Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is set to kick off the five-day ‘Ekatma Parv’ (Festival of Unity) on Friday at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district. The event will bring together saints, scholars, and artists from various parts of India and abroad. The festival, to be held at Ekatma Dham on Mandhata Hill, associated with Adi Shankaracharya, aims to promote unity through spiritual, intellectual, and cultural activities.
The inaugural program will feature the opening of ‘Advaita Lok’ and ‘Akshar Brahma’ exhibitions by the Chief Minister, along with his participation in Vedic rituals. Spiritual leaders like Swami Sadanand Saraswati, Nivedita Bhide, and Swami Shardanand Saraswati are expected to attend the event. A significant aspect of the festival will be the ‘Advaitamritam – Vimarsh Sabha’, where scholars will discuss the relevance of Advaita philosophy in today’s world, touching on topics like artificial intelligence, global peace, and environmental conservation.
Cultural programs will be a highlight of the festival, with performances by renowned artists such as classical vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi and Odissi dancer Shubhada Varadkar. The event will also witness presentations of Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Nirgun Vani. Additionally, on April 21, over 700 youths from India and abroad will pledge as ‘Shankaradoots’, committing to propagate the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.
Omkareshwar, known for the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, holds immense religious importance. Situated on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, the temple attracts numerous pilgrims, emphasizing the spiritual significance of hosting the festival at this location. The festival is part of the state government’s initiative to develop Ekatma Dham as a global hub for spiritual education, with attractions like the ‘Statue of Oneness’ and the upcoming ‘Advaita Lok’ museum expected to draw visitors, researchers, and devotees.
This event is anticipated to reinforce cultural unity and showcase India’s profound philosophical legacy on a broader stage.
