Shekhawati Festival: Unearth Rajasthan’s Rustic Beauty

Cultural vibrancy, a heritage that dates back thousands of years, and a chivalrous race proud of its lineage – Rajasthan in many ways is a microcosm of India’s diversity. Within the boundaries of this state, you will find the wonders of Rajput art and architecture, the tribulations of an arid desert land, and the resilience of a strong people who have made the most of their natural surroundings. Locals have further added a charm to it with the brilliance of their folk culture, craft and festivities.

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 northeastern Rajasthan, easily accessible from cities like Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner.

Organised between February 8 and 10, this festival is a beautiful and entertaining way of acquainting oneself with the rich heritage of this historical region. 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, a display of Shekhawati’s beautiful and brilliant frescoes, and guided tours of the famous havelis of Shekhawati.

Rural Treasures

While the festival is held in several rural areas of the region such as Jhunjhunu, Churu and Sikar, the main attractions lie in Nawalgarh. Of course there are the usual cultural programs, painting competitions, folk music and dance, a kavi sammellan and laughter shows as well as Rajasthan’s famous handicrafts bazaar to gawk at. But what really makes this a festival with a difference is the variety of options in and around the region that can leave you full of admiration and respect for the region’s arid beauty and the skills of its people.

Eco-tourism

One of the main places from where India’s organic revolution was launched, Shekhwati, has become a hot-spot for eco-tourists who want to experience the “real Rajasthan”. There are various locations in the region that include visits to organic farms and Shekhawati’s hinterland where visitors are welcomed not just with delicious organically grown fare, but also puppet shows, folk dances and camel safaris.

Heritage Tours

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 attending the festival at Nawalgarh, in itself a place of great historical interest and a mine of attractions for any tourist, visitors must also take time out to visit other places in the area. There is Lachhamangarh, which is famous for its havelis, Dundlod with its sprawling fort and its many European style frescoes, Khetri famous for its temples, forts and lakes and Mandawa also worth a visit for its famous fort and havelis.