Jaipur Literature Festival Celebrates Rajasthan’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Jaipur, January 2026 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the Jaipur Literature Festival, highlighting the state as a sacred land of knowledge, art, and culture. Addressing the opening session, he emphasized the richness of India’s literature and cultural heritage, noting that Rajasthan has long been a cradle of wisdom and creativity. He called on everyone to make literature an integral part of life and stressed that his government is committed not only to the state’s development but also to preserving and promoting its literary and cultural legacy.

Sharma said, “Rajasthan’s land has nurtured knowledge, music, and art for centuries. The Jaipur Literature Festival is a celebration of ideas and will further showcase Rajasthan’s cultural heritage to the world.” He highlighted the state’s monuments—from Amer Fort to Hawa Mahal—as reflections of its rich cultural history, and cited literary and devotional treasures such as Meera’s bhakti, Dhola-Maru’s stories, and the works of Vijaydan Detha, Kanhaiyalal Sethia, and Komal Kothari.

He also praised Rajasthan’s valour and devotion, remembering heroes like Maharana Pratap, Pannadhay, and Amrita Devi, who brought pride to the land through their sacrifice and dedication.

On the role of literature, Sharma remarked that books spread knowledge across generations, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view that gifts of books illuminate minds more than bouquets. He added that literature nurtures empathy, reflection, and humility, connecting people to human values and guiding them through life. He noted that throughout history, literature has inspired warriors, motivated freedom fighters, challenged tyranny during the Emergency, and bolstered the courage of soldiers in war—playing a crucial role in nation-building.

The festival saw the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Police Director General Rajiv Kumar Sharma, JL Fest Director Namita Gokhale, William Delrimple, Teamwork Arts MD Sanjay Roy, renowned writers and literary figures, and a large gathering of the public. The event celebrated the timeless bond between Rajasthan’s cultural identity and literary heritage, inspiring attendees to continue valuing and promoting the state’s artistic and literary traditions.