Carnival to mark Sharad Utsav in Bhuj

Bhuj, Sep 30: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will attend a three-day 'Sharad Utsav', here that is being organised by the local administration and the Gujarat Tourism Board from October 6 to 8.

The star attraction of this utsav is the carnival on the second day (October 7), where over 80 dancing and singing troupes would participate.

This carnival is the first of its kind being organised in Gujarat, said deputy collector and incharge of the carnival J B Joshi yesterday. The carnival theme has been taken from world famours carnivals like the Brazilian carnival, he added.

The carnival will march around a two km route of the historic Hamisar lake which is presently filled with water.

With their own band and musical party, the troupes will present dances of Kerala, Bihu of Asom, Bhangra of Punjab and dances of Rajasthan. Troupes from Kutch will perform 'raas-garba' and 'dandiya sword' dance and an African dance called 'Sidi' also known as 'Dhamal'.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the best three troupes in the carnival. The first prize will be Rs 1 lakh, second Rs 75,000 and third Rs 50,000.

The Hamisar lake and the entire route will be decorated with illuminating lights and grand fireworks and laser shows would mark the end of the event.

UNI