2-DAY JAIGARH FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH ENTHUSIASM
Jaipur Times
- To commemorate 40 years of Jaigarh as a tourist destination
- Talk shows, Kathak, flute recital, miniature painting, block printing, PDKF craft market were the attractions
- Classical, folk performers and workshop participants will be felicitated at the festival tomorrow
Jaipur : To celebrate 40 glorious years of Jaigarh Fort as a tourist destination, 'The Jaigarh Festival' began on Saturday with verve and vigour at Jaigarh Fort. This is the first of its kind festival, which is being organised with the aim of preserving and promoting the heritage, arts and crafts of the city. The festival was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. Princess Gauravi Kumari was also present on this occasion. Later, an impressive presentation of Kathak dance and flute recital of Jaipur Gharana took place at Subhat Niwas.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharaja Padmanabh Singh said that the city of Jaipur is world renowned for its culture and history. I am delighted that Jaigarh Festival has been launched today to celebrate 40 glorious years of Jaigarh Fort. Jaigarh Fort reflects our culture, tradition and history. This festival is an initiative through which we are trying to introduce people to the architectural heritage of Jaigarh, Kachhawa history, musical traditions and vibrant folk culture of Rajasthan, he said.
Talk Shows at Khilbati Niwas
Khilbati Niwas of Jaigarh Fort saw an enriching array of talks. Dr Giles Tillotson gave a talk on the topic - 'Building Jaigarh: The Fort through time'. He talked about various nuances attached to the fort that never came to the limelight. Talking about the fort and ita lesser known facts, he said that Jaigarh was never studied by historians because they were not allowed in the forts. Dr Giles also talked about various architectural features of the fort in detail.
Another talk on 'Conquerors and Protectors: Retracing Kachhawa History' featured Dr Abhimanyu Singh Arha who discussed in detail the entire Kachhawa history in new light and broke the ill-informed notions pertaining to Amer and Jaipur, focusing more on lesser-known parts. He also highlighted the role of Amer and Jaipur rulers as conquerors and protectors.
In the talk 'Reviving the Music Traditions of Rajasthan', Govind Singh Bhati and Sharon Genevive talked about various traditional and cultural music that surround the State and why it is important to keep them alive for the coming generations. Suruchi Sharma then took the audience on a 'Journey with Folk', where she talked about various folk performances and arts that encircle Rajasthan.
Craft and Food Bazaar at Laxmi Vilas
Day 1 of the Jaigarh Festival also saw a beautiful food and craft bazaar, which showcased PDKF craft demonstrations for Gota Patti, Soft Toy Making, Bead Jewellery, Lac Making, and delicious food items.
The day concluded with the screening of documentary 'Meen Raag' by National Award winning Director, Suruchi Sharma.
Programme of Day 2 of the Jaigarh Festival
On 10 December, Day 2 of the festival, there will be an Art Exhibition, Festival Bazaar and Dhoondhari Kavi Sammelan. The Closing ceremony will be showcasing classical, folk performances and felicitation of workshop students.
