The ‘Rajasthan Festival’ began with a grand cultural extravaganza choreographed by none other than the well-known Director and Playwright, Bhanu Bharti. More than 300 hundred folk artistes from the State and all over the country gave a scintillating performance. The event was organized by the Department of Tourism today at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur.
The Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Kalyan Singh was the Chief Guest of the event. The Special Guests for the event were the Sports Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar and Minister of State for Tourism, Smt. Krishnendra Kaur (Deepa).
The 110-minute programme included Mass Band display by Army, Air Force as well as Rajasthan Police. The songs performed by the bands were; Dharti Dhoran Ri, Pal Pal Dil ke Paas and Jaha Dal- Dal Pe by Rajasthan Police Central Band; Vande Mataram, Chak De India, Jai Ho by Air Force Band, Pallu Latke Hai, Classical Kathak , Medley of Hindi songs like, Mere Sapno Ki Rani by Army Band and Sare Jahan Se Acha by combined performance by all the three bands.
Performances included Shiv Mudra (Nagpur) followed by dance sequence — Chakhri, Gair, Chari, Dhapchang, Dhamaal (Haryana), Paika (Jharkhand) and Mewasi (Gujarat). These performances were presented to the tune of Langa Mangiyaar. Other performances on the occasion were include – Bhadoi Shikla (Assam), Kathak Jaipur and Chhabeli Dance(Uttarakhand), Lai Haroba (Manipur). The performance will conclude with Holi Dance by contingent of all artistes.
The Rajasthan Divas Torch was brought by winners of the ‘Rajasthan Day Marathon’ from the Divisional Headquarters of the State. It first reached Ambedkar Circle and then Amar Jawan Jyoti and finally at the SMS Stadium where the Chief Guest and special guests lighted the Festival Cauldron. The evening also saw the finals of the ‘Rumal Jhapatta’ and Tug-of-War as a part of the Rural Sports Competition.
During the opening day festivities the divisional tableaus were displayed at Janpath along with folk performances on both sides of the road. Grand fireworks display was also a part of the exciting programme.
Jaipur Kathak Samaroh at Central Park
The 2-day ‘Jaipur Kathak Samaroh’ began at 8 pm at the Central Park. The Chief Guest for the occasion were the Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. N.C. Goyal. There were performances of ‘Devi Stuti’, ‘Kesariya Balam Padharo Mhare Desh’, ‘Chaturang’ and ‘Thumri’. While ‘Devi Stuti’ and ‘Kesariya Balam Padharo Mhare Desh’ were presented by Jaipur Kathak Kendra under the direction of Dr. Rekha Thakar; ‘Chaturang’ and ‘Thumri’ were presented under the direction of Harish Gangani from Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra.
‘Devi Stuti’ showcased the victory of good over evil when Goddess Durga slaughters Asur. This was followed by ‘Kesariya Balam Padharo Mhare Desh’. The performance presented the moods of the women of Rajasthan. A part of the lives of these women go through separation when their heroes go abroad and fight in war. 
The performance showcased how beauty emerges from the various activities that the women do when their men come back from war, like getting dressed up, get excited and involve themselves in auspicious activities around the house.
Jaipur Beat 
What a colourful and artistic event. Great post…