Handicraft sales cross ₹80 lakh; Rajeevika and RUDA stalls emerge as major crowd-pullers
New Delhi, March 25 2026:
One of the capital’s most anticipated cultural showcases, Rajasthan Utsav 2026, concluded on a vibrant and memorable note on Wednesday, leaving behind a rich tapestry of art, tradition and festive spirit. Held over 11 days at Bikaner House, the festival brought alive the essence of Rajasthan through an immersive blend of cultural performances, traditional crafts and authentic cuisine, drawing enthusiastic crowds from across the city.
Sharing details about the event, Additional Resident Commissioner Anju Om Prakash said the festival, inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, remained a major attraction throughout its run. Designed as a family-friendly celebration, the event catered to visitors of all age groups, transforming the Bikaner House परिसर into a lively fairground steeped in Rajasthani culture. Beyond cultural engagement, the festival also created meaningful economic opportunities for artisans and self-help groups from across the state.
Gangaur Procession Adds Traditional Charm
Marking the spirit of Rajasthan’s iconic Gangaur festival, a grand procession was taken out within the premises, featuring around 200 women dressed in traditional attire. The vibrant spectacle drew large crowds, offering a glimpse into one of Rajasthan’s most cherished cultural traditions.
Rajeevika and RUDA Stalls Drive Strong Sales
Nearly 50 handicraft stalls set up by artisans associated with Rajeevika and the Rajasthan Rural Development and Marketing Society (RUDA) added a distinct charm to the festival. Visitors showed keen interest in purchasing authentic Rajasthani products, resulting in sales exceeding ₹80 lakh over the course of the event. According to fair coordinator Om Prakash, the strong sales figures reflect both the popularity of the festival and the growing appreciation for traditional crafts.
Cultural Evenings Bring Folk Heritage to Life
Each evening, the festival resonated with music and dance as Rajasthan Tourism curated cultural performances by renowned folk artists. Audiences were captivated by traditional singing and dance forms representing the state’s diverse heritage. Assistant Director Chhatrapal Yadav noted that this year’s lineup included Padma Shri-nominated folk artists, alongside performances by students of Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, who presented classical Kathak recitals.
Flavours of Rajasthan Delight Visitors
The festival’s food court emerged as a major highlight, offering an authentic culinary journey through Rajasthan. Popular dishes such as dal-baati-churma, pyaaz kachori, moong dal halwa and mirchi vada drew large crowds, with visitors often seen queuing up to savour the flavours. The rich and traditional fare proved so popular that it rivalled even Delhi’s famed street food experiences.
Traditional Games and Activities Engage All Ages
Adding to the festive spirit, a series of traditional games and competitions kept visitors engaged throughout the event. Activities such as tug of war, lemon race, mehendi, painting, safa tying, along with dance and singing contests, witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of children and adults alike. Winners were awarded prizes, making the celebration both interactive and inclusive.
With its successful blend of culture, commerce and community engagement, Rajasthan Utsav 2026 once again reaffirmed its place as a flagship cultural event in the national capital.
