New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS): The Hriday Manch theatre festival here sublimely focuses on topics that are corroding the morals of society.

Lord Krishna comes to life in a small village, an urgent meeting leads to a different direction, a hunger strike deals with the complex relationship between religion and politics and an unmarried teacher is in quest of a suitable partner at the theatre festival.

The four-day festival kicked off Thursday with Ajit Chowdhury's "Bechara Bhagwaan".

In the play, Lord Krishna decides to come back to life, live an ordinary life and earn money by working. He is frustrated to see how mechanical and materialistic everything has become. People are praying not for devotional and spiritual reasons, but because it is a part of their daily routine. Hoping to get a change from this superficial behaviour he comes to life, but then he changes his mind.

"Devotion does not mean praying to god. Even if one is able to spend quality time with parents or grandparents, there is real devotion in this," said Chowdhury, director of the play.

"Urgent Meeting" by Rangbhoomi theatre group is a satirical piece reflecting upon the ills in the world of art and culture. How internal politics work in the system, and how leg-pulling and nepotism is prevalent in the system is the crux of the story.

An Asmita Theatre Group presentation "Mote Ram Ka Satyagraha" is a comic-satire that will highlight issues relevant to people and society.

A splash of romance will come with Theater Wala presentation "Koi Baat Chale" when a 35-year-old unmarried drama teacher seeks the help of a marriage bureau to help him find a suitable life partner.

The festival is being held at Shri Ram Centre, Safdar Hashmi Marg, at 7.00 p.m.