folk legends can be made relevant and engaging for today’s younger audiences using modern tools.
The entire digital design was done by Dr Kamal Karnatak.
The soulful music of Late Shri Chanchal Prasad was brought to life by his sons, Pradeep Prasad and Sanjay Prasad, whose compositions continued to echo in the minds of the audience.
The lyrics and rendition of the songs
were executed gracefully by all artists. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the blessings of Late Shri Bhatt and Late Shri Chanchal Prasad elevated the artistic essence of the production.
Parvatiya Lok Kala Manch, Delhi, was established in 1987 as a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and training of Garhwali and Kumaoni culture of Uttarakhand. The aim of the Manch is to bring national recognition to Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage so that future generations remain connected to their roots and feel proud of their traditions.
The institution has previously staged and received widespread appreciation for plays like Rajula Malushahi, Ritu Rain, Kagar Ki Aag, Rajya Prapti – Ek Swapn, and Suraj Ki Aur.This presentation of “Bala Goriya”
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