Why in News?

=> Minority Affairs, Waqf, Sub-Inspection, Agriculture Irrigated Area Development and Water Utilities Minister Shale Mohammad and RCA President Vaibhav Gehlot inaugurated the four-day Maru Festival by flying a golden balloon in the sky at Pokhran, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Key Points:

=> This time the tourism department has named the Maru Mahotsav as 'Umeedon Ki Udaan'.

=> Minority Affairs, Waqf, Colonization, Agriculture Irrigated Area Development and Water Utilities Minister Shale Mohammad also inaugurated the grand procession by flagging off the program organized on the sail of Salamsagar pond.

=> In the procession, BSF braves, BSF women contingent, Mangal Kalash Yatra of girls and women riding on decorated camels and various tableaux were the center of attraction.

=> Along the way, groups of artists performed folk dances like Kalbelia, Horse, Kachhi Ghodi, Gair etc.

=> In this culture festival, Celebrities Night, events on the sandy dunes of Pokhran Khudi and Sam along with Marushree, Miss Mumal, Mustache Competition, Safa Dam, Mumal Mahindra, Camel Shringar and Shaan-e-Marudhara, Panihari Matka Race competitions were also organized.

=> Mr and Miss Pokhran competition was held in the main program of Maru Mahotsav. Nikita Rathod won the title of Miss Pokhran and Bharat Bohra won the title of Mr. Pokhran. Among these participants, Khushi Gaur of Girls College Pokhran participated in the competition despite being a disabled person.

=> Durjan Singh Bhati was the winner in the Safa Bandho competition of the main event. Team Kapil was the winner in Rassa Kasi. Vikram Joshi won the title of Mallashree and Rukri won the Matka race.

=> Along with this, Tanisha Khatri was the winner in the Mehndi competition, Jasoda in Mandana and Khushboo in the Rangoli competition. The first day's program culminated with a group performance by Padmashree Anwar Khan and the artists of Langa Party.

=> The winners were awarded by Minority Affairs Minister Shale Mohammad and RCA President Shri Vaibhav Gehlot and other guests.

=> An exhibition was organized in the main function premises. In this, an exhibition of weapons provided by the BSF to the soldiers engaged in security on the first line of the country was put up. Other weapons including 7.66 mm gun, assault rifle, X-95, INSAS, LMG, 84 mm GRL, barista were displayed here.

=> Along with this, exhibitions related to Pokhran Development Institute, Urmul, camel milk, cleanliness, environmental protection, handicrafts etc. were organized.

=> It is noteworthy that on February 7, 1979, the then Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat had inaugurated the Maru Mahotsav.

By: ASRAF UDDIN AHMED