Shekhawati festival is held in the month of February in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan to promote the cultural heritage of the state. This two days festival, from 10th and 11th February, is organized every year by the State Department of Tourism. The district is rapidly emerging as a cherished place for rural tourism. Shekhawati region, being the land of Rajputs, exhibits an exquisite blend of royal Indian art and rural life. The place is also famed for its frescoes, lavish mansions and havelis. Shekhawati festival is enlisted amongst the most vivid cultural celebrations of India.
Attractions of Shekhawati Festival
A number of regions form the venue for Shekhawati festival including the districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar however Nawalgarh region forms the central venue of this unique festival. It attracts participants not only from the local regions but also from all around the country. Shekhawati festival is greatly loved for its diverse activities. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the admirable artistic skills of people. Craftsmen and artists from different parts of Rajasthan arrive at the festival to exhibit their products as well as talents. Apart from these, tours are conducted to the famed portals of prominent forts, havelis and temples. Seminar and workshops are organized for the people seeking in depth knowledge of the art, crafts and culture of the region. Fireworks, cultural programs, farm visits, camel and jeep safaris, competitions and rural games are other attractions of the festival.
Eco Tourism at Shekhawati Festival
A significant event gracing the festival is the eco tourism initiated by the Morarka Foundation.
It is an effort to make people acquainted with the life of Rajasthani villages and invites people to experience it by staying in a series of finely constructed eco tourism locations constructed at the interiors of Shekhawati region. It provides a unique flavour of the region to the tourists adorned with hospitality, warmth and conviviality. Eco tourism also offers the tourist to enjoy the fresh organic food from the farms along with exquisite and vibrant performances of folk dances, lilting music and puppet shows. Camel safaris are also a wonderful part of this event wrapped in a unique rustic charm.
Organic Lunch at Shekhawati Festival
The farmers of this region have largely switched to organic farming and their perspective behind the same can be witnessed during the festival. Organic lunch organized at the farms gives an opportunity to the visitors to savour the traditional Rajasthani cuisine, an event hosted by the farmers. Wooden benches set amidst the green farm gives a delightful experience of rural life of the state.
Heritage Conservation at Shekhawati Festival
The art of fresco making at Shekhawati region dates back to centuries ago and exhibits unmatched beauty as compared to the frescos of other regions. Artistic activities in Shekhawati are highly praiseworthy and the havelis, cenotaphs, forts and temples stand as exemplary by housing some of the finest wall paintings. Chiteras is referred to the fresco painters of Shekhawati who mainly hail form the community of kumhars or potters. Shekhawati festival offers a great opportunity to explore this beautiful art of the region.
