On March 30, 1949, the grand unification of the erstwhile princely states of Rajputana gave birth to Rajasthan in the Union of India. Since then, March 30th is celebrated as Rajasthan Diwas every year. The annual celebrations aim to showcase the desert state’s culture and heritage and revive the traditional sports, cuisines and folk-art.
Rajasthan Diwas, 2011
Weeklong celebrations marked Rajasthan Diwas last year. It was a splendid day for Jaipurites as they woke up to the strains of santoor followed by the dare-devilry in the sky by Surya Kiran team and power-packed performance by artistes in the play, Raangbhoomi. There was a musical soiree in the evening.
The Surya Kiran’s acrobatic show on Rajasthan University sports ground was the high point of the event. Rajasthan government’s tourism department had organized all the activities.
Rajasthan Diwas, 2012
Jaipur will witness a mélange of festivity and cultural events on March 29 and 30 as part of the Rajasthan Day Celebrations (RDC). Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) will be the hub for all the RDC events.
Usha Sharma, principal secretary and commissioner, state tourism, said that the focus will be on theatre, cultural programmes and Rajasthan folk music. Besides, there will be a weeklong food and craft bazaar.
While the cultural programmes will be held at Muktaakash Manch, the theatre will be staged at auditoriums. The craft bazaar will be held at Shilp Gram from March 27 to April 2, and the food festival on the JKK lawns. This is for the first time that all RDC events will be held at JKK. On March 29th, at 6 pm, “Ek Tha Gaddha Urf Aladaad Khan”, a play written by well known satirist Sharad Joshi will be staged. Ashok Rahi of Jaipur’s People Media Theatre will direct it. On the same evening, there will be a cultural programme from 7.30 pm onwards at the Muktaakash Manch, where artistes like Toshi, Sharib and Swaroop Khan will perform.
On March 30th, the foundation day of the state, another play – “Chinta Chhod Chintamani” by Shri Om Katare – will be staged. Rajasthani artistes will perform in the evening.
Choicest Rajasthani dishes will be available on the occasion. While, at the craft bazaar, artifacts and handicrafts from all over the state will be available for both sale and display.
