Giant Baobab, Banks of Betwa, Fusion Music and More
Namaste Orchha goes global A giant Baobab tree, dimly lit banks of Betwa river and a spate of music is the never imagined mystical experience you can expect from the “Namaste Orchha” festival in Madhya Pradesh. Hindustani classical vocal singer Shubha Mudgal will perform alongside a giant African Baobab, a 500-year-old tree planted by Maharaja Vir Singh Deo. Additionally, there will be performances by Swanand Kirkire, Manoj Bajpayee, Shilpa Rao, and Indian Ocean. Organisers have put together a “Maha-Aarti on the banks of river Betwa for a complete experience of the mythical city of Ram Raja. For the three-day festival, starting on March 6 the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is imparting training to tourist guides in foreign languages. The natural beauty, the archaeological and historical significance of Orchha, local food and folk arts will also be promoted in the festival. The Madhya Pradesh government plans to develop the ancient Ram Raja Temple in Orchha into a major pilgr