'Spirituality' to be theme of performances

Spirituality would be the theme of the performances of national and international art forms at the ‘Sirpur International Dance and Music Festival 2016’ to be held in the ancient Buddhist archaeological site of Sirpur in Mahasamund district in January next year, officials stated.The programme to be held every day during the festival shall have at least two to three national and international art forms and at least one Chhattisgarh art form performance.

The programme duration shall be of three hours or more every day. Notably, Chhattisgarh’s ancient archaeological site of Sirpur has been now included in the three Buddhist Circuits identified by the Union Ministry of Tourism in the country.The circuits would be developed by the Central Government in partnership with the respective State Governments and private stakeholders. 

The ancient archaeological site of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh had been included in Circuit 3 titled ‘Buddhist Heritage Trails (State Circuits)’, officials stated.

Notably, it may be recalled that on February 19 this year, Chief Minister Raman Singh had announced that a 'Special Area Development Authority' will be constituted for development of ancient Buddhist Archaeological site of Sirpur in Mahasamund district.

About 35 villages around Sirpur would be included in the Authority which will be constituted under Section 64 of the Urban and Rural Investment  Act 1973. The  decision was taken in the meeting of State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Raman Singh. After the meeting, the Chief Minister had informed that planned and systematic development of these 35 villages including Sirpur will be done. This will benefit about 9144 hectares area and 22000 people. This will also help in rapid development of all facilities in the area. 

Singh said that the government intends to develop Sirpur and the villages in its periphery. Therefore, it was decided to constitute the Special Area Development Authority. He further said that the Government is trying to get World Heritage status for Sirpur and a new identity for it in the international tourism map. Once the Authority is constituted, it will push the development of tourist facilities in the area. 

The officials said that Sirpur has 1500 years old history. It was considered as the ancient capital of South Koshal and was called at Shreepur. It enjoyed the reputation as confluence of cultures of Buddhism, Vaishnav, Shaiv and Jainism.