Bhopal, Aug 5 (IANS) Bhopal is set to host the four-day BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting from Wednesday, with more than 100 delegates from BRICS member and partner countries expected to participate in discussions on cultural cooperation and heritage.
The meeting, being held under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, will take place at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre (Minto Hall) from August 5 to 8. It will conclude with the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting on Friday.
The Bhopal traffic police have issued a traffic advisory in view of the movement of foreign delegates and VIPs during the conference.
According to the officials, traffic is expected to remain heavy on roads around Minto Hall, Polytechnic Square, Bharat Mata Square, Machli Ghar, Jail Road, Chuna Bhatti and nearby areas.
Police have advised commuters to use alternative routes during these hours.
The first day of the event will include registration of delegates, accreditation, bilateral meetings and visits to three exhibitions — Gyan Bharatam, Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat.
The exhibitions highlight India’s manuscript heritage, maritime history and cultural links with other countries, and will remain open to the public during the event.
Later in the day, the delegates will visit the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind). They will be accorded a traditional welcome, following which they will visit exhibitions on tribal life, indigenous crafts and traditional knowledge.
A cultural programme featuring Kathak, folk and tribal dances will also be organised.
On August 6 (Thursday), officials from the participating countries will discuss the draft declaration of the BRICS Culture Ministers and issues related to cultural heritage, museums, cultural exchanges, creative industries and people-to-people ties.
The recommendations made during the working group meeting will be discussed by the Culture Ministers on August 8 (Saturday).
During the conference, delegates will also attend the BRICS Cultural Festival and a special cultural presentation by the Madhya Pradesh government showcasing the state’s heritage, tribal traditions and historical sites.
The delegates will also be served traditional Madhya Pradesh dishes, including Dal Bafla and millet-based foods such as Kodo and Kutki, along with international cuisine.
After the ministers’ meeting, the delegates will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sanchi.
An optional visit to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters has also been planned before they leave on August 9.
–IANS
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