Raman, doing his final year BA (Honours) in Economics, remarked: ``This is something out of this world. I have never seen anything like these instruments.''

And according to Jaswinder Singh, who has just finished his post graduation in Tourism and Administration, and who, in his words, is engaged in `geri-maar' at the moment: ``This is an important step towards reviving Punjabi culture which is dying.''

But in this world of `bhangra pop', what chance these old men, who live as labourers to sustain themselves, have? ``They should be given substantial monetary support and it can be done only through well-advertised programmes. It will be better if such festivals are organised in big halls for better effect and more people can enjoy them.'' That is the opinion of Harjinder Singh, in his final year of MA in Defence Studies.

But why is there less crowd, even the university students are missing at the venue? ``Classes are going on and some examinations are also taking place. Since there is virtually no publicity for it, hardly anybody in Patiala knows about it,'' commented Rajwinder, a first year student of MA in English. She went on to add: ``This kind of culture, illustrated by these old men through their instruments and singing, which is our original culture, does not exist now.''

There was lamentation and a sense of regret in their tones while talking about the dying art forms of their favourite Punjab. And it was very well-encapsulated in Paramjit's words: ``Television has had a big role in it. For despite having our own channel, the Punjabi World, we do not get to see anything of our own on it. All that is shown is alien to us, mostly of Western influence. It is neither there nor here in Punjab now. Even in schools, there is no stress on our culture which can be done through the art forms, mainly music. At least Punjabi World channel should show what we want to see, of our traditions and of real life in Punjab.''

And her bunch who have bunked the classes was seen thoroughly enjoying the Dhadhis, the notes of Algoza and the Vanjali.And if left to himself, Gurpreet Singh, a sub-inspector with the Punjab Police who has been a regular visitor to the festival ever since it began in '96, is all for marketing it. ``That is the only way these fabulous forms can be kept alive. Or else the next generation will not even get to hear them.''

And the future Punjabis will have to depend on the documentaries made by the Music Department. But there is hope in Raman's words: ``The Music Department will not let the art forms die.'' But should it be left to the department alone to save them? ``No, we are there for support and one day this festival will acquire the status of a big Sammelan.'' Do you still think that the youngsters have no deference for their culture?