Gujarat govt allots Rs 10 crore for Navratri Utsav

Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (UNI) The Gujarat government has allotted Rs 10 crore for the 'Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav' celebrations, which will be held on a specially erected stage at the helipad here on Saturday.

State Tourism Secretary R M Patel said the amount will cover all expenses including air fares, accomodation of participants who have come from abroad.

About 100 artistes from countries like Israel, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka will participate showcasing their art and culture. Besides artistes from Chhattisgarh, Asom, Manipur, Kerala, Haryana, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal and Mizoram will also showcase their talent, he told reporters here.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr P D Vaghela, Managing Director of Gujarat Tourism Corporation, said tourist inflow into the state has increased by 66 per cent as against last year's figures. ''The NRI and foreigner arrivals too have increased by four times since last year,'' he said.

The Raas-Garba programme is open to public from September 24 to October 1. Theme Pavillion, exhibition and more than 150 stalls will sell handicraft and handloom items. Theme pavillion includes subjects like medical tourism, heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.

''Swadotsav'' would be special attraction with refreshment stalls selling cuisines of various regions of the state. delicacies from Kutch, South Gujarat and North Gujarat will be available to the visitors.

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