The festivities had all the offerings of a traditional wedding. The ceremonies commenced on March 02, by inviting guests to be a part of a shringar – which involved seeking professional help for dressing up in traditional finery and display various kinds of hair-styling (judas). In the evening, the Shiva Baraat (procession) proceeded from the hotel to the Western Temple Festival Grounds. At mid night the guests enjoyed a Flute Recital by G.S. Rajan.
The welcome of the baraat paved the way for an interactive dance drama created under the aegis of The Lalit Arts Festival – Shiv-Vivaha, based on the Parvati Mangal of Tulsidas. The show was conceptualized by famous danseuse Sharon Lowen & Punchan Bhuyan. The presentation showcased coming together of the mundane and celestial, erotic and divine – all the elements that Shivratri represents.
On this auspicious occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group said, “The ethos of our group is not only to promote our hotels but the destination in itself – the annual Lalit Arts Festival is certainly, a step in that direction. Shivratri is celebrated as one of the most important festivals of Khajuraho, so our efforts have been aimed at re-energizing a festival that has lost its charm.”
Elaborating on the special Shiv-Vivaha presentation, Dr. Suri said, “We have created this presentation by keeping alive the art & culture of the city and by incorporating local elements to it. The whole of Khajuraho is our guest in celebrating this festival with us.”
“Shiva the creator is also Shiva the destroyer” – The dance drama is an embodiment of the circle of life. The “Shiva Vivaha” was open to all the local people of Khajuraho and the nearby towns and over 10000 people including the local inmates, tourists, important dignitaries participated in this celestial evening.
On the second day of The Lalit Arts Festival, Molly Kaushal – Professor at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the arts enlightened the guests about tradition of Shiv Vivaha. A special creative art workshop on pottery & painting was organized for the guests. The guests were taken to the exciting excursion to Pannna National Park. The evening was unfolded with a fascinating multi-media sound and light Show – Khajur Vahika, the story of Khajuraho, followed by a mesmerizing percussionist performance.
On the last day of The Lalit Art Festival the guests were taken for a visit to unforgettable Raneh Falls and later joined for the creative workshop – Pottery & Painting.
Designed as an annual feature, The Lalit Arts Festival is hosted in synergy with the Group’s vision of a holistic presentation of the destination it operates in.
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group has been creating unique events in the destinations its present:-
- In Goa, the Group organized India’s first ever Beach Polo under the aegis of The Lalit’s – ‘Festival of Canacona’. The event saw a special football match for children and an exhibition football match with Churchill Bros. “The ‘Festival of Canacona” culminated from the Palolem Beach in Goa had an exotic local flavour in the form of folk dancing and singing.
- The initiative of organizing a polo match in Drass which happens to be the second most coldest inhabited place on earth and the caddy golf tournament in Srinagar, speaks of the Groups vision in creating long lasting partnerships with the destination
- The Lalit Utsav at The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal , through this Utsav the group showcase the beautiful locale of Bekal – an untapped destination and make the locals experience the life of different cities as well.
- At Khajuraho, The Lalit has created its Lalit Arts Festival, for the past 3 years aimed to promote local participation, by highlighting art & culture of the city.