Three-day Desert Festival begins in Kutch

Bhuj, Feb 20 (UNI) The three-day Desert Festival in Kutch was kicked-off by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi by inaugurating the 'Kutch Museum' and 'Kutch Haat' today.

More than 1300 artists, belonging to 45 groups, are taking part in the 1.6 km long carnival parade, which is part of ''The Kutch Carnival''.

State Health and Tourism Minister Jay Narayan Vyas, Education Minister Narottam Patel and another Minister from Kutch Vasan Ahir were present at the opening ceremony.

The festival at Dhordo village in Kutch district, will leave its mark on the world tourism map. The state government hopes to make the Desert Festival comparable with world festivals like the Rio Carnival, the Oktoberfest in Germany and Mardi Grass at New Orleans in terms of promoting local culture through tourism and festivities.

According to the authorities, the Desert Festival has received good response and 400 tents have been booked already and requests are pouring in even on the eve of the festival.

The government is trying to market Kutch as a major tourism destination of the world.

The main festival will be held on the banks of Hamirsar Lake.

UNI XR-HT GR AK BST2057