Itanagar, Apr 10 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik has participated in the vibrant Madhavpur Fair held at Madhavpur Ghed, Gujarat on Wednesday.
The annual cultural and spiritual festival commemorates the divine wedding of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, symbolizing the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Gujarat and the Northeastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh.
The Governor -- currently on a five-day official visit to Gujarat at the invitation of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel -- praised the event as a unique initiative under the Centre’s ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ programme. He remarked that the Madhavpur Fair not only celebrates India's rich spiritual heritage but also strengthens national integration by showcasing the diverse traditions of Gujarat and the Northeast.
Speaking at the event, the Governor emphasized the significance of the cultural convergence, calling it a shining example of the shared heritage that fosters mutual appreciation, artistic collaboration, and the promotion of tourism.
He further stated that such events provide a national platform for indigenous art, folklore, and crafts, while boosting the local economy and reinforcing India’s cultural mosaic.
Governor Parnaik lauded the Government of Gujarat for its continued efforts in promoting regional art forms and folklore, fostering strong inter-state cultural connections. Drawing a cultural parallel, he highlighted the annual Malinithan Mela in Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh—another festival rooted in the legend of Rukmini and reflective of the cultural bonds between the two regions.
As a gesture of appreciation and to further cultural exchange, the Governor presented a copy of the book ‘Malinithan – A Glorious Heritage of Arunachal Pradesh’, published by the Malinithan Vikash Parishad, to the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Earlier in the day, the Governor visited the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka. Also known as Jagat Mandir, it is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham Yatra and holds immense religious and historical significance. Situated along the banks of the Gomti river near its confluence with the Arabian Sea, the temple is a major pilgrimage destination dedicated to Lord Krishna and draws devotees throughout the year.
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