Bodh Mahotsav in Gaya displays world culture

Gaya: The second day of the three-day Bodh Mahotsav at Bodh Gaya on Friday offered a striking contrast, blending international cultural performances and Buddhist discourse with allegations of a boycott by a section of local civic representatives.At the Kalchakra ground, artists from Laos and Sri Lanka, followed by Bollywood playback singer Roop Kumar Rathore, enthralled the audience during the evening cultural programme. The event also featured Kathak by Ravi Prakash, classical vocal recitals by Pandit Uday Kumar Mallick and artistes of the Darbhanga gharana, Bharatanatyam by Divyanshi, and performances reflecting the cultural traditions of the Mithila region.Earlier in the day, the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) organised an international seminar titled ‘Awakening Humanity: The timeless relevance of the Buddha’s enlightenment’ at the meditation park within the Unesco world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara premises.Even as the festival drew visitors, a section of ward councillors of the Bodh Gaya Nagar Parishad alleged neglect and announced a boycott of the event. Ward no. 29 councillor Suman Kumari claimed that a majority of the 33-member municipal body stayed away. “Unlike previous years, we were issued ordinary cards instead of VIP cards. Our position was downgraded,” she said, alleging that police personnel at the entrance ill treated elected representatives and that she was asked to “get lost”.She added that the municipal body spends crores of rupees on cleanliness and amenities during the festival, yet its representatives were treated “in an undemocratic manner”.Gaya DM Shashank Shubhankar said he was unaware of any boycott. Nagar Parishad chief Lalita Devi was unavailable for comment.Hotel Association president Jai Singh also criticised the organisers, saying stakeholders were sidelined. “Everything is being done in a whimsical manner. I will register a complaint with CM Nitish Kumar,” he said.