Vidisha : It is an effort of State Government to recall the historical prosperity of Vidisha by organising cultural programmes. Cultural programmes will be organised every year in Vidisha through Betwa festival. These views were expressed by Culture and Public Relations Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma while inaugurating a three day Betwa festival at Vidisha today.Shri Sharma said that Vidisha is a historical and archaeological and cultural city. History cites that Betwa was called Vetravati in ancient time. Interestingly, cultural programmes are being held in Vidisha from ancient time. It was Samrat Ashoka who had started his proselytizing mission of Buddhism and culture from Vidisha to Sri Lanka. The State Government will orgaqnise Madhya Pradesh festival in Sri Lanka for the publicity of Madhya Pradesh’s culture.
The Culture Minister informed that the efforts are being made to conserve culture of Madhya Pradesh and protect artists. The Madhya Pradesh is being appreciated for its efforts for the development of culture. It is Madhya Pradesh where maximum cultural programmes are being organised in the country.
Shri Sharma instructed the Culture department to organsie Betwa festival every year on Kartik Purnima.
The festival began with the Akhada dance of Bundelkhand and Chhau dance of Purulia dance of West Bengal and Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan. Then, Bollywood playback singer Nitin Mukesh enthralled the audience with his melody voice.
On this occasion, Zila Panchayat President Smt. Sunita Sonkar, Director Culture Department Shri Shriam Tiwari, eminent persons and citizens were present.