Patna, Nov. 7: A grand Maithili celebration is knocking on the doors of the state capital. Chetna Samiti, an organisation of Maithili followers, will organise a three-day Vidyapati Smriti Parv Samaroh in the city from November 8.

Sources said the 58th edition of the festival would honour Maithili poet Vidyapati. Cultural events like song and poetry competitions will also be organised on the occasion.

Vivekanand Thakur, the secretary of Chetna Samiti, said: “It will be a grand celebration. We have included many programmes for the three-day celebrations. Participants would recite Maithili poems of Vidyapati and pay tribute to him. An exhibition of folk art and paintings will also be organised.

“Governor Devanand Konwar would inaugurate the fest at Engineers’ Club in Buddha Marg.”

Thakur also said: “A number of persons who have carved a niche for themselves by contributing to different aspects of Maithili art and culture would be felicitated on the opening day of the programme. Among them are Ramji Thakur for Sanskrit literature, Mohan Bharadwaj for Maithili literature, Kunal for Maithili theatre and Dulari Devi for Mithila folk art. Chetna Sevi Samman will be presented to Dharmanath Jha from Patna. Jha has been a member of the samiti for the past 33 years. The award will honour his contribution to Maithili culture.”

The secretary also said the art and culture of Mithila is very rich. “It is the responsibility of the people of Mithila to preserve their legacy. Maithili is a language that has its own script and grammar. It is a very rich language. India is known for its cultural heritage. Maithili culture has added much to its glory. It is our responsibility to keep the culture of Mithila alive.”

A number of delegates are scheduled to attend the event.

“Bihar Legislative Council speaker Tarakant Jha, former chief minister Jagannath Mishra and Bihar State Human Rights Commission chairman Sachhidanand Jha are some of the dignitaries who would be present at the inaugural day ceremony,” said Thakur.