MP creates buzz with festivals

The state of Madhya Pradesh has created an events calendar that will help tourists immerse themselves in local cultures through its many festivals. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director – Events, Marketing and Film Tourism, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, shares details of what the state has in store for the tourists.

Hazel Jain

Festivals and events are a great way to experience a destination. Madhya Pradesh has realised this and curated an events calendar for the entire year that travel agents and tour operators can promote to their clients. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director – Events, Marketing and Film Tourism, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, says, “We have a long list of festivals and events in Madhya Pradesh. We have curated and created a kala panchang (events calendar) for the entire year. We have so many festivals, not only tourism events but also cultural festivals.”

For instance, it has its annual Jal Mahotatsav, the Gandhi Sagar festival started two years ago, Mandu Festival, and Orchha Festival. The state has also recently initiated something new to become the only state in India to do this. It has rehabilitated cheetahs and created the ‘Kuno Forest Festival’ for cheetah tourism. The inaugural Kuno Forest Festival, also known as the Kuno Forest Retreat, was held in December 2023.

It also promoted the Chanderi Festival, which showcases not only its world-famous Chanderi textile, but also highlights Chanderi city for film tourism. “That is also very rapidly developing in MP because of our film tourism policy. A lot of filmmakers are coming to our state for their film projects. We are also promoting rural and skill tourism in a big way – one may call it experiential tourism – in which people come and stay in our beautiful homestays. They are located close to the main tourist attractions. For example, we have developed Ladpura Khas village close to Orchha so that visitors to Orchha can also stay in this village. The aim of developing this kind of rural tourism is to involve local communities and empower them by giving employment in tourism. This is important for the success of tourism,” Padole adds.

He explains that this has taken off well because tourists enjoy working in fields with farmers and staying with villagers, enjoy their local food, local music, and local traditions. “Storytelling is also an important part in all this. This also highlights the important role that travel agents play in promoting these products,” Padole adds.