Virasat: A confluence of cultural versatility & traditional grandeur

Bhopal: The second Friday of December 2024 will be remembered for years as the day that celebrated richness of Madhya Pradesh in the most befitting and majestic manner. Aptly named Virasat, the event organised by MP govt's department of culture, marked one-year completion of CM Mohan Yadav's tenure. Organisers left no stone unturned to ensure that it served as a reminder to masses and classes about their rich inheritance, which is a matter of immense pride for all. The glitzy soiree organised at Ravindra Bhavan, was a medley of dance-drama, music and colourful interactions, attended by CM, several state ministers and important bureaucrats, including principal secretary culture and tourism, Sheo Shekhar Shukla and director culture NP Namdeo.The intensity of the programmes was such that the audience were transported to a dream world. The mere mundane was taken over by a celestial aura when ‘Mata Prithvi' was staged, replete with shlokas dedicated to mother earth. The entire cultural, natural and historic ambit of the state, the Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, Sanchi stupas and their tranquility were celebrated through dance and music. It was certainly a treat for the senses. Actor Randeep Hooda was invited as a special guest; and the hall reverberated with the sound of applause as the actor presented a digital Geeta to CM Yadav. Getting emotional, Hooda said, "I come from Kurukshetra, the land of Mahabharat and Geeta and my work place is Mumbai, but ever since I started visiting MP jungles and their amazing wildlife, I feel this state is my land of solace. I really want the wildlife here to thrive and would like to lend a helping hand in this arena."The audience got another treat when well-known singer Swasti Mehul arrived on stage and rendered bhajans like ‘Ram Ayenge', which saw the audience happily singing along. On this occasion, an exhibition was also organised on the stories of Bhagvat puran based on Lord Krishna.