Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav from today

The Centre is set to organise the seventh edition of the "Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2018" in Karnataka from January 14 to January 20.

"The Union Culture Ministry has decided to organise Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat matrix in Karnataka to celebrate the idea of unity in diversity," the government said in a statement.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma will inaugurate the 'Mahotsav' on January 14 at 7.30 pm at the Jnana Jyothi Auditorium on Palace Road in Bengaluru.

Under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka has paired with Uttarakhand to organise various events. The Mahotsav will cover "a profusion of art forms" from classical and folk, music and dance, theatre to literature and the visual arts and would offer the chance to experience "the best in established and emerging virtuosity," the Culture Ministry said.

"A handloom and handicrafts utsav is part of the proposed event. The gastronomic culture of several partnering states will be showcased through a food festival," the ministry added.

The Mahotsav will be held from Jan 14 to 16 in Bengaluru; on Jan 17 and 18 in Hubballi-Dharwad and from Jan 19 and 20 in Mangaluru.

"Cultural utsavs will be held at all the venues in Karnataka. In addition to the cultural fiesta, a gamut of events have been planned for the Mahotsava in Bengaluru," the Ministry said.