The 99th Bihar Divas celebrations at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Telegraph picture

Patna, Sept. 14: The art, culture and sports department would organise a three- day cultural fest at Allahabad from September 16 to 18 as a part of Bihar Divas celebrations.

The cultural extravaganza would feature a series of performances, including folk songs and dances of Bihar. Speaking to the media, art, culture and sports department minister Sukhda Pandey said: “As part of Bihar centenary year celebrations, a cultural troupe comprising leading artists from Bihar will depart from Patna on September 15.”

The 15-member troupe, while passing through Ara, Buxar, Ballia, Gazipur and Varanasi will reach Allahabad on September 16.

The troupe on its way would also perform at various places showcasing the rich cultural tradition of the state. Some of the troupe members include Ram Prakash Mishra (thumri), Shamit Mallick (dhrupad), Kumod Diwan (thumri), Puniata Sharma (kathak) and Nitu Kumari (folk dance).

Uttar Pradesh Governor B.L. Joshi will formally inaugurate the cultural carnival on September 16. Subash Pandey, the UP culture minister would be present.

Pandey will preside over the function.

The function would be held at Allahabad Shilp Haat, in which food and arts, too, would be showcased.

Pandey said: “Bihar has a very rich tradition of cuisine but it has not been popularised. The fest will try to popularise the food of the state.”

Earlier on August 30, the HRD department had organised a musical night by the famous Wadali brothers at SK Memorial Hall to mark the beginning of the state’s centenary year.

Moreover, with the centenary year celebrations kicking off, the state HRD department has formed committees consisting of experts for various programmes that would be organised. The committee will decide on the ways and steps to make the Bihar Divas celebrations a huge success.

This year, Bihar Divas celebrations will be grander than the previous years as the glorious history of the state, its cultural and historical heritage, traditions and success would be highlighted, besides the achievement of the state in recent times.