Jaipur gets ready for 'Rajasthan Day' celebrations

Jaipur, Mar 18: The colourful mosaic of Rajasthan will come alive as the state begins its 'Rajasthan Day Celebrations' from March 21 this year.

The 10-day celebrations, which end on March 30, may witness Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles as chief guests at the closing ceremony. Though the invites have been sent, the confirmations are awaited.

This festival is an endeavour to lure tourists to this exotic state before the summer begins in right earnest here, a tourism official said.

The event packed with dance, great music, rituals, scintillating performances, pageantries and processions highlighting the uniqueness of the state, will add a joyful rhythm to mundane routine of life.

The celebrations will begin with 'Run for Rajasthan' which will be preceded by lighting of Rajasthan Day Torches in all 32 districts of the state. A performance by actor and dancer Hema Malini would mark the inaugural ceremony.

Night bazaar at Ramniwas Bagh and craft bazaar at city's Jawahar Kala Kendra would be major attractions for the tourists.

Amber Festival at the fascinating fort of Amber would include classical performances at the historic Ganesh Pole.

Bollywood stars are expected for the fashion extravaganza that will unfold at the awesome Albert Hall, which will be illuminated for the occasion and will serve as a grand backdrop for the cultural shows.

Rural sports, cultural competitions which encourage school students to paticipate in it.

An International food festival comprising Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Korean and region specific Rajasthani cuisine are the other highlights of the mega celebrations.

UNI