Epic fusion: Indonesian magic casts mystical spell on city at 9-day Mahabharat Samagam

Bhopal: A mythic tapestry of culture, colour and conscience was unveiled at Bharat Bhavan on Friday, curated by department of culture and Veer Bharat Nyas, as CM Mohan Yadav inaugurated nine-day Mahabharat Samagam — one of the largest cultural explorations of Mahabharat in India.Against the star-lit winter sky, the Samagam's opening night shimmered with dance-dramas, theatre, puppetry, immersive theatre, exhibitions and visual poetry, set to the cadence of spirituality and dialogue. The event channels the Mahabharat as a living mirror of today's global struggles. USP of day-one was riveting performances by Indonesian artistes -spotlighting ‘Bhishma's fall', which captured the conflict of duty and sacrifice on day-one of Kurukshetra war with fluid grace.Addressing the gathering, CM said, "Mahabharat is not merely a narrative of war, but a grand epic that shows humanity the path of reason, dialogue and peace. In a world that is struggling with conflict and intolerance, the message of the Mahabharat becomes even more relevant." Samagam's jewel is dome theatre — a unique mythological 3D cinema experience that invites audience to step into the saga. Additional chief secretary, MP, Sheo Shekhar Shukla aptly captured the event's spirit: "This Samagam is not just the first of its kind, but the most expansive cultural effort to present the Mahabharat as a guiding consciousness for the present and the future. It is a beacon of light that will pave the way for youth to follow the correct and righteous path."Veer Bharat Nyas trustee secretary Ram Tiwari added depth to occasion, reflecting on Lord Krishna's message of peace, compassion and introspection — urging visitors to see the epic not only with their eyes, but with heart and soul.