The
Shekhawati Festival held on 10th and 11th February every
year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism,
District administrations of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu.
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, haveli competitions and
fireworks.
Nawalgarh is the central venue of the festival and can be
reached comfortably by train and road from Jaipur (140 kms by
Road). Nawalgarh also has some of the finest frescoes of
Shekhawati. The Clock Tower is a famous landmark and the Roop
Niwas Palace hotel occupies a place of pride in the town. |