: Mumbai, February

The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) which showcased various facets of India’s rich culture and tradition for the last nine days in the heart of Mumbai, at Azad Maidan, came to a close today, with yet another heart-touching performance by Nitin Mukesh. Through a soul-touching concert, he paid homage to his father, the legendary singer Mukesh who would have turned 100 this year!

In today’s closing ceremony of this annual cultural programme, the Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Shri Rahul Narwekar was present as the Chief Guest. The Mahotsav was inaugurated by the then Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, at Azad Maidan on Fenruary 11, 2023.

About 350 folk and tribal artists from all over India along with about 300 local folk artists, some transgender and differently abled artists, renowned classical artists as well as famous star artists entertained and inspired the audience with their enthralling performances over the last nine days. In addition to the artists, about 150 craftsmen from all the states of India and from all the seven zonal cultural centers of the Union Ministry of Culture were invited for their art and craft sale-cum-exhibition under Angan, for which about 70 stalls were made available. Also, 25 stalls were set up for the Maharashtra State Handloom department and startups.

The Central Bureau of Communication of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had also put up a stall at the venue of RSM, on the theme of forgotten and lesser known heroes of freedom struggle.

A food court was established at the venue ground in which, about 37 stalls offering food varieties from all over India, local food stalls as well as millet food were made available for the common public.

The colourful inauguration ceremony was presided over by Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Govt. of India G. Kishan Reddy. Minister of Cultural affairs, Forest and Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra Sudhir Mungantiwar and Minister of Tourism, Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Women & Child development, Govt. of Maharashtra Mangal Prabhat Lodha were the guests of honour present for the inaugural function. Shri Koshyari had exhorted all Mumbaikars and people from other parts of the state and the country to visit the Mahotsav in large numbers and get a rich taste of the rich craft, art, cuisine and other aspects of our culture. Union Culture Minister had said that the Mahotsav will transmit our rich culture from one generation to other, and rekindle admiration and love towards our indigenous culture and art, among our people. Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri. Kapil Moreshwar Patil and Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi has also visited the Mahotsav this week.

Every evening at the Mahotsav was lined up with performances by artists from across India who showcase classical, folk, contemporary art forms and beyond.

In the inaugural function, classical kathak performances by Tejaswini Sathe and her troupe had enthralled the audiences. Celebrity singer Mohit Chauhan had presented a melodious rendition of several songs in his performance titled ‘Tumse Hi, 25 Saal Ka Surila Safar’ (A musical journey of 25 years).

The Nagaland Conservatory of Music Choir, conducted by Lipokmar Tzudir, enthralled the audiences on the second day of the Mahotsav with a beautiful series of western and folk music.

A musical tribute to the legendary R.D. Burman, performed by Raj Sodha, Kishor Sodha, and Siddharth Entertainers was also a highlight of the festival. The audiences enjoyed to the hilt the heart-capturing performances of Indian classical and iconic Bollywood music.

Yet on another day of the festival, renowned singer Anand Bhate had entertained the audiences with a rendition of melodious songs. He had perform Marathi Abhangas, which are a unique blend of classical and devotional music. With his powerful voice and mesmerizing stage presence, Anand Bhate left a lasting impression on the audience.

Legendary Annu Kapoor, with his soulful voice and innovative style,had brought alive the essence of Indian folk and cinematic music on a day of the Mahotsav.

A Bharatanatyam performance by Sheejith Krishna and team of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, was much appreciated by the lovers of classical dance.

Renowned musician, composer and author Dr. Saleel Kulkarni also had been on the stage of the RSM 2023 for the programme "माझे जगणे होते गाणे, which translates to ‘My Life Was a Song.'

 

The nine-day Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2023 had been organized by the Union Culture Ministry  to promote National Unity and Integrity through cultural exchange. This colourful cultural fest upheld the enduring message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, which signifies that despite the numerous diversities in language and cultural expressions, India is united and one. All the seven zonal Cultural Centres and academies under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, participated in this event. The event was being conducted in co-operation with Ministry of Culture, Govt. of Maharashtra.

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Dheep/Sriyanka/Parshuram

 

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