Bokaro, March 21: The state government will host Bhairav Mahotsav from Saturday in Chandankyari in a bid to put the under-developed block in Bokaro district on the tourism map by telling the world about its magnificent ancient temples dating between 4th and 14th century AD.
Chief minister Raghubar Das is slated to inaugurate the three-day fest near Bhairav Sthan temple in Chandankyari, around 28km from Bokaro city, on Saturday at 3.30pm.
A team of district officials, including Bokaro deputy commissioner R.M. Ray and SP Y.S. Ramesh, escorted Chandankyari MLA and state art, culture, sports and youth affairs minister Amar Kumar Bauri, to recce last-minute preparations today.
The festival, for which the state government is spending Rs 2.15 crore, will not only celebrate the art, craft and culture of Jharkhand, but also be an amalgamation of different traditions from other states too. While Prince Group of Odisha will present a dance show Vande Mataram, a Bengal troupe will perform folk songs and a dance drama. Singers from Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra will showcase traditions.
Adding some Bollywood glamour to the proceedings, playback singers Kumar Sanu and Kailash Kher will also perform at the festival. Sanu performed at the Konar Mahotsav in Hazaribagh on March 19 while Kher is Jharkhand tourism's first choice to sing its tourism jingle.
Massive pandals have also been put up for an art and craft exhibition and a Vikas Mela.
Bauri, as tourism minister, was enthusiastic that the three-day function would help Chandankyari develop into a religious-cum-tourist spot in Jharkhand. "The place can flaunt its rich heritage and ancient terracotta temples, one of which was discovered as recently as on Saturday," said the minister.
After visiting the spot, Bokaro DC Ray said all necessary arrangements, including security were in place. "This is for the first time that many nationally-acclaimed artistes are coming to Chandankyari. We are expecting a big turnout. We have left no stone unturned to make this programme a success," Ray told The Telegraph.
The DC added chief minister would reach Chandankyari on Saturday at 3pm.
"A special helipad has been made for his chopper near the mahotsav site," he said.
