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Qutub Festival beckons tourists to the Capital

MAJESTIC: The Qutub Minar at Delhi

Dedicated to the youth and seeking to attract people from all walks of life through its offer of free entry, the annual two-day Qutub Festival begins at the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi on Saturday. Welcoming tourists arriving in the Capital during the festival season, Tourism Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely on Wednesday said the Qutub Festival would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. "Various musical programmes including a sitar recital by Pandit Debu Chaudhuri and Prateek Chaudhuri, shows by Euphoria and Indian rock bands, `Qawwali' by Nizami Brothers, and a musical programme by Bollywood celebrities Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have been organised to entertain visitors this year,'' he said.

Speaking on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Minister also declared that the Tourism Department had revamped its website with multi-lingual content and started an e-news letter that would keep the tourists and Delhiites updated about various events in the city. There would also be other initiatives including training of tourist guides.

"Delhi has always been a great centre for performing arts. For centuries a flourishing courtly culture attracted artistes to seek the patronage of kings. Over time, the patronage and support of emperors have been replaced with the support of State agencies,'' he said.

The Minister also announced several initiatives to boost transit tourism as well as tourism within Delhi and nearby destinations. "Delhi," he said, "is all set to announce its presence on the global tourism arena. The Capital city has the distinction of being selected to play host a second time for the two-day annual Council for Promotion of Tourism in Asia meeting to be held from October 5. Representatives from major cities of Asia would have discussions on joint promotion of tourism within Asia.'' -- Bindu Shajan Perappadan

-- Bindu Shajan Perappadan

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