Nagpur: The Ramtek Cultural Festival began with grandeur on Wednesday, January 22, with the staging of the mega play ‘Jai Shri Ram-Ramayana’. Written, produced, and directed by renowned actor Puneet Issar, the play captivated the audience and marked the inauguration of the festival in the temple town of Ramtek. Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal officially inaugurated the event, emphasizing its role in preserving and promoting Ramtek’s rich cultural heritage.
In his inaugural address, Adv. Jaiswal highlighted the festival’s potential to enhance tourism opportunities in Ramtek. “Ramtek Cultural Festival will not only showcase the region’s cultural heritage but also create avenues to attract tourists,” he said. The festival was initiated last year by then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to bring the cultural and historical significance of Ramtek to the forefront.
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Tuesday 21 Jan. 2025
The event saw the presence of prominent dignitaries, including former MLA Anand Deshmukh, SDO Ramtek Priyesh Mahajan, Deputy Director of Tourism Prashant Savai, DIO Vinod Rapatwar, Tehsildar Ramesh Kolpe, and CO Nitin Lunge.
Adv. Jaiswal further underlined Ramtek’s immense tourism potential, citing its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Key attractions such as the 400-year-old Ram Mandir, the 1,200-year-old Kapur Bawadi, the Pench Tiger Project, and the serene lakes of the region make Ramtek a unique destination. He assured the gathering of his commitment to the holistic development of the town.
Enthralling performance of Ramayana
The highlight of the evening was the breathtaking performance of ‘Jai Shri Ram-Ramayana’. The play featured 13 original songs, intricate set designs, live background music, LED visuals, Kathak dance performances, and gripping action scenes. Puneet Issar took on the role of Ravana, while Siddhant Issar portrayed Ram and Vindu Dara Singh played Hanuman, leaving the audience spellbound.
Devotional Bhajans by Shehnaz Akhtar
Adding to the spiritual ambiance, renowned bhajan singer Shehnaz Akhtar performed devotional songs, including ‘Ram Aayenge’, ‘Mangal Bhavan Amangal’, and ‘Ujjain Mein Har Rang Ke Diwane’. Her soulful renditions commemorated the one-year anniversary of the installation of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Reflecting on her connection with Ramtek, Shehnaz shared that she has been visiting the town since childhood and credits Lord Ram’s blessings for her success in music.
The Ramtek Cultural Festival promises to be a celebration of heritage, devotion, and artistry, leaving an indelible mark on its audience while boosting the town’s cultural and tourism landscape.
