NEW DELHI: Vedic pandits, adorned in traditional dhoti-kurta attire and displaying religious marks on their foreheads, are competing on a cricket pitch in Bhopal as part of an annual tournament aimed at promoting Sanskrit.
The victors of this competition, organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who introduced transcendental meditation to the West, will be rewarded with a visit to Ayodhya.
Ayodhya is significant as the consecration of the Ram temple is scheduled to take place on January 22, according to one of the organizers.

The four-day tournament commenced at Ankur ground in the Madhya Pradesh capital on Friday, with players and umpires engaging in fluent Sanskrit conversations.
Even the commentators narrated the on-field events, such as hits, misses, and catches, in the ancient language.

(TOI Photo)
The organisation founded by the spiritual leader, who was born on January 12, runs Vedic schools and seminaries in some parts of the country.
According to Maharishi Maitri Match Committee member Ankur Pandey, the winners will be sent to Ayodhya after January 22. They will also receive a prize of Rs 21,000, while the runners-up will get Rs 11,000, he said.

(TOI Photo)
Pandey said a dozen teams, including four from Bhopal, are participating in the fourth edition of the cricket tournament.
Another organiser said the event aims at promoting Sanskrit and sportsmanship among the Vedic family. Prizes apart, players are being honoured with Vedic books and a 100-year ‘panchang’ (almanac), he added.
(With PTI Inputs)