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?Virasat-n-Vikas? show begins today
CHIEF MINISTER Mulayam Singh Yadav will inaugurate the 10-day Lucknow Mahotsava at 6 pm at Ambedkar Ground on Saturday. Minister of tourism Kokab Hamid will preside over the function.
CHIEF MINISTER Mulayam Singh Yadav will inaugurate the 10-day Lucknow Mahotsava at 6 pm at Ambedkar Ground on Saturday. Minister of tourism Kokab Hamid will preside over the function.
Addressing media persons, Divisional Commissioner R K Mittal said the theme of the festival had been chosen as “virasat bhi vikas bhi,” signifying cultural diversity of the city. During the 10-day festival, said the commissioner, Ikka-tonga race, kite-flying competition, youth festival, handicraft, women’s car rally, vintage car rally, equestrian, fire-cracker display, and chikan ramp would be the main attraction.
The main idea of the festival is to showcase the unity and cultural diversity of city, said the divisional commissioner. Since the festival is being held during the 2,550 Mahaparinirvan year of Gautam Buddha, a programme on the life of Guatam Buddha will be held. Total 250 handcraft stalls are being set at the venue. On the inaugural day, a group will play traditional Indian instrument Shehnai in the memory of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. November 27 will witness Udit Naranin Night. Sunil Pal of the laughter challenge fame will perform on November 29 along with famous singer and music director Bappi Lahiri, the little champs would also grace the stage after their winning performance in TVS Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Sticking to the theme of the presentation, the Mahotsava will put up some ballets based upon the stories of Lord Buddha and the dacoit Angulimal. The programme will also have the songs of Anup Jalota, Kathak, Mushaira, Shankar Ahsaan Loy, Shekhar Sen and the of course the scintillating voice of Alisha Chinai.
The Mahotsava is divided into three categories: Cultural, Crafts and financial stalls. Besides the cultural activities a handicraft fair is also organised on the occasion in order to promote local and interstate handicraft. About 250 lofty stalls have been set up for this purpose. Many award winning expert craftsmen have been invited to show their skills in this fair and their to and fro fare and fooding and lodging is also being looked after by the Mahotsava committee. All this Information was officially told to the media persons in press conference by Divisional Commissiner R.K.Mittal. He also revealed that by the courtesy of the Royal Family of Awadh special festivals will be organised on Kudia Ghat and in association with the Bhatkhande University of Music a Music Festival will be arranged in the Mahotsava since 6th to 8th Dec in which renowned musicians will participate.
In order to give Mahotsava both the ethnic and progressive look, two main entrance gates have been made, one entrance is a replica of IIM and the other is of Secundrabad Gate. A season ticket costing only Rs. 50 is also issued in the interest of common man. Students are given special concession on entry where as the entry of kids below ten years of age is totally free.
