'Gita Govinda' to be part of Commonwealth Games ceremony

Terming 'Gita Govinda' as one of the "biggest epic stories ever written in the country", Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said poet Jayadev's creation would be part of the ceremonies of the coming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

"Gita Govinda, created by legendary poet Jayadev of Orissa on relationship of Lord Krishna with Radha and other gopis, in the 12th century, would be given due place at the international sports event, she said while attending a function here last evening.

Lauding Orissa's contribution in the field of literature, sculpture and arts, Dikshit placed poet Jayadev at par with Sanskrit scholars like Kalidas.

Though 'Gita Govinda' was a classic, many people in India do not know about it, the Delhi chief minister pointed out asking all concerned to popularise the 'epic' inside the country and abroad.

"One of the prominent portion of Gita Govinda would be placed before the international audience during Commonwealth Games at New Delhi to be held in October," she said.