Kajol to inaugurate 9th Edition of Khasdar cult festival on Dec 13

Nagpur: The much-anticipated Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2024 is all set to dazzle Nagpur from December 13 to 22 with spectacular cultural events. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who conceptualised the festival in 2017, shared details of this year's grand edition. "This is not just a festival; it is a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage," he said.The 9th edition promises performances by local, national, and international artists, ensuring a cultural feast for Nagpur residents. The festival will be held at Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education Grounds, Hanuman Nagar.The inaugural ceremony is scheduled on December 13 at 6.30pm, featuring celebrated actress Kajol, who is six-time Filmfare Award winner and Padma Shri awardee. Following the inauguration, Sanskar Bharati Nagpur will present ‘Mai Bharat Hoon', a theatrical, musical, and dance-based ode to India's cultural and folk traditions, performed by Vidarbha artists. "More than 1,100 artists will be on stage for this performance. All artists, musicians, and dancers are from Vidarbha. This is our effort to give a big stage to local artists," said Gadkari.Renowned poet and orator Kumar Vishwas will deliver a thought-provoking three-day storytelling series ‘Apne Apne Ram' from December 14 to 16. This programme, blending mythological and philosophical themes, is highly acclaimed across India and abroad.On December 17, a grand celebration of the Aashadi Wari tradition titled ‘Abhangwari' will feature 2,000 artists presenting a vibrant blend of devotional music and dance. Many artists from Nagpur will also be on stage.On December 18, ‘Abhijaat Marathi' will pay tribute to Maharashtra's literary and cultural icons, featuring prominent artists of the Marathi stage, movies, and television.Four back-to-back live concerts will enthral music enthusiasts from December 19 to 22. This year, attendees can obtain free passes via a QR code system, ensuring seamless access. The organising committee, led by Anil Sole, has invited all Nagpurians to participate wholeheartedly.Each morning from 7 to 8.30am, the festival will host collective recitals of sacred scriptures, including Hanuman Chalisa, Ramraksha Stotra, Rudra Path, and Sundarkand, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.Programme ScheduleDec 13: Inauguration by Kajol; ‘Mai Bharat Hoon' by Sanskar Bharathi NagpurDec 14-16: ‘Apne Apne Ram' by Dr Kumar VishvasDec 17: ‘Abhangwari' by 2,000 Warkari ArtistsDec 18: ‘Abhijaat Marathi' – Marathi Cultural NightDec 19: Instrumental Fusion ConcertDec 20: Sanam Band LiveDec 21: Udit Narayan LiveDec 22: Vishal Mishra Live