World Living Heritage Festival is a famous festival which is observed to celebrate the living heritage of the region of Udaipur city, in Mewar which is located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The indigenous cultures and traditions of Mewar are portrayed through this festival, and are brought alive through the manifold rites and rituals conducted during this point of time. The World Living Heritage Festival 2014 will commence from 13th March, continuing till the 16th March. Numerous workshops are organised in World Living Heritage Festival, in which craftsmen from all across the country practise their creative skills, before the spectators. The festival occurs generally prior to Holi and musical programmes are arranged to entertain the masses. Tourists from different parts of India attend this festival which is brightened by food, music and dance.
The various arts and crafts which belong to the area of Mewar are exhibited in the World Living Heritage festival and the guests eagerly participate in learning these crafts from the regional craftsmen who are present here. The artisans combine contemporary creative styles and traditional concepts for producing all such unique crafts. Expert craftsmen discuss how to introduce innovation into their crafts and enhance their quality, in these crafts workshops. One of the major aims of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation or MMCF is to propagate the patronage of these workshops as part of the procedure of the conservation of the heritage of Mewar.
The event of `Rang` is the exclusive portion of this festive event. Musical performances are the main features of Rang in which singers and dancers from all across the country readily participate at the grounds of The City palace Complex. Classical dances, classical vocals, folk music and instrumental music are displayed in the World Living Heritage festival and towards the conclusion of this festival the `Holika Dahan` is held. Holika Dahan is observed just the day before Holi, which is known as the `festival of spring`. During the full moon night of the month of `Phalguna`, a fire is lit which symbolises the victory of good over evil. The Holika Dahan is observed at Manek Chowk and the guests are allowed to be seated on the bay areas or `darikhanas` of the City Palace and this event marks the evergreen cultural heritage of Mewar in the 21st century.
