Panchkula
The inaugural National Cultural Pythian Games will take place from Dec 12 to 15, at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. This event is set to attract around 5,000 artists and athletes from India and over 15 countries, including Russia.
Bijendra Goyal, founder of the Modern Pythian Games, has invited Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to be the chief guest for the opening ceremony. He also requested support for stadium infrastructure to facilitate the event, emphasizing its potential to showcase India’s cultural heritage and enhance tourism.
Notably, the games will feature the revival of Gada Yuddha (mace warfare) for the first time in 5,000 years, highlighting Haryana’s historical significance. Additionally, Kurukshetra University and the Modern Pythian Games are collaborating to explore the cultural ties between Indian and Greek traditions. The Pythian Games, rooted in Greek mythology and considered a precursor to the Olympics, celebrate both arts and physical contests. This initiative marks India’s first global trademark for the Pythian Games, positioning it as a potential hub for art, culture, and traditional sports. Goyal highlighted the economic prospects, pointing to a global cultural industry valued at over $2.25 trillion.
