Cultural vibrancy at the Shekhwati region -- A heritage that dates back thousands of years, and a chivalrous race proud of its lineage.
In a long line of fairs, festivals and events that mark the calendar of any tourist headed to Rajasthan, here’s another – the Shekhawati Festival held in the eponymous region of Shekhawati in north-eastern Rajasthan, easily accessible from Jaipur. Organised between February 4th and 7th 2016, this festival is a beautiful and entertaining way of acquainting oneself with the rich heritage of this historical region.
One of the richest cultural and art festivals of India, this three day affair celebrates the very spirit of the province of Shekhwati, the limelight being its extensively and intricately painted havellis. The festival offers not just a glimpse of the inspiring folk traditions, dance, music and food of the place, but several creative interventions in the form of eco-tourist diversions with an organic food court, a display of Shekhawati’s beautiful and brilliant frescoes, and guided tours of the famous havelis of Shekhawati. A fine glimpse into the rich Rajasthani arabesque, cultural programmes, camel and jeep rides across the agricultural fields, sports activities and different competitions.
Shekhawati is a dreamy place and so completely drenched in the traditional art, architecture and culture that it is considered to be among the world’s best heritage terminal. Shekhawati province is quite strikingly situated in the triangular region between Delhi, Bikaner and Jaipur and is quite easily commutable for all. This fest celebrated the true cultural and traditional vivacity of the place and beautifully showcases the picturesque colorful forts, palaces, Havelis or mansions, temples among the other majestic monuments/ buildings of the region.
The tours of Shekhawati’s famous havelis, courtyards, temples, forts and mansions, adorned with beautiful intricate frescoes, are a huge attraction here. Shekhawati is known the world over for its frescoes dating back hundreds of years and people visit the region from India and aboard to not just admire them, but to study them as well. Influenced as much by local cultural traditions as by those of Persia and eventually the English, the paintings depict mythology, legends, hunting scenes, local festivities, wedding ceremonies and celebrations.
While the festival is held in several rural areas of the region such as Jhunjhunu, Churu and Sikar, the main attractions lie in Nawalgarh. The place is quite famous for its popular frescoes and is increasingly climbing the ladder to becoming a good alternative for rural tourism destinations. It is quite a scene and an enjoyable ride around the place to get a nice glimpse of the countryside while perched on the back of a horse.
