Preparations for the annual Shri Shyam Amrit Mahotsav kicked off early in the morning on Saturday amid much festivity and fanfare. The vast Goshamahal ground was teeming with volunteers and participants who came from far and wide to take part in the festivities. With every activity revolving aroundLord Krishna, the cynosure of their eyes, chanting, singing and dancing were the order of the day. The sangeet comprising enthralling performances by singer Lakhbir Singh flown to the city from Mumbai for the Mahotsav and Tarun Kumar from Hyderabad had the audience in raptures. 

“We are providing free food and water to all who are present here,” said a visibly delighted organizer who estimated the turnout close to a lakh. There were contests and games held as part of the festivity such as a treasure hunt. The brightly lit grounds witnessed a ‘Rangoli Deepam’ competition in which 42 participants dressed in vibrant attires competed with each other in drawing earthy and colourful patterns. There were performances by dancers from Jaipur.

Keeping in tune with the spirit of the festival, participants chanted Shyam’s name 56 crore times.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / December 18th, 2011