This story is from November 30, 2016

Here is what to expect from this year's Jal Mahotsav

It has been a long dreamt of project of MP Tourism. The upcoming Jal Mahotsav, slated to commence on December 15, will provide visitors with a month-long rendezvous with Central India.
Here is what to expect from this year's Jal Mahotsav
It has been a long dreamt of project of MP Tourism. The upcoming Jal Mahotsav, slated to commence on December 15, will provide visitors with a month-long rendezvous with Central India.

It has been a long dreamt of project of MP Tourism. The upcoming Jal Mahotsav, slated to commence on December 15, will provide visitors with a month-long rendezvous with Central India. Hanumantiya Island, the tourist hotspot of Madya Pradesh, is gearing up to host the second edition of the Jal Mahotsav. The 10-day festival was quite a hit the previous year, with over 2 lakh tourists thronging the island for the festivities.
But there's more on offer this year, right from the festival duration spanning a month this time, to an elaborate water sports festival. Here's taking stock of what one can expect at this edition of MP's favourite festival.
Of adventure sports and water activities
Tourists from near and far are looking forward to the festival and visiting the naturally-formed islands in the Narmada backwaters. The cruise that will ferry tourists to the islands has very aptly been named Jalpari. Surendra Gupta, regional officer of MP Tourism, shared, “Camping, hot-air balloon rides, parasailing, water-zorbing, water skiing, trekking and a treasure hunt are just few of the many options that participants can opt for at the event.” The tourism body is making arrangements to set up a Swiss cottage this time.
Fancy a ride on the houseboat?
As a new addition, the Jal Mahotsav will feature two houseboats that will be anchored 10 km away from the shore where the wind will keep you company. An officer from Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) shared, “The houseboats will also offer a buffet spread along with plush services, including three well furbished rooms on each boat and a restaurant on the upper deck." He added that rooms would be available for both individual and group bookings. Tourists would also have the option to ride on the houseboat on the backwaters of the Indirasagar Dam.

Another new addition to this year's edition is kid’s zone that will offer children games like chess, badminton, table tennis and other activities. The club house there will be your favourite haunt, should you want to laze around in the afternoon.
A carnival of culture, folk song and dance
The word 'mahotsav' brings to mind spellbinding visuals of dance, music and lots of fun, and the Jal Mahotsav won't be any less of a riot of colour. The festival will comprise an assortment of folk dances and songs that will help promote the rich culture and heritage of the state. Surendra adds, “While one might argue that the water and adventure sports on offer can be found else where in the country too, that won't be the case with the cultural programmes. The fest will witness a plethora of folk dances from MP, like the Matki of Malwa, Ahirani tribal dance, Bhagoria dance of Baiga tribe and more." If you're ready to listen to some stories of the region, and assortment of folk songs, like Sanjha and Kalgiturra, will be a treat. They tell of stories of sacrifice, love, chivalry, and devotion to god.
A guided walk through the forests
With a great probability of migratory birds flocking to the island, a forest guide will be at the service of tourists. The emphasis is on promoting bird watching, stargazing and forest walks.
Get hold of handicrafts too
In an endeavour to highlight the richness of Malwa-Nimar region, MPSTDC will be hosting weavers to display their handicrafts at the festival. The variety on offer will include hand-carved wooden showpieces and traditional attire for men and women.
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