Mahabharata Mela, a dance programme in which 1,500 artistes would take part to create the Guinness record, would be held at the end of July at Kumbakonam.

The programme would be organised by Sri Abhinaya Kalai Kuzhumam of Kumbakonam under the Dasasahitya scheme of Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD).

The dance programme would be overseen by the officials of TTD and those who take part in the programme would be taken to Tirumala for a three-day dance programme during Purattasi Brahmotsavam in September, said a press release issued by the Kalai Kuzhumam on Sunday.

TTD has approved the Kalai Kuzhumam to conduct the programme as the Kuzhumam has been taking part in the Sri Vari Brahmotsavam and Padmavathi Thayar Brahmotsavam. Dikshithachariyar, special officer of TTD, has issued the orders approving the Kuzhumam to organise the Mahabharata Mela, said the release. Dikshithachariyar and Shanthi Sarvothaman, Tamil Nadu coordinator of TTD, would oversee the programme in July.

Interested artistes, who have completed the salangai puja and is above 12 years, could contact 8883143777 and 9791797373 to take part in the programme. Artistes from all over Tamil Nadu could take part in the programme.

Arrangements for the Mahabharata Mela are done by Suryanarayana, senior auditor of Kumbakonam, Balasubramaniam of Kumbakonam Paraspara Sahaya Nidhi Ltd, S.Ganesan, Director of V.G.Homes, S.M.Martin of Star Manitha Neya sangamam, and dance teachers Vijaya Sarathy and Guna .

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / National> TamilNadu / by Special Correspondent / Kumbakonam, May 07th, 2012