Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda officially started the two-day Kalidas Prasanga festival on Thursday at Kushabhau Thackeray Auditorium in Mandsaur. MP Sudhir Gupta, MLA Vipin Jain, Municipal Council president Ramadevi Banshilal Gurjar and other leaders joined the opening ceremony.
The festival has been running for 11 years with support from Kalidas Academy Ujjain, Culture Department and district administration. The event will continue on June 26 and 27, featuring exhibitions based on poet Kalidas's works.
Deputy CM Devda said Kalidas has deep connections with Mandsaur and Ujjain. "This cultural event helps people learn about Indian traditions. The government will work to keep Kalidas's memory alive," he said.
MP Sudhir Gupta suggested installing statues from Kalidas's famous works like Abhigyan Shakuntalam and Meghdoot in Pashupatinath Corridor. He said Kalidas described Dashpur (old name of Mandsaur) in his poems, proving the poet belonged to this area.
The ceremony included special prayers at Pashupatinath Temple, where priests performed Kalash Pujan. Students presented Saraswati Vandana and chanted Vedic mantras. Winners of competitions received prizes from the leaders.
A beautiful rangoli based on Kalidas's Meghduttam was made at the auditorium entrance, which guests appreciated.
