Gandhinagar, March 26 : Commemorating the traditionally celebrated mythological event of Lord Krishna's wedding with Rukmini, who is believed to have hailed from Arunachal Pradesh, the Gujarat government is holding an epic celebration from March 25 to 28 at the Madhavpur-Ghed village fair.
The event is likely to see the Chief Ministers of both states as well as that of Manipur, and the Governors of both states and some Union ministers joining it.
The Chief Ministers and Governors of northeastern state Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat will visit Madhavpur-Ghed, situated 59 km from Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, where Lord Krishna is said to have married princess Rukmini.
The Gujarat government's plan is inspired by the Central government's mission to strengthen cultural ties between the North East and the rest of the country.
Talking to the media, state Tourism Minister Ganapatsinh Vasava said: "The event is being organised jointly with the central government, with 50 per cent (cost) shared by both. The state government has allocated Rs 2.5-Rs 3 crore for the event.
"The central government wants this event to become a national festival and wants to make it a big attraction for the tourists. Around one lakh visitors are expected to visit the fair."
The Minister informed that Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Arunachal Pradesh (AP) CM Pema Khandu, Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli and Arunachal Governor Brigadier B.D. Mishra will be there at the event on the 27th.
"Besides them, there will be a number of Union ministers like Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Cultural Minister of State Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Home Kiran Rijiju and some ministers and MLAs from Gujarat. The state government wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the event, but last-minute engagements made him change the plan."
The Minister also announced to revive the 15th century temple of Madhavraiji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna at Madhavpur, and Rs 5 crore has been allocated for that.
During the event, many cultural programmes depicting mythological incidents will be held. The programmes will include a classical dance recital by Sonal Mansingh and performances by around 500 artistes, including 300 from Arunachal Pradesh and 200 from Gujarat. According to the state Tourism Department, 200 stalls have been set up at the fair.
According to folklore and mythology, Rukmini belonged to the Idu Mishmi community of Arunachal Pradesh. She lived in what was known as Mishwaknagar. Lord Krishna brought her to Madhavpur-Ghed and married her.
Legend has it that Rukmini's father, king Bhismaka, wanted her to marry Shishupala, the king of Chedi, which lay roughly where Madhya Pradesh is today. Shishupala was Ravana in his previous birth, whereas Rukmini was in love with Lord Krishna and wrote a letter to him to save her. Lord Krishna rescued Rukmini and brought her to Madhavpur-Ghed.
During the campaign for the 2014 general elections, in an election rally held in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi had said that members of the Adi tribe who bear the name "Modi" may be related to the Modis of Gujarat. He stressed that Lord Krishna of Dwarka had married princess Rukmini of Arunachal Pradesh.
