Delhi will be most happening place during Games: Dikshit

NEW DELHI - Seeking to allay apprehensions regarding the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Monday asserted that the event beginning Oct 3 “will be held” and urged people to take part in the cultural festivities taking place in the capital during the period.

Launching the calender for the ‘Delhi Celebrates’ events, Dikshit said Delhi will be the most happening place for the next two months with hundreds of artists and performers descending on the capital for taking part in the festivities till Nov 4. The Games themselves will be held Oct 3-14.

“The Commonwealth Games are here and it will be held,” she told the gathering.

The chief minister said everyone had come together with enthusiasm, putting together a huge programme that will cater to tastes of all.

Underlining that the festivities will be held across the capital, she urged people to spread the message and enjoy themselves.

A host of programmes on art, culture, cinema, heritage and cuisines will be held in the capital till Nov 4 in which participants from across the country will throng the capital.

A number of special programmes have been planned for athletes and visitors during the Games.

Speaking at the event, Culture Secretary Jawahar Sarcar stated that the concept of ‘Delhi Celebrates’ has been woven into a noble matrix.

Given that bringing together 15 different cultural organisations under one roof was a herculean task, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked the culture ministry to work under Dikshit’s leadership.

Sarcar also emphasised on organising such cultural festivals in the capital annually.