4-day Ganga Mahotasava starts tomorrow

Varanasi, Nov 8 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Assembly speaker Sukhdeo Rajbhar will inaugurate the four-day Ganga Mahotasava here tomorrow at the Dr Rajendra Prasad ghat.

Talking to newsmen here today, Divisional Commissioner and Chairman of Reception committee Suresh Chandra said prominent artists including Chhannu Lal Mishra, Nalini Kamalani, Malini Awasthi and Ustad Ali Abbas, besides various local artists would present their programmes. Priority would also be given to the local artists.

He said various other programmes including wrestling, boat race, 'gahare baji' and 'malkhamb' have also been organised.

A handicraft fair, known as Gandhi Shilp bazar, has also been organised on the occasion, in which artisans from 25 states would establish stalls and exhibit their products, Mr Chandra informed.

The prestigious Ganga Mahotasava takes people closer to our heritage, culture and to the essence of traditional festivities.

Adequate security arrangements have also been made during the period of Mahotasava, he added.

To avoid any untoward incident Ganga has been divided in two lanes. The Divisional Commissoner said besides police, water police and divers would be deployed near the river.

The programme is free for all. A large number of foreign tourists were also expected to participate in the event.

UNI JL JAS RSA HT1952