The dates for the Shilpgram fest, the most awaited fest by the locals as well as the tourists, have been decided. The wait is almost over, it is just that the fest will not be held this year due to the pandemic, but 2021 is just round the corner.

22nd January has been finalised as of now for the beginning of this 10-day festival. 2021 will witness the fest twice as the 2nd fest will be held by the end of 2021 on the usual fest dates in December. The masses have been waiting for this mahotsav desperately as it gives them a good opportunity for the variety shopping pertaining to various arts and cultures of India.

The West Zone Cultural Centre had sent a proposal to The Ministry of Culture, Chairman of WZCC and the programme committee for postponing the dates of this fest as the fast growing pandemic required the dates to be shifted for the purpose of safety of all. The chairman then proposed the dates for January 2021, though everything depends on the situation of the pandemic and the guidelines issued by the administration in this respect. As of now, it is being expected that the fest will be held from 22nd Jan 2021-31st Jan.

Certain amendments have been made with respect to social distancing and other mandates pertaining to the pandemic.

• The open theatre with a capacity of 3000 people will now permit 1000 people at a time.
• The 2-hour duration of the cultural programmes will be cut down to 2 slots of 1 hour each.
• Every year around 900 artists were invited for the stage performances. The number has now been reduced to 500.
• The number of stalls has also been reduced to almost half i.e. 200 to 250 stalls instead of the usual 450 stalls, to maintain social distancing.
• The audiences will be well scanned for temperature and everyone would be required to sanitise their hands before entry.
• MASKS ARE MANDATORY. NO ENTRY WITHOUT MASK.