The Shekhawati Festival held on I0th and 11th February
every year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism,
District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the M.R.
Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation
Shekhawati, already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a
rural tourism destination too. Travelling on horse back, the tourists
get a closer view of the countryside and the people. And they return
with an indelible imprint of not only the friendliness of the people
but also of the agricultural revolution sweeping the villages --
the region now exports 80 per cent of its crops whereas only a few
years ago, it could meet only 10 per cent of its requirement through
local production.
For a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival
is spread over a number of venues - Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu
and Churu. The programmes include a one day tour of the region,
camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural games, cultural programmes,
havelis competitions and fireworks.
The driving force behind this festival, the M.R. Morarka - GDC Rural
Research Foundation, has pioneered integrated rural development
since 1993 and has identified tourism as a thrust area for creation
of employment opportunities. The festival and other efforts of the
foundation have convinced the haveli owners of the need to preserve
their priceless heritage of frescoes.
North
India States
