Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi announces global celebration of Ramayan Utsav next year

Ramayan Utsav: In an announcement that has created waves of excitement, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi declared that the upcoming year will be celebrated as Ramayan Utsav across the globe. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the seventh edition of the India International Ramayan Mela at Purana Qila in the national capital.

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Diverse Cultural Extravaganza at Ramayan Mela

During a conversation with reporters, Minister Lekhi highlighted the rich offerings of the festival, stating, "There are a lot of new things to see and learn in this festival. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has made a very good curation. There are performances and exhibitions from 7 countries."

She emphasized the global connection fostered by the Ramayan, stating, "Ramayan connects all the people in this region. Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, etc., are the countries which are connected with India. These countries are not only geographically or historically connected but also culturally."

Cultural Activities Across Ramayan Sites

Minister Lekhi also announced that cultural activities would unfold at various places associated with the Ramayana, including Sitamarhi in Bihar, Hampi in Karnataka, and Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

Expressing her delight after inaugurating the Ramayan Mela, Lekhi said, "The mela celebrates the vibrant cultural expressions of Ramayana traditions and is an amalgamation of art, dance, and history influenced by the Indian epic across the world."

Engaging Workshops and Spectacular Performances

Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi took to her X (previously twitter) and wrote, "Engage in painting, pottery, and yoga workshops from 11.00 AM till 5.00 PM from January 18 to January 21, 2024 at Purana Qila, New Delhi. Today from 5 PM onwards, be a part of two spectacular cultural performances- (i) "Ram Ki Shakti Puja" – a mesmerizing Ramayana Dance Drama led by Vyomesh Shukla from India. (ii) "Phra-Lak Phra-Lam" – a captivating Ramayana performance by the Luang Prabang Royal Ballet Theatre group from Lao PDR."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Preside Over Ceremonial Installation

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to preside over the ceremonial installation of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. The special 11-day 'anushthan' (ritual) ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple was announced by PM Modi earlier this month. The nation eagerly awaits this much-anticipated event, marking a significant moment in India's cultural and religious landscape.

Also Read: PM Modi Unveils Commemorative Stamps Celebrating Ram Temple in Ayodhya

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