The Shekhawati Festival held on I0th and 11th
February every year is organised jointly by the State Department of
Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the
M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation
Shekhawati, already famous for its
frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism destination too. Travelling on
horse back, the tourists get a closer view of the countryside and the
people. And they return with an indelible imprint of not only the
friendliness of the people but also of the agricultural revolution
sweeping the villages -- the region now exports 80 per cent of its crops
whereas only a few years ago, it could meet only 10 per cent of its
requirement through local production.
For a broad-based
discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is spread over a number of
venues - Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes include a
one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural
games, cultural programmes, havelis competitions and fireworks.
The
driving force behind this festival, the M.R. Morarka - GDC Rural Research
Foundation, has pioneered integrated rural development since 1993 and has
identified tourism as a thrust area for creation of employment
opportunities. The festival and other efforts of the foundation have
convinced the haveli owners of the need to preserve their priceless
heritage of frescoes.
Marwar Festival is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in Jodhpur, for two days during the full moon of Sharad Poornima.
Originally known as the Maand Festival, this festival features folk music centred on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. This festival is devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region and offers a good opportunity to see the folk dancers and singers who assemble here and provide hours of lively entertainment. These folk artists provide a glimpse of the days of yore, of battles and valiant heroes who still live on in their songs.
Other attractions at the festival are the camel tattoo show and polo. The impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort, which are symbols of might and valour, provide the ideal venue for the cultural extravaganza, an integral part of the festival.