'International Ramayan Mela' in MP

NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh government is organising a first of its kind 'International Ramayan Mela 2008' in three cities of the state, which will see artistes from various countries bringing their own narration of the epic.

The festival will witness participation of cultural troupes from countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Laos.

The state's Minister for Culture and Public Relations, Lakshmikant Sharma, told reporters here on Tuesday that the festival is being organised by the Culture Directorate of the government.

"The basic idea behind organising the festival is to highlight the cultural richness of the country. Moreover, for the first time, international troupes will be participating in such a festival in the state," Sharma said.

The festival would run simultaneously in the cities of Bhopal, Ujjain and Gwalior.

In Bhopal, it will start from June 6 and go on till June 14. In Ujjain it will be held between June 7 and June 15, while in Gwalior it will run between June 9 and June 17.
The festival will be inaugurated in Bhopal on June 6 by

BJP President Rajnath Singh. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will also be present along with Sharma.

Sharma said Indian troupes would also participate in the festival.

"Various national and international troupes will stage Ramayan in their own unique style and narration," he added.