The RMC had been severely criticised in the past by local artists here for incurring huge cost for holding programmes of various artists from outside the State ignoring the local potential.

Chairman of RMC social welfare committee Mukesh Dangar says that there has been several representations by local artists asking the RMC to promote their art. So, for the first time the corporation has decided to organise a drama festival.

Four different groups will stage plays during the festival.

On day one `Sarp-Rath' will be organised by the Rangmilan Group, Rajkot. On day two `Sapnu To Akashi Phool' will be organised by the Kalaniketan Group here, on the third day `Fujiyama' will be staged by Akkar Theater and on the fourth play `Pata Ni Jod' will be staged by Shivam Theaters.

`Sarp-Rath' based on the psychology which plays in unsatisfied relations is directed by Bharat Trivedi.

`Sapnu to Akashi Phool' to be staged by Kalaniketan is based on modern lifestyle. This satire is directed by Bharat Yagnik and written by Ramesh Parekh.

The play `Fujiyama' is based on the effect of the active volcano in Japan with the same name on local people. The play is directed by Milan Trivedi.

The fourth and final play `Pata Ni Jod' has a theme that life is like a game of cards. It is important how one plays it and face the circumstances. The play is directed by Suresh Raval.

The festival will be inaugurated by the chairman of Rajkot Nagrik Sahakari Bank Chandrakant Pavagadhi. City mayor Govind Solanki and State BJP secretary Vijay Rupani will also be present.

Entry to the festival will be free and open to all.