A vibrant three-day cultural festival celebrating Madhya Pradesh’s heritage and the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, and Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Vice President, marked their presence on the inaugural day.
The majestic Red Fort in New Delhi came alive on Saturday evening with the grand inauguration of the three-day cultural celebration “Vikramotsav 2025.” The festival, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, aims to honor the glorious legacy of Emperor Vikramaditya while showcasing the rich heritage, tourism potential, arts, and crafts of Madhya Pradesh on a national and global platform. The event will run until 14 April 2025.
The inaugural day witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the Hon’ble Vice President.
Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, shared that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Vikramotsav 2025 is showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s vibrant traditions and tourism potential on a national platform. This initiative not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Emperor Vikramaditya but also brings global recognition to Madhya Pradesh’s arts, crafts, and tourism.
The festival features a captivating array of attractions, including the display of Madhya Pradesh’s traditional arts and crafts. Intricate Chanderi cotton silk saree embroidery, colorful Gond paintings depicting folklore, natural Bagh print sarees, and royal zari-zardozi craftsmanship are attracting significant attention. Additionally, visitors are mesmerized by Khajur leaf art, terracotta creations, Oraon tribal papier-mâché art, and the beautiful blend of Mandana art, nature, and tradition. Decorative items adorned with Kharad craftsmanship and exquisite Mrignayanee products are also garnering praise from attendees.
The food stalls at the festival are a major highlight, offering an authentic taste of Madhya Pradesh’s delicious cuisine, which has been warmly embraced by visitors. Meanwhile, AR/VR technology and a holographic display of Baba Mahakal are creating an immersive experience, connecting visitors with historical narratives. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Pavilion has also set up exhibitions focused on tourism circuits, innovations, and investment opportunities in the state.
The grand theatrical production on Emperor Vikramaditya’s life was the central attraction of the event, brought to life by 125 performers and 50 supporting crew members. The production, featuring horses, chariots, palanquins, and camels, is enhanced by multi-stage setups and LED graphic special effects, making it even more impactful. Scholarly discussions and lectures are also being held under the “Vikram Shodh Peeth” initiative.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Dharmendra Lodhi, Minister, Madhya Pradesh, who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, participants, and attendees for making the celebration a resounding success.
Vikramotsav 2025 is serving as an outstanding platform for showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage and the immense tourism potential of the state to a national audience.
