Today started the long-awaited Rajgir Festival, also referred to as Rajgir Mahotsav, in the town of Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar, and marked the start of three days of lively cultural events. The festival, under the programme of the Bihar Tourism Department and in cooperation with the Nalanda district administration, is also geared towards displaying the rich cultural heritage, art, music and traditions of the region as well as marketing tourism.
The festival will include star-studded celebrities who are all singers and performers this year. Popular playback singer Kailash Kher will headline the first day with his soulful and vibrant concerts. The second day will bring in popular singing sensation Salman Ali, who won a national singing reality show and entertains the music lovers. Other renowned artists will perform during the last day, which means that the three-day cultural extravaganza will end in a great way.
Rajgir Festival does not consist of musical performances exclusively. It is also planned to have a variety of activities that will attract visitors of both young and old. These are folk dance and cultural performances, exhibitions of handicraft, traditional food stalls, agriculture and sports events, and the female-oriented cultural events. The platform has also provided local artisans and self-help groups that enable them to display and sell their items, providing visitors with an insight into the old craftsmanship of Bihar.
The festival is being conducted in Rajgir International Convention Centre as well as open grounds, where there is a beautiful decoration of the festival. The security, traffic control, sanitation, lighting and medical facilities have been arranged specially so that the attendees can have a safe and comfortable experience. Traffic advisories have also been given by the officials, considering the high number of people who are expected to turn up.
The city of Rajgir, with its historical and spiritual importance, such as its relationship with Lord Buddha and ancient Indian history, is experiencing an influx of tourists because of the festival. Hotels and the local businesses are also busy, and this has boosted the local economy.
The first ceremony was attended by senior government officials and public representatives as a sign of preserving the heritage and promoting tourism by way of cultural festivals. It is hoped that the Rajgir Festival will bring visitors to the whole of Bihar and the neighbouring states, making Rajgir a major cultural as well as a tourism destination.
As music, culture, tradition and community spirit converge, the three-day Rajgir Festival is an experience that would be remembered and be among the festive events in the Bihar cultural calendar.
