The indefinite strike by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Employees' Association members could put Prakash Utsav celebrations in jeopardy. The Sikh fest is scheduled to begin on December 30.

The agitation is causing daily losses of more than Rs 10 lakh. An association member claimed that if issues are not resolved, the strike could affect Prakash Utsav as the corporation will not be able to cater to the needs of lakhs of visitors expected to throng the state during the 10-day fest.

Ajay Kumar, the association spokesperson, said: "Various services offered by the corporation have been severely hit owing to the strike causing loss of more than Rs 10 lakh daily."

The association today claimed that the ongoing strike will deal a blow to Prakash Utsav Celebrations scheduled from December 30 to January 8, 2017.

"Who will pick up the guests from the airport to the hotels and tents and who will guide them? Who will offer services at different tent cities coming up? From where will the government bring people to do all this?" said an agitating employee.

However, there has been no communication from the government's side today after talks were held yesterday to diffuse the crisis. "We held three rounds of talks on Thursday. Till now, no communication has been made from the government to end the deadlock," Ajay said. He added: "We are ready for further talks but the onus is on the state. We will not end our strike on meagre assurances but we want a lasting solution to this imbroglio. We are even ready to go to jail."

Tourism minister Anita Devi said: "We held a few rounds of talks with the agitating employees and we hope that the matter will be sorted out amicably soon."

On whether the strike will affect the upcoming Prakash Utsav, the minister said: "The strike is likely have an effect on the Prakash Utsav celebrations."