Lucknow: The state capital is all set to host the annual cultural 10-day mega event, Lucknow Mahotsav, beginning November 25, the highlight of which will be a performance by noted Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali.

With the theme of ‘Badalta Lucknow-Sanwarta Lucknow’, the festival will showcase the changes set to appear in the city over the next one year.

Hours after Lucknow district administration announced that Ghulam Ali will perform, the Shiv Sena said they will oppose the programme. Shiv Sena state head Anil Singh said the party national leadership had already decided not to allow the visit of any Pakistani player or performer in the country and hence the party’s UP unit will oppose Ghulam Ali’s Lucknow programme.

“The party will appeal to the district administration to cancel Ghulam Ali’s event. If the programme happens, the party will stage a protest at the venue and a situation of law and order disturbance can also arise,” Singh added.

The event, to be organised at Regional park in Aashiana area, will have stalls exhibiting Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s ambitious projects like Metro rail, expressways, IT city, 1090 women’s helpline, international stadium and proposed Medanta hospital. Ghulam Ali, who was invited by Akhilesh to perform in UP after the Shiv Sena forced the cancellation of his concert in Mumbai earlier this month, will perform on Ghazal night on December 3.

Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar will also perform with his rock band on November 30. Renowned Sarod maestro Ustad Amzad Ali Khan will perform with his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali at the mahotsav’s inaugural evening on November 25. Comedians Ali Asgar and Sunil Grover will perform as their television characters of Daadi and Gutthi on November 26. The group Meet Brothers will perform during Punjabi night on December 1 while playback singer Sonu Nigam will perform on December 4 for Bollywood night. Classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj and Kathak dancer Pandit Jai Kishan will perform on the concluding night on December 5. Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Gupta Friday released the theme, poster and theme song of the Lucknow festival. He also announced additional features for the festival such as book fair, auto expo, regional food courts, free ‘Wi-Fi’ services, adventure zone, ‘Memory lane’ and Chikan Art gallery.(Agencies)