MP News: Will Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Pathey project get new momentum? Will Vikramaditya Academy become a big center of cultural research? Will religious tourism change the economy of the state? After all, what is special in Kala Panchang?
Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav held a review meeting of the Culture Department on June 15. During this, he inaugurated the ‘Art Almanac’ prepared for the financial year 2026-27. This Panchang contains a detailed calendar of art, literature and cultural activities to be organized throughout the year, which will now be implemented in the prescribed sequence.
The Chief Minister said that many big religious festivals, cultural festivals and fairs will be organized in the coming six to seven months. These events are a symbol of our traditions, religious beliefs and gratitude towards nature. He directed that the Culture Department should organize programs on a large scale, connecting the cultural traditions of all societies and communities.
Cultural Festivals MP: Special events on Shravan Mahotsav, Bhujariya and Alha-Udal
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that special programs should be organized in memory of Alha-Udal, a symbol of bravery and folk tradition. Besides, Shravan Mahotsav and Bhujariya festival should also be celebrated widely. He directed to organize programs giving the message of biodiversity conservation and protection of snake species on the occasion of Nag Panchami. The Chief Minister said that such events should be organized which preserve art and culture and the government’s public welfare messages also reach the society effectively.
MP Heritage Conservation: Emphasis on conservation of art, culture and archaeological heritage
The Chief Minister said that the art, culture, traditions and archaeological heritage of Madhya Pradesh are invaluable assets of the state. It is the responsibility of all of us to conserve and promote them. He instructed the officials that planned efforts should be made to establish the cultural identity of the state at the national and international level. He said that the government is continuously working for cultural development and is moving forward taking the society along.
Department Restructuring: Instructions for restructuring of Culture Department
The Chief Minister said that the scope of religious and cultural activities in the state will increase further in future. Therefore, the internal structure of the Culture Department should be strengthened and the expertise of the department should be better coordinated.
He also gave instructions to expand departmental activities in accordance with modern needs and demands of the time. The Chief Minister said that the departments of Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments and Cottage and Village Industries should work together so that religious and spiritual tourism can get a new momentum.
Religious Tourism MP: Artisans and handicrafts will benefit from religious tourism
The Chief Minister said that with the expansion of religious tourism, the handicraft products, craft items, room decor materials and embroideries prepared by the artisans of the state will also get wide recognition. This will benefit both the local economy and traditional art.
Vikramaditya Academy: A separate academy will be built in the name of Emperor Vikramaditya.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that a separate academy should be formed in the name of Emperor Veer Vikramaditya. Through this academy, extensive research and other activities will be conducted on his life, history and contributions.
CM Teerth Darshan Yojana: Major religious places of the state will get benefits
The Chief Minister said that under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, along with the major temples and pilgrimage sites located outside the state, both the Jyotirlingas, living and desired Shakti Peethas and other important religious places within Madhya Pradesh should also be included.
Ram Van Gaman Path: Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Pathey project will get momentum
While reviewing the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Pathey projects, the Chief Minister directed the officials to speed up the construction works. He said that both these projects are very important for religious faith as well as tourism and cultural development of the state. Their timely completion will give a new direction to religious tourism and will strengthen the identity of the state.
Youth and Culture: Emphasis on connecting the new generation with cultural heritage
The Chief Minister stressed the need to increase participation of the general public in cultural activities. He said that more and more people should be involved in the cultural programs organized in villages, towns and cities so that the young generation can understand their art, culture and heritage in a better way. While reviewing various schemes, conservation works and upcoming events of the department, he expressed the need for coordinated efforts to further strengthen the cultural identity of the state.
Jagdishpur Fort: Preparations to give national identity to Jagdishpur Fort
The Chief Minister took information about the historical fort located at Jagdishpur near Bhopal. He said that in order to make the history of this fort known across the country and to give it a new identity, a meeting of the State Cabinet will be organized here in future.
MP Artists Promotion: Artists of the state will get a new platform
The Chief Minister directed that information should be collected about singers, artists and other talents born in Madhya Pradesh or coming out of Madhya Pradesh who have made a name for themselves at the national and international level. They should be invited to give presentations in the state so that the art and cultural diversity of the state can get a new platform and identity in the country and the world. This will also strengthen the connection of artists with their birthplace.
Padma Awards Recommendation: Recommendation of artists for Padma Awards
The Chief Minister said that the Culture Department should also play an active role in the proposals to send the names of artists, social workers and environmentalists of the state to the Central Government for Padma Awards and send its recommendations. He also directed to prepare a permanent plan for financial assistance to Padma Award winners, so that if needed, they can be provided assistance from the government.
MP Cultural Projects: Construction work worth Rs 4160 crore in progress
In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Culture Shiv Shekhar Shukla told that currently 17 religious-cultural folk and 20 museums are being constructed in the state. He said that from the year 2023 till now, construction works worth about Rs 4160 crore are going on under the Culture Department. Many of these projects have been completed and will be inaugurated soon.
Mahakal Lok and Ram Raja Lok: Fast pace of work on major religious projects
Additional Chief Secretary informed that work worth Rs 160 crore is in progress under Shri Ram Van Gaman Path Project. The work of installing the idol in Shri Mahakal Lok is also going on. Lord Shri Ram Raja Lok in Orchha is being developed in a new form with six new themes. Besides, a permanent management system is being developed for the operation of all the Lokas of the state.
Higher Cultural Education: Music College and Drama School are getting strength
Necessary arrangements are being made for the smooth functioning of all the music colleges of the state and the International University for Buddhist Indian Knowledge Studies located at Sanchi. He informed that degree courses are being conducted in Madhya Pradesh Drama School. The growing reputation of the school can be gauged from the fact that officials of the National School of Drama (NSD) are also coming to study the facilities and courses available here.
Chitrakoot Development Project: Coordination of UP-Madhya Pradesh for Chitrakoot development
Additional Chief Secretary said that continuous coordination is being established with the Uttar Pradesh government for the overall development of Chitrakoot. With the cooperation of both the states, efforts are being made to give a new direction to the development of this religious and cultural area.