Koradi Navratri fair is a state festival now

Nagpur: The state government has officially recognized as festival the popular Navratri fair held every year at Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata temple at Koradi, around 15km from city on Chhindwara Road. To be named Koradi Mahotsav, it will be a three-day event between October 8-10, the last three days of 10-day Navratri.
Koradi Mahotsav will be the fourth festival to be recognized by the government in and around the city.Three previous ones are Kalidas Mahotsav organized at Ramtek and in city, Marbat Festival in city and Nagpur Mahotsav organized in association with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, also in the city. Nagpur Mahotsav is being organized by the NMC for the last five years and was recognized as festival for the first time this year. Four-day fest was organized from February 28 to March 2. Koradi Mahotsav is thus second to be approved by the government this year.
Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata temple, said to be over 500 years old, is located in the assembly constituency of guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) gave permission for Koradi Mahotsav 2016 a few days ago following initiatives by Bawankule. However, the MTDC refused to allocate funds for it.
Following initiatives by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, MTDC had sanctioned funds for Nagpur Mahotsav. CM had assured to provide financial and technical assistance from MTDC for Nagpur Mahotsav every year.
Collector Sachin Kurve had organized a meeting to discuss three-day Koradi Mahotsav a couple of days ago. Officials of Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), MTDC and South Central Zone Cultural Committee (SCZCC) attended the meeting. Sources in district administration told TOI NIT and SCZCC had been asked to plan events for three days. “It is likely the district planning committee or NIT will sponsor some events and give funds for preparations for the festival,” they said.
Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Sansthan operates and maintains the temple and its premises since its formation in 1987. The Sansthan is organizing the Navratri fair at temple and arranging amenities for lakhs of devotees who visit every year. Now, the Sansthan will get all help from the government with declaration of Koradi Mahotsav.
IN A NUTSHELL
* The Koradi Mahotsav will be a three-day affair and will be held from October 8 to 10
* The last three days of 10-day Navratri will be celebrated as Koradi Mahotsav
* A few days ago MTDC gave its nod for the Koradi Mahotsav 2016
* Koradi comes under guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule’s constituency and he had taken special initiative to make the festival possible
* NIT and SCZCC have been asked to plan events for three days
* The MTDC however refused to allocate funds for the festival