India's first Water Festival

MP to celebrate India’s first Jal Mahotsav

Madhya Pradesh is all set to become India’s first state to organise ‘Jal Mahotsav’ or ‘Water Tourism’ next month with a view to attract more tourists to the state.

The ten-day ‘Jal Mahotsav’ festival will be inaugurated on February 12, 2016 in Hanuwantiya at Indra Sagar Dam, one of Asia’s largest man-made water reservoir. It is said to bring forth an opportunity to experience the customs and traditions of Madhya Pradesh through art, craft, folk music, dance and cuisines.

“It is a first-of-its-kind event going to be organised in Madhya Pradesh. The aim is to encourage more tourists to this destination. The mega event will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” said Tanvi Sundriyal, additional managing director of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC).

Keeping the significance of water in mind and to cleanse the mundane boredom and revitalise the spirits, the Government of Madhya Pradesh is initiating a the annual event.

The principal objective of this event is said to showcase the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh and spark festivities that become a tradition across generations. This ethnic celebration will also serve to reinforce Madhya Pradesh as one of the most sought after travel and leisure destination in India. The event is steadily gaining form at Hanumantiya in the Khandwa district.

“MP tourism has taken this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of water through Jal Mahotsav, which is a mix of cultural performances and adventure activities taking place against the background of the Indira Sagar Dam,”said Om Vijay Choudhary, executive director, MPSTDC.

Jal Mohatsav will host a number of activities such as local sight seeing, adventure sports, tug of war, volleyball, paragliding, treasure hunt, and more. The Jal Mahotsav will end on February 21, 2016.