Bundi Utsav, or Bundi Festival, is an annual cultural and tourism festival celebrated in the city of Bundi, located in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan, India.[1] The festival showcases the Rajasthan and Bundi's cultural heritage, traditional art, and historical significance.[2] It typically takes place in November, during the Hindu calendar month of Kartika, and lasts three days. The festival is known to attract both domestic and international tourists.[3]
| Bundi Utsav बूंदी उत्सव | |
|---|---|
 Folk Dance in Bundi Utsav | |
| Status | active |
| Genre | fair, public gathering |
| Begins | 1996 |
| Frequency | annually |
| Venue | Taragarh Fort, Bundi, Jait Sagar Lake, Nawal Sagar Lake, Raniji ki Baori, Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi |
| Locations | Bundi, Rajasthan |
| Country | India |
| Years active | 24 |
Previous event | 2023 |
Next event | 2024 |
| Organised by | Department of Tourism, Rajasthan |
| Sponsors | Government of Rajasthan |
| Website | https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/bundi-festival-1 |
History
editInitial preparations for Bundi Utsav began in 1995, with significant public input, and the first annual festival was held the following year. The festival was conceived by Bundi District Head Rajmata Daulat Kanwar Ji (who held the role between 1995 and 2000 on behalf of the BJP) and Bundi District Collector Madhukar Ji Gupta, perceiving it as a means to deepen the connection of local residents to their heritage. Bundi Utsav has gained popularity over the years, arguably becoming one of the most anticipated events in Rajasthan's cultural calendar.[4]
The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
Festival Activities
editBundi Utsav offers an array of cultural events and activities, aiming to provide attendees with a glimpse into the region's varied cultural tapestry.[6]
Cultural processions
editProcessions take place in the streets of Bundi, and are noted by many attendees for their colourful decorations. They feature elaborately decorated camels, horses and elephants adorned with traditional attire and accessories. These processions are intended to celebrate the historical regal heritage of Rajasthan and contribute to a festive atmosphere. The procession commences with worship of Lord Ganesha at the Taragarh Fort in Bundi city.[7][5]
Crafts bazaar
editA marketplace is set up during the festival, offering a wide range of handcrafted items, textiles, jewelry, and pottery. It is held at the Government Senior Secondary School in Bundi. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase locally-made Rajasthani handicrafts and interact with artisans.[8]
Cultural performances
editThe festival features captivating performances of traditional Rajasthani folk music, dance, and theater at the Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri in Bundi city. Performances are given by local artists who aim to showcase their talent at gatherings known for their vibrant atmosphere.[5]
Rajasthani cuisine
editThe festival includes stalls that showcase the local Rajasthani cuisine, including traditional dishes such as Katt Bafla, gatte ki sabzi, Danamethi ki Sabzi, and Kadke.[9][10]
Tourist activities
editIn addition to the cultural festivities, Bundi Utsav also includes various tourist-oriented activities such as heritage walks, guided tours of historical monuments, and competitive activities such as tug-of-war, a mustache competition, a turban tying competition, a pot race, a horse race and a camel race.[11] On the last day of Bundi Utsav, a cultural safari is organised to educate foreign tourists about rural Indian culture. The "village safari" takes visitors to Theekarda village to acquiant them with the rural lifestyle, attire and culture.
Deepdaan
editThe festival includes Deepdan, an event during which earthen lamps are lit and set afloat on the waters of Nawal Sagar Lake, located in Bundi city. Deepdan has tended to draw thousands of citizens.[5]
Painting workshop
editThe festival includes a drawing and painting workshop also held at Sukh Mahal located on the banks of Jait Sagar Lake in the city of Bundi.[5]
Regional Significance
editBundi Utsav plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and fostering cultural exchange in the Rajasthan region. It provides a platform for local artists and craftsmen to broadcast their skills, while preserving and promoting traditional art forms. As the festival attracts tourists from around the world, it is considered as a significant contributor to the economic development of Bundi city and the surrounding areas.[12][13]
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Bundi Utsav begins today, to display glory of royal heritage". The Times of India. 11 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ Duttagupta, Samonway. "6 festivals of Rajasthan that will make you fall in love with it". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Rajasthan: Bundi Utsav begins in Hadoti with fanfare". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ कोटा, दिनेश कश्यप (8 November 2022). "धूमधाम से मनाया जाएगा 'बूंदी उत्सव', राजस्थान की संस्कृति देखने के लिए उमड़ेगी पर्यटकों की भीड़". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Bundi Utsav begins today after a gap of two years". The Times of India. 22 November 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Festivals and Events in November 2017 to Look Forward To | India.com". www.india.com. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Bundi Utsav 2019 : दमक उठा शहर का वैभव, पावणों की बहार, देखें वीडियो". Patrika News (in Hindi). 16 November 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Hindi News, Hindi Samachar, हिंदी न्यूज़, News in Hindi, हिंदी समाचार". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Bundi Utsav 2022: Let's Explore Hadoti And Its Food Heritage". Slurrp. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Rajasthan: Culture, cuisine and craft on Day 2 of Bundi Utsav". The Times of India. 17 November 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Bundi Utsav begins with traditional fervour". Hindustan Times. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "बूंदी उत्सव का आगाज, 2 साल बाद दिखे लोक संस्कृति के रंग, तस्वीरों में देखें कलाकारों की बेहतरीन प्रस्तुतियां". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd (in Hindi). Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑ "Bundi Utsav 2022: 11 नवंबर से होगा बूंदी महोत्सव का आगाज, रस्सा कसी और साफा बांधना समेत ये कुछ रहेगा खास | Bundi Utsav 2022 : Bundi Festival Will Start From 11 November". Patrika News (in Hindi). 2 November 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2024.