The festival brought the untapped heartland of Rajasthan to the forefront, offering an immersive exploration of the region’s cultural heritage, artistic brilliance, and holistic wellness practices.
The Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival (VHAH) Fest recently opened its doors to cultural and wellness enthusiasts to experience a transformative journey through the untapped beauty of Rajasthan. For the first time, it unveiled the lesser-known landscapes of Ramgarh Shekhawati, a region often overshadowed by Rajasthan’s popular destinations.
The festival, held this year from February 13-17, celebrated the artistic legacies of the likes of artists Raja Ravi Varma and M V Dhurandhar, and legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt, combining heritage, artistic expression, and rejuvenating wellness activities. It featured classical and folk dance performances, interactive discussions, and workshops on Ayurvedic health treatments, ancient chants, as well as wellness practices.
(Photo courtesy: Media net Works)
In homage to Guru Dutt, the centennial celebration included the ‘Guru Dutt Moonlight Mehfil’ on February 14th, a magical dinner concert led by Anuraag Poddar, along with insights from UK-based TV producer Nasreen Munni Kabir and Shruti Nada Poddar, Founder and Managing Trustee, Shruti Foundation.
VHAH Fest introduced “The Grand Archway” and the “Mohar Art Gallery” on February 16th, showcasing oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma and M V Dhurandhar. It was launched by Chief Guest Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Cultural and Tourism, and Rama Varma Thampuran, Prince of Kilimanoor Palace and descendant of Raja Ravi Varma.
“Shekhawati's history stands as one of the most unique and illustrious in the world. Its magnificent havelis, rich traditions, grandeur, prosperous commercial enterprises, along with their profound cultural and spiritual depth, offer an unparalleled legacy," Shekhawat said.
"For centuries, these havelis were left in neglect, their grandeur locked away in time. The courageous and visionary initiative by Vedaaranya Heritage & Healing Festival, to restore and preserve them is truly commendable and deserving of the highest recognition. This remarkable effort aligns seamlessly with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: ‘To safeguard our heritage while progressing'. In this regard, this initiative is a significant and praiseworthy step forward,” he added.
The fest showcased the exquisite "Mohar Haveli" mansions adorned with intricate frescoes and vibrant colors. Visitors were witnessed immersing themselves in the region’s rich history through a heritage walk, exploring havelies, temples, and chhatris (umbrellas), while enjoying camel cart rides and tuk-tuk tours.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Cultural and Tourism, launching the Mohar Art Gallery. (Photo courtesy: Media net Works)
Additionally, the festival offered a series of workshops, including heritage restoration, turban-tying, traditional applique with Barmer artisans in collaboration with Banglanatak.com, and weaving sessions with craft persons from Shekhawati and Barmer, providing a deeper connection to Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
The “Music on the Sands” featured classical and folk music performances by Vidushi Sunanda Sharma, Kinkar Lal Bhopas and Jason Donnelly (Artistic Director & Lead of the TADA Dance Company, Northern Ireland), with the enchanting Kalbeliya dancers.
Following this, the "Immersion in the Rasas of Love" explored the divine love of Radha and Lord Krishna through kathak, dance and storytelling, with a performance by Padmashri Geeta Chandran. Adding to the allure of the evening, Vidushi Sujata Mohapatra mesmerized the audience with her breathtaking rendition of Jayadeva's "Geet Govinda", a timeless treatise on love, through the sensuous and expressive art of Odissi dance.
"This festival, a sacred blend of history, art, and healing, serves as a powerful reminder of India’s timeless traditions and the profound wisdom that binds us... May Vedaaranya continue to inspire, bridging the past with the future, and preserving our rich heritage for generations to come," said Rama Varma Thampuran, also a renowned musician and a cultural advocate.
The VHAH Fest showcased the exquisite Mohar Haveli mansions adorned with intricate frescoes and vibrant colors. (Photos courtesy: Media net Works)
All in all, the VHAH Fest came forward as a platform to recognize the profound connection between wellness and the human spirit. It was an intricately curated program of rejuvenating experiences, designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Attendees participated in a Vedic Yagya, an ancient ritual believed to purify the mind and create a sense of harmony.
The festival, which culminated with a grand musical tribute by Amrish Mishra, was organized by the Shruti Foundation. It was held in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Tourism, Rajasthan's Department of Tourism, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, INTACH Shekhawati Chapter and supported by Raj Bhargava Charitable Trust, Neotia Foundation, Le Meridien New Delhi.
