The marble rocks of Bhedaghat echoed with devotional songs and music as the 23rd Narmada Mahotsav started on Saturday. The two-day festival opened with the worship of Maa Narmada on the occasion of Sharad Purnima. The first evening brought together music, devotion and local culture. Folk singer Sunil Lodhi and noted singer Jaspinder Narula were the main attractions of the cultural programme. Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Dharmendra Singh Lodhi was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said the Narmada Mahotsav is an important part of India’s religious and cultural traditions.

 

He said the State Government is working to promote Madhya Pradesh as a leading tourist destination. Efforts are also being made to develop tourism in Jabalpur and nearby areas. A number of senior public representatives also addressed a huge gathering on the occasion. They said the festival brought together faith, culture and spirituality. They said the event has helped Bhedaghat gain recognition across the country. BJP leaders said the festival has built a special place for itself over the past 23 years and attracted visitors from different cities and states. The cultural programme started with a classical dance performance by Samriddhi Iyer of Jabalpur. She presented a Durga Stuti.

 

This was followed by the Bundeli folk dance Badhai-Norta, presented by Sagar-based artist Dipesh Pandey. Sunil Lodhi then won the audience with his devotional songs. Carrying a tambura, he began with a prayer to Lord Ganesh. He went on to sing popular bhajans dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram and Maa Narmada. His Bundeli devotional songs drew loud applause and many people were seen clapping and dancing to the music. The first evening ended with a performance by Mumbai-based singer Dr Jaspinder Narula, who has been honoured with the Padma Shri. She began her performance with the bhajan, “Prabhu ji daya karo, man mein aan baso.”