Chandigarh: On the occasion of Lohri, a three day desert state’ cultural extravaganza ‘Rajasthan calling festival’ is being organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan in it’s bid to further attract domestic tourists from City beautiful and adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal opened here today in the CITY BEAUTIFUL Chandigarh.
The three day “Rajasthan Calling Festival” being held at the premises of Himachal Bhawan, Sector 28-B, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh is part of the Rajasthan Tourism’ domestic tourism promotion campaign “Rajasthan Calling” being held in 22 major cities across the country including Kochi, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Surat, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad.
Talking to the media at the inauguration of the festival, Mr Bhanu Partap, Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, said that “The major reason for organizing “Rajasthan Festival “in Punjab and Haryana state capital Chandigarh is to give a feel of Rajasthan and facilitate a better understanding about the state and provide complete information and showcase the Rajasthan traditional culture and the exquisite range of Rajasthani handicraft products and Rajasthani delicacies. The major highlight of the festival will be live dances and a food court.”
“The food court has stalls serving famous Dal Baati Choorma, famous Rajasthan Kachori’s, mirchi bada and traditional sweets. Folk music & dances presented on the occasion include langas, kalbelia dance, teratoli and many more” he said. “20 stalls depicting varied, handicraft works from various regions of the state will be showcased during the festival. These will include woolen shawls from Bikaner, Namdas from Tonk, Embriodery from Barmer, Brass Nakhashi from Jaipur, Blue pottery from Jaipur, Terracota from Udaipur, Tie & Die from Jaipur, Pali & Jodhpur. Leather items–Bags, Jutis from Jodhpur and Barmer” he added.
“With 13.78 lakh foreign tourists and 2.55 lakh domestic tourist arrivals in year 2010 Rajasthan is easily one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India. The State’s popularity is primarily owing to its incredible tourism products: its rich heritage, its forts, palaces, lakes, colourful and lively fairs and festivals, golden sand dunes and rich wild life, add to that the adventure sports, wellness tourism, handicrafts, shopping, among other pullers.” Mr Partap said.
The other attractions, of course, are the world acclaimed heritage hotels, luxury trains like Palace on wheels & Royal Rajasthan on wheelsmost favoured locales & landscapes for film shootings and world-famous cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Jodhpur. India’s most favoured tourist circuit – the Golden Triangle – also has the city of Jaipur in it. Rajasthan has also made a mark for its pilgrimage trail.