Mahashivratri Mahotsava begins with high note

Varanasi: ‘Mahashivratri Mahotsava’ – a new cultural fiesta in the land of Lord Shiva conceptualized by the UP Tourism, made its debut on the eve of Mahashivratri on Thursday evening featuring a beautiful amalgamation of utmost devotion and music by musicians on the bank of Ganga at Rajghat.

Opening the festival, the UP minister Neelkanth Tiwari said that it would highlight the true culture of the city. The three-day debut cultural show of ‘Mahashivrati Mahotsava’ began with the scintillating performance of Kathak based on ‘Shiv Tandav Strotam’ by promising dancer Vishal Krishna. The Kathak performance was followed by Shiv Bhajan by Amlesh Shukla and a Kavi Sammelan.

The musical journey of the Mahashivratri Mahotsava will continue for net two days with the presentation of dance, vocal recital, bhajan and instrument recital by many eminent as well as promising musicians. The UP Tourism has allocated a fund of Rs. 50 lakh for this festival.

The divisional commissioner Deepak Agrawal said that besides the cultural programme, a boat festival would also be held as the part of Mahotsava on February 23. A total of 40 manually sailed boats will go on a race from Ravidas Ghat to Rajendra Prasad Ghat. To encourage the participants there is a provision of cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first three winners of the race. A consolation prize of Rs. 2,000 will also be given to each participant. A marchpast of decorated and hand painted boats in the Ganga in front of Rajendra Prasad Ghat would also be held to presents a glimpse of city’s culture to the visitors.