Amidst the preparations of Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya, the national Capital is hosting three days festival showcasing the cultural, historic and intellectual relevance of the birthplace of Lord Rama.  The festival is beginning February 28 at sprawling IGNCA campus at Dr Rajendra Prasad Road.

The 3-day festival will bring together many facets of the place believed to be the birthplace and capital of Lord Ram, including food, music, art, folk dance to documentary representing the heritage sites and socio-cultural life of Ayodhya.

The festival will be inaugurated by HH Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj, Chairman of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, eminent Ramayana scholar Vijay Kaushal Maharaj, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani and Dattatreya Hosabale, Sah-Sarakaryavaah of the Rashtriya SwayamsewakSangh (RSS) along with  Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA. 

The festival will also be graced by a host of union ministers and eminent personalities from the filed of politics, art, culture and literature over the 3 days, including Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad,  Dharmendra Pradhan, and former union ministers Dr. Sanjay Paswan, Manoj Sinha.

“Ayodhya plays a pivotal role in the religious, spiritual and cultural history of India not just because it’s the birthplace of Lord Rama but also because of its rich past which saw many legendary Kings of Ikshvaku dynasty of which Lord Ram was one of the descendants, as well as for being the place which was the abode for many great sages of our country. Through this festival we wish to present a glimpse of that Grand Ayodhya to the people and highlight its role and relevance in the evolution of Indian civilization,” said Lallu Singh, Member of Parliament from Ayodhya and also the key force behind this initiative.  

He added, “ if one wants to know more about India then one should first know the culture of Ayodhya as it is an integral part in the cultural, intellectual history of our country. Through the representation of food, music and art of the town, we want to make a lasting impression in people’s mind, which is much beyond the political, or religious issues Ayodhya was once associated with.

The festival will host Sita Rasoi, the representation of a site at the Ram Janma Bhoomi complex believed to be the kitchen used by Goddess Sita.

The Sita Rasoi will offer various authentic food belonging to the region and the city of Ayodhya along with a series of performances from noted artists including that of folk and classical singer Malini Awasthi, Kathak Dancer Anu Sinha and presentations from Awadhi folk dancers and singers.