CM Bhajanlal Sharma Inaugurates ‘Rajasthan Utsav 2026’ in New Delhi

Jaipur, March 2026 : Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated Rajasthan Utsav 2026 at Bikaner House on Sunday on the occasion of Rajasthan Day.

The festival, being held in the national capital from March 15 to March 25, will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, including folk traditions, handicrafts, folk music, folk dances and traditional cuisine.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan’s culture, folk traditions and artistic heritage form the foundation of the state’s proud identity. He stated that the state government is continuously working to preserve and promote them while also giving them recognition at national and international levels. He added that the festival is becoming an effective platform to connect people from across the country and abroad with Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural heritage.

CM Interacts with Artisans and Self-Help Group Women

Sharma visited various stalls set up at the fair by Rajasthan Rural Livelihoods Development Council and the Rajasthan Rural Non-Farm Development Agency. He interacted warmly with artisans from different districts of the state and with women associated with self-help groups under the Rajeevika initiative.

The Chief Minister appreciated the handicraft products, traditional textiles and artistic creations displayed at the stalls. He also enquired about the artisans’ experiences and their work processes. During his interaction with the women members of self-help groups, he discussed their activities, product sales and livelihood opportunities, and encouraged them.

He said the state government is continuously working to economically empower self-help groups and to provide wider markets for their products. Such events, he noted, help artisans and SHG members gain recognition at the national level and increase their income. He also emphasized that Rajasthan’s traditional crafts and handicrafts are an important part of the state’s cultural heritage and must be preserved and promoted.

Cultural Programmes Add Colour to the Festival

At the Bikaner House premises, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Rajasthani photography exhibition, which presents the state’s folk life, historical heritage and cultural traditions through captivating images.

As part of the cultural programme series, Praveen Prajapat, a Guinness World Records holder from Alwar, performed the traditional Matka Bhawai dance. Artist Vishnu Dutt Sharma presented the programme “Braj Ke Rang”, along with a captivating Mayur dance and a colourful Phoolon Ki Holi performance that mesmerized visitors.

The event was attended by MPs Madan Rathore, Ghanshyam Tiwari, P. P. Chaudhary, Damodar Agarwal, Manju Sharma, Chunnilal Garasiya, Rajendra Gehlot, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P. C. Modi, Resident Commissioner Naveen Jain, senior officials of concerned departments, artists, artisans and a large number of visitors.