Delhi to host its first-ever Bhojpuri conference; scholars from Mauritius, Fiji invited

Delhi to host its first Bhojpuri Conference to celebrate language and culture.

The Delhi Government is set to host a Bhojpuri Conference for the first time in the national capital to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity, and highlight the importance of the Bhojpuri language, and strengthen Delhi’s ties with the global Indian diaspora, The Indian Express reported.

According to the BJP-led government, the event, which are poised for the coming months, will give Delhi’s cultural landscape wider international recognition as it will bring together international scholars, diplomats, and dignitaries, especially from countries like Mauritius and Fiji where Bhojpuri-speaking communities have a strong presence.

Delhi’s Art, Culture and Language Minister, Kapil Mishra, on Monday held a meeting with senior officials and secretaries of various cultural and literary institutions.

These included the Sahitya Kala Parishad, Hindi Academy, Urdu Academy, Sindhi Academy, Sanskrit Academy, Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, Garhwali-Kumaoni-Jaunsari Academy, and Dr GGLS Prachya Vidhya Prathisthanam, among others.

The purpose of the meeting was to review upcoming programmes and create a well-coordinated cultural plan for the year ahead, as per the report.

Minister Kapil Mishra informed that a series of cultural, literary, and artistic events will be held in the coming months in Delhi.

The Hindi Academy will organise poetry recitation programmes, while the Urdu Academy will conduct a mushaira showcasing Urdu poetry.

A national-level painting competition featuring 75 artists will also be held at popular public venues such as Kartavya Path. Alongside these, the Bhojpuri Conference is expected to be one of the biggest highlights, bringing together experts and cultural figures from India and abroad.

Other significant events include special programmes marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, celebrations of traditional festivals like Chhath Puja and Diwali, and the commemoration of Delhi Statehood Day.

The Sanskrit Academy will host a Gurukul Sports Competition, while the Sahitya Kala Parishad is preparing to organise a Bhakti Utsav that will focus on devotional traditions across different regions.

“Delhi is a confluence of various languages, arts, and cultures. Our effort is not only to preserve our heritage but also to ensure that the younger generation remains connected to it and feels proud of it. These programmes will enrich and enliven the cultural landscape of Delhi,” The Indian Express quoted Kapil Mishra as saying.

During the meeting, it was also decided that the government will work to ensure transparent and effective use of funds given to academies.

The government has signed agreements with academies to ensure transparent use of grants and direct investment of funds in cultural and creative programmes, according to an official statement.

The meeting also reviewed the condition of government-run libraries across the city. The minister directed officials to improve their upkeep and create a more student-friendly environment so that young people can benefit from them.