Festival highlights Lord Ram's virtues, boosting Ayodhya tourism

Ayodhya has welcomed an increase in tourists and pilgrims, and filmmaker Chandra Prakash Dwivedi expressed his joy about this trend. He emphasized the importance of visiting temples but stressed that embracing the virtues of Lord Ram is even more significant. Dwivedi said that adopting the values of Lord Ram can lead to a better life. The Timeless Ayodhya Festival featured a variety of cultural events. Writer Vidya Vindu Shri mentioned that Lord Ram's teachings can be interpreted in many ways, showing their universal appeal. The event showcased spiritual music, poetry, and storytelling, celebrating India's rich heritage. The audience enjoyed performances from Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar, who delivered moving devotional music, and singer Vidya Shah, who led a concert filled with traditional ‘bhajans.’ Earlier, a panel discussion on ‘Taste, Textiles, and Tales’ brought together experts to talk about how food and crafts tell enduring stories that often go unnoticed. Panelists highlighted the crucial role of craftsmen, or ‘karigars,’ who enhance the value of their creations through skill and dedication. Additionally, a poetry session included performances from diverse poets, showcasing the beauty of various languages such as English, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Hindi. The festival also featured a conversation with renowned lyricist and poet Prasoon Joshi. He shared insights about his career in poetry and storytelling, giving attendees a deeper understanding of his contributions to Indian cinema and literature.