An air of excitement fills Bhagyanagar as preparations are underway for Lokmanthan 2024, a colloquium of nation first thinkers and practitioners, set to bring together Bharatiya thought leaders, artists, and intellectuals from November 21 to 24.
At a press conference held today at Tourism Plaza, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and J. Nand Kumar, National Convenor of Pragna Pravah, shared their enthusiasm and detailed plans for the upcoming festival.
The Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the event on November 22. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will cultural exhibition on November 21 at the same venue. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will grace the inaugural ceremony on November 22 and address the valedictory session on November 24.
The event will be graced by prominent guests, including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Nirmala Sitaraman, Union Minister of Finannce, Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Minister of Culture.
G. Kishan Reddy expressed his pride that Bhagyanagar will host this historic event, which he described as “one of the grandest celebrations of Bharatiya culture to date.” Reddy, who chairs the Reception Committee for Lokmanthan, elaborated on the community involvement in this event, sharing that “we have over 120 distinguished members from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on the committee. These include Padma Shri awardees, scholars, local artists, and government administrators who have come together to make Lokmanthan 2024 a truly unforgettable experience.”
దక్షిణ భారతదేశంలో తొలిసారి, ఎంతో ఘనంగా మరెంతో వైభవోపేతంగా భాగ్యనగరం లో లోక్ మంతన్ సదస్సు నిర్వహించబడుతుంది.
ఈ కార్యక్రమంలో భాగమైన ప్రదర్శనశాలను, సాంస్కృతిక ఉత్సవాలను నవంబర్ 21వ తారీకున భారత మాజీ ఉప రాష్ట్రపతి శ్రీ వెంకయ్య నాయుడు గారు ప్రారంభించనున్నారు. ఆ మరుసటి రోజున, అంటే… pic.twitter.com/HubbgH64Va
— BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) November 15, 2024
Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, “Lok Avalokan: Lok Vichar – Lok Vyavahar – Lok Vyavastha,” Nand Kumar explained, “This is more than just a cultural gathering. Lokmanthan 2024 will offer a space for thought leaders to reflect on the cultural ethos of Bharat and inspire a vision for our civilizational future. We want to bring Bharat’s unity in diversity to the forefront, reminding us all of our shared heritage.” He noted that this year’s theme is designed to explore the profound links between thought, behaviour, and governance in Indian society.
J. Nandkumar highlighted the extraordinary international cultural performances at Lokmanthan 2024, offering a rare fusion of global traditions. Highlights include Lithuania’s sacred Romuva fire rituals, Armenia’s vibrant Sons of Sun workshop, the Yazidis’ ancient sun worship practices, and Bali’s iconic Kecak dance from the Ramayana by Prof. Wayan Dibia’s troupe. Nandkumar emphasized that these performances will create an unparalleled cultural experience, making Bhagyanagar the epicenter of global artistic exchange.
Key Highlights to Look Forward to at Lokmanthan 2024:
The 4th edition of Lokmanthan 2024 organised by Pragna Pravah and Pragna Bharati, Telangana, promises to be a milestone event in the celebration of Indian cultural unity, with a diverse lineup of programs that capture the heart and soul of Bharatiya traditions.
Diverse Cultural Experiences: Attendees will experience performances by over 1,500 artists, as well as a showcase of 100+ traditional art forms, ranging from Telangana’s famous Dokra metalwork, Kondapalli toys, and Kalamkari textiles to various folk dances, music, and storytelling traditions.
A Gathering of Over 2,500 Delegates and 1 Lakh Daily Visitors: The festival is expected to draw thousands of delegates and visitors, with activities such as exhibitions, audio-visual pavilions, and live performances designed to attract audiences of all ages.
Nand Kumar further elaborated on the lineup of exhibitions, which will include a special photo display on Vanavasi culture, as well as an exhibit on Vanavasi freedom fighters, arranged in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
In addition to celebrating Telangana’s cultural heritage, Lokmanthan 2024 will feature pavilions from Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other states, showcasing their distinct traditions, foods, and healing systems. “This event is an authentic experience of Bharat’s cultural landscape,” Nand Kumar added, emphasizing that the festival will be plastic-free to promote environmental awareness.
As Kishan Reddy remarked, “Lokmanthan 2024 is not just a festival; it’s a milestone, a gathering that reminds us of the incredible strength we have in our shared cultural roots. It is here in Bhagyanagar that we will celebrate the oneness of Bharat like never before.”
With excitement building up across the region, Lokmanthan 2024 is set to be a landmark celebration for Bharatiya culture and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone who attends.
Bhagyanagar Welcomes the World! Get ready for Lokmantan, Bharat's largest cultural festival, celebrating our diverse heritage and traditions.
Don't miss this chance to connect with Bharat's diverse heritage!#LokBeyondFolk #Lokmantan2024 #LokCulture #Prajnapravah #Pragnabharati… pic.twitter.com/KlJRulJQ6j
— J Nandakumar (@kumarnandaj) November 7, 2024
Pavilions Featuring:
North-East cultural displays
Traditional food stalls featuring regional flavors
Showcases of traditional healing systems
Literature pavilion with Bharatiya texts and manuscripts
Samvaad – interactive discussions and debates
Crafts and paintings from across Bharat
Cultural Performances:
Dance, music, drama, and plays showcasing the diversity of Bharatiya art forms
Traditional games for immersive cultural experience
Exhibitions:
Photo Exhibition: Vanavasi culture, lifestyles, and festivals captured by Photo Journalist Shri Andhekar Satish Lal
Vanavasi Masks and Freedom Fighters: Exhibit by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi
Authentic Art and Culture Representations: All performances by native or original artists, preserving authenticity and richness of local traditions
Special Exhibits on Telangana’s Art and Heritage: Dokra metal crafts, Kondapalli toys, Nirmal paintings, Kalamkari handlooms, textiles, and pottery
Telangana art forms: Hari Kathas, Perini, Burra Veena, Kinnera, Oggu Katha, Veedhi Natakas, Tolu Bommulata, Pittala Dora, Jatharas, and more
Heritage replicas: Kakatiya Thorana, Ramappa Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple
Spiritual and Ritualistic Displays:
Pavilion showcasing spiritual spaces and Bharatiya rituals
Exhibit of Ramnami community temple replica with live ritual demonstrations
