Patna, Nov. 17: Known faces from Bollywood and famous folk artistes from the state are set to add glitz to the Rajgir Mahotsav being planned by the tourism department next month.

From Alka Yagnik to ghazal duo Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonali Rathod, the department has managed to invite a range of artistes for the three-day-long fest starting December 27.

Visitors to the mahotsav would, however, be deprived of the melodious voices of Lata Mangeshkar and her sister Asha Bhonsle, who could not accept the invite because of medical and technical reasons.

Visitors would be able to enjoy adventure tourism and trekking activities too during the annual festival at Rajgir, around 110km south-east of Patna.

State tourism department minister Sunil Kumar “Pintu” told The Telegraph: “According to the confirmations received by our department, Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonali Rathod would be performing on the first day.”

He added: “They would perform in the evening after the inauguration ceremony in the presence of chief minister Nitish Kumar. An Odissi dance performance by Prince Dance Group (winners of India’s Got Talent first season) has also been planned on the inaugural day. Alka Yagnik will perform on the second day. The third and concluding day would be reserved for performances by folk artistes from the state.”

Pintu added that Lata Mangeshkar was keen to come to Bihar for the mahotsav. “I had spoken to Lataji and she was very eager to meet Nitishji during the mahotsav. However, her doctor has restricted her from travelling for more than two hours a day since her health condition does not permit over exertion.”

He added: “Lataji told me that she was interested in coming to Patna after February or March next year. If not for a performance, she would at least attend some events here. We are thus working to organise a big event and invite her to attend the ceremony when she is fully fit,” said Pintu.

The tourism department was also in talks with Asha Bhonsle but that too did not materialise. According to sources, the tourism department could not meet the fees demanded by Asha Bhonsle for her performance.

The sources said she had also asked for a helicopter ride from the state capital to Rajgir, which the tourism department flatly rejected without any negotiation.

Apart from performances of renowned artistes during the musical evenings, traditional melas, tonga race, games and cultural shows would be organised during the daytime.

Moreover, arrangements will also be made for those willing to try their hands at adventure sport like rock climbing, parasailing and paragliding at the hills of Rajgir.

The tourism department would charge a nominal amount from the revellers for the various adventure sports.

Tourism department officials said Pacific Asia Travel Association is in talks with the department to organise “mahotsav packages” for tourists from Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Japan and others.