The national broadcaster is gearing up for a live telecast of the millennium's first sunrise from the Katchal Islands as part of its 24-hour programming package for the turn of the century. Doordarshan's package includes catching live glimpses of international millennium celebrations worldwide, including the Sidney Fireworks and the happenings at the London Millennium Dome.

For the purpose, the national broadcaster is tying up with a consortium of international broadcasters lead by the British Broadcasting Corporation.The 24-hour special programming, starting December 31 afternoon, will showcase the best from India's entertainment industry, said senior Doordarshan officials. "These will include live footage of what is happening internationally," officials added. Themillennium eve show will be followed by live minute-by-minute coverage of the famed sunrise from the Katchal Islands.

Officials said that of the 24-hour programming, Doordarshan will be producing around 20 hours while the remaining will be outsourced from private producers including international ones. Officials said that the non-stop programming will continue late into January 1. Special arrangement will be made for relay of the millennium programmes to several countries across the globe, officials added.

Doordarshan will be picking up BBC's global feed for the international millennium coverage. Apart from the millennium sunrise, the programme would also cover the first sunset of the year. BBC has tied up with broadcasters in several countries for the millennium programme. The programme is slated to be telecast on DD metro. Doordarshan's total budget for millennium programming is slated to be about Rs 2 crore, sources said.

A separate package is being prepared for DD-I channel.