TEHRAN -- The 1st. Cultural and Artistic Festival of Sistan & Baluchestan Province opened in the Laleh Park here Thursday. The governor of Sistan and Baluchestan, Majlis representatives, managers and officials of this province participated in the festival. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the festival, the Governor of Sistan and Baluchestan Seyed Mahmoud Hosseini referred to the historical records and rich cultural heritage of the province, saying that the prime objectives of the province were showing the cultural and artistic potentials of the province, introducing its tourist attractions and strengthening relations among people in different parts of the country.

Hosseini further referred to the cultural and social developments made in Sistan and Baluchestan Province after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, saying that the government has allocated a credit of 4,000 billion rials to development projects of the southeastern province. It is noteworthy to say that the ongoing festival of Sistan and Baluchestan Province is the manifestation of culture, art, traditions, history, industry and environment of the province.

Some 90 pavilions in an area of 1,200 sq.m display the artistic and cultural works in the festival. Several other programs including music concerts, traditional dances and plays are held on the sideline of the festival.