Madhya Pradesh Tourism Announces “Namaste Orchha” a New festival to be held from 6-8 March 2020
A Three Day Festival Celebrating The Cultural Landscape To Showcase Untapped Tourism Potential in MP
by Shrutee K/DNS
Mumbai: Adding to its ongoing initiatives to
promote Madhya Pradesh as a leading tourism destination in the country, the
State Tourism Board announced “Namaste Orchha”, a new festival scheduled to be
held from 6-8 March 2020, celebrating the cultural landscape of the state in
the historic town of Orchha. The festival was announced at a curtain raiser in
Mumbai.
The
three day extravaganza in this ancient and quaint town will feature diverse
activities of music, dance, art, wellness, travel, nature, adventure, history
and culture. These activities would be led by experts in their respective
fields with participants comprising invited delegates. An immersive
visual spectacle of Maha Aarti will be curated at the banks of river Betwa.
Renowned
vocalist Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal, noted lyricist-writer Swanand Kirkire,
popular singer Shilpa Rao, acclaimed composer Clinton Cerejo, the pioneers of
fusion rock Indian Ocean, eminent actor Manoj Bajpayee are some of the artists
who will create engaging experiences for the audiences at the festival.
The Madhya Pradesh
Tourism Board has recently won 10 National Awards and the state has also been
listed among the Top 3 'Best Value Destination' of the world by Lonely Planet.
The Madhya Pradesh Government has identified tourism as one of the leading
sectors for development and aims to promote MP as an attractive destination for
both domestic and international travellers. There is a sustained focus on
infrastructure development, restoration of heritage sites, development of
natural reserves and biodiversity, promotion of sustainable and responsible
tourism as well as rural tourism. Mr. Faiz Ahmed
Kidwai, Secretary Tourism, Govt of Madhya Pradesh
and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board said, “Madhya
Pradesh is among the most exciting tourist destination in the country and has
immense potential to grow inbound tourism. Under the vision of the Honourable
Chief Minister, tourism has been identified as a key focus area. We are
creating new opportunities and initiatives to promote the state and its rich
cultural, natural and architectural heritage and its traditions and history.
This festival will find a place of pride in the lives of the local populace of
Orchha, sharing their home and heart with visitors. It will also bring the very
best of Madhya Pradesh together in a meaningful celebration”.
There
will also be workshops and site-visits for photography, film-making, performing
arts; exhibitions showcasing the state’s handicraft heritage and legacies,
sustainable fashion and design presentations in collaboration with
master-craftsmen and well known global-local brands. It will also offer
opportunity for local businesses to expand tourism offerings and weddings
industries to exploit the yet untapped potential in the state.
Ms Yasmin Kidwai,
Festival Director said,
“Orchha is a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh
and thrives on its celebrated heritage, natural beauty, culture and creativity.
Our thought is to create an annual event in the cultural calendar of Madhya
Pradesh that will help to discover this fascinating place and bring in the
confluence of ideas and creative collaborations”. The Orchha Fort
Complex hosts the legendary and unique Ram Raja Temple, built in
honour of Lord Ram and is the only place where he is worshipped both as a god
and as a king. There is the imposing Chaturbhuj Temple, with a blend of
temple, fort and palace architectural features, the royal palaces- Raja
Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, which is now converted into a heritage
hotel; the Jahangir Mahal built by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo in honour of a
visit by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir; and the Phool Bagh, an
architectural marvel built for natural cooling through a water ventilation
system. Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris, constructed in honour of various
erstwhile rulers of the city, dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river.
The rich and unfettered
natural resources, biodiversity and pristine landscape are also an unparalleled
attraction for nature and adventure lovers to explore Orchha. From guided tours
of the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary to adventure sports along the Betwa river,
picturesque natural beauty to an experience of rural life, there’s something
for every traveller to take home.
Website: https://namasteorchha.in
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namasteorchha/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NamasteOrchha
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