As the sun set on the second edition of the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, the two-day celebration stood as a powerful testament to Rajasthan’s living heritage, bridging the past and present through art, dialogue, and community.
Building on the momentum of an impactful first day, the festival at the historic fort drew heritage enthusiasts, scholars, artists, and visitors from across the region, offering a rich confluence of performances, thoughtful conversations, and hands-on cultural experiences.
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The concluding day of the Heritage Festival 2025 unfolded as an immersive celebration of history, artistry, music, and ideas, set against the majestic backdrop of Jaigarh.
The morning opened on a meditative note with a performance by Pandit Mohan Shyam Sharma, supported by the Dagar Archives Museum, creating a serene and reflective start to the day.
This was followed by Painting and Photography in the Jaipur Court, where Dr. Giles Tillotson engaged in conversation with Dr. Mrinalini Venkateswaran, offering insightful reflections on the visual and artistic documentation of Jaipur’s royal legacy.
Midday sessions explored history and political narratives through Rajasthan and the Subcontinent – Politics, Polity & the Art of War, featuring Dr. Rima Hooja, Dr. Jigyasa Meena, and Dr. Pankaj Jha in conversation with Dr. Abhimanyu Singh Arha.
Meanwhile, visitors participated in a rhythmic Khartal workshop with Chugge Khan and enjoyed soulful performances by Shahzad and Sakil Khan, celebrating the living traditions of Rajasthan’s folk music.
The festival maintained a strong focus on traditional craftsmanship through sessions presented by Vedanta, including the Karigar Spotlight on artisan patchwork by Dariya Devi, the Uthori street play, and masterclasses such as Listening with the Heart – A Playful Introduction to Indian Classical Music, along with an interactive Sketcher’s Meet with Urban Sketchers Jaipur.
The evening reached a powerful crescendo with Otherworldly Chronicles: Close Encounters with the Formless & the Spectral, featuring Sanjoy K. Roy in conversation with Arundhati Nath. The grand finale brought together the iconic Manganiyar Seduction by Roysten Abel, the thunderous beats of Nagadas by Nathoo Lal Solanki, and the dynamic sounds of the Princely States Dub Orchestra featuring Rajasthan Josh, leaving the audience in rapt celebration of Rajasthan’s enduring musical heritage.
Throughout the day, visitors explored the vibrant Crafts Bazaar at Laxmi Vilas and savoured regional delicacies at the bustling Food Gully at Vilas Mandir. Specially curated heritage walks, led by experts, offered memorable journeys through the historical and architectural wonders of Jaigarh.