Nagpur, India: Nagpur witnessed a spectacular start to the ninth year of the Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2024 on Friday, December 13. The cultural festival was inaugurated by Bollywood actress and Padma Shri awardee Kajol Devgan at the Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education grounds, Krida Chowk, Hanuman Nagar.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the visionary behind the event, emphasized the festival’s mission to blend cultural enrichment with societal progress. In his inaugural address, Gadkari said, “This festival is not just about entertainment. It is a platform for individuals to grow in confidence, creativity, and cultural understanding, fostering a successful and enriched community.”

Grand Inauguration with Distinguished Guests

The opening ceremony saw an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Sanskar Bharati President Kanchan Gadkari, Hyundai representatives Geolick Lee and Puneet Anand, Mahindra’s Abhijit Kalamb, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, former MP Datta Meghe, and local MLAs and leaders. Kajol was presented with a traditional Paithani saree by Nitin and Kanchan Gadkari, honoring her contribution to Indian cinema.

In his speech, Gadkari acknowledged Kajol’s illustrious family heritage, highlighting the contributions of her grandmother, actress Shobhna Samarth, and her husband, Ajay Devgn. He underlined the festival’s role in promoting traditional values and public awareness through the arts, while also nurturing emerging talent.

“The growth of a city isn’t complete without advancements in literature and culture alongside infrastructure like roads and transportation,” Gadkari remarked. “This festival is a treasure trove of creativity and an opportunity for artists to shine.”

Kajol’s Heartfelt Address

Dressed in a stunning golden-yellow ensemble, Kajol charmed the audience by beginning her speech in Marathi. She expressed her gratitude for the love and warmth shown by the people of Nagpur and praised Nitin Gadkari for creating a platform that uplifts thousands of artists. She also admired a rangoli portrait of herself crafted by artist Harshan Kaware, posing for pictures with the artwork.

Cultural Showcase by Sanskar Bharati

Following the inauguration, Sanskar Bharati Nagpur presented “Main Bharat Hoon,” a vibrant cultural performance featuring over 1,200 artists. The program celebrated India’s rich heritage, spanning the Vedic era to modern times, through devotional music, patriotic songs, classical and folk dances, and traditional dramatic presentations like powada and gondhal.

The performance, coordinated by Gajanan Ranade, Amar Kulkarni, and Anand Maste, dance was coordinated by Avanti Kate and Kunal Anandam, captivated the audience and set a high standard for the festival’s upcoming events.

A Platform for Creativity and Growth

The Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2024 continues to serve as a beacon for cultural excellence, providing a space for artists and audiences alike to celebrate India’s heritage while fostering creativity and community spirit.