Annual Lucknow Mahotsava starts amid much fanfare

Lucknow, Nov 25 (UNI) The pride of Uttar Pradesh, ''Lucknow Mahostava 2008,'' was today set open for people by state Chief Minister Mayawati here.

After inaugurating the mahostsava at a regional park in Aashiana colony, Ms Mayawati said this year the theme of the festival is 'Sarva Dharama Sambhava.' Talking about the rich culture and tradition of the 'City of Nawabas,' the Chief Minister said the state carries a huge potential for several things. ''The state is the 'karamchetra' of Buddha and would be developed into the same direction,'' she said.

This year new games, competitions and events have been introduced for better entertainment into the annual Mahotsava, she informed.

Rifle shooting, the game which brought laurels to the country after Abhinav Bindra's win in the Beijing Olympics, would be amongst the unique activities that would catch people's eye.

Besides, rowing competition and laser show would distinguish the festival this year, Ms Mayawati quipped while releasing a souvenir.

A galaxy of stars including the 'king of comdey' Raju Srivastava, Bhojpuri actor Manoj Tiwari, singers Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan would entertain Lucknowites with their mesmerizing performance on the dais this time.

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