Events of the month

Holi - The festival of colours celebrated at Udaipur's City Palace
The Manek Chowk shimmered in the evening light as the Holika Dahan Ceremony was carried out in regal splendour in The City Palace Complex on the 19th March 2011. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) performed the traditional rites and ritual of lighting the Holika on the auspicious full moon night of Phalguna, heralding the onset of spring. Members of the Royal Family of Mewar who also participated in the rituals and festivities accompanied Shriji. Guests from overseas and India included a group of members from the Young President's Organisation Pan Asia Chapter and Harvard Business School AMP 71 Reunion Tour to India who joined residents from Udaipur to witness the festival that is performed according to the ancient traditions of Rajasthan and India.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur and members of the family recited prayers with the Palace priests at The Manek Chowk. Sacred text from the Vedas and Hymns were read as Shriji lit the Holika and circled the fire, accompanied by priests. "Holika Dahan marks the triumph of good over evil; it is truly an inspiring and colourful festival", said Thakur Bhupendra Singh Auwa, Deputy Secretary - MMCF, he added, "It is a regal festival that has been traditionally celebrated at the City Palace in Udaipur for centuries, we are proud to uphold this age-old tradition and make it meaningful and interesting for our guests."

Rang, a cultural initiative started in 2007 by MMCF to revive a sense of genuine pride and understanding in local craftsmen was organised at the Sabha Shiromani ka Darikhana from the 16th to 18th March. The theme for Rang this year was 'Carved Culture - When Traditional meets Contemporary' showing how contemporary and traditional art can create innovative heritage merchandise. The Art form chosen was 'Sculptures and Carving', as the land of Mewar has always been known for its magnificent architecture and aesthetic sense. objets selected were Marble Inlay, Marble Carving, Thikri or Mirror Work, Brass & Bronze molding, Soap Stone & Marble sculpting. Ms. Simona Bocchi, an Italian artist and contemporary sculptress participated in the workshop to provide exposure to the local craftsmen and introduce them to new techniques of sculpting. The exhibition was inaugurated on the 16th March 2011 at 10.30 am by Mr. C.P. Talesara, President, Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry while Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur felicitated the participants with certificates of appreciation on the last day of the workshop.

Aashka - The Lifestyle Boutique - conceptualized and established by Ms. Bhargavi Kumari Mewar of Udaipur continues to make a valuable contribution to Mewar's arts and crafts. Her Lifestyle Boutique, Aashka has been a constant partner in the commitment by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation to promote and propagate Mewar's rich heritage.

Ms. Simona Bocchi briefing Mr. C.P. Talesara and other guests at Rang

Ms. Simona Bocchi briefing
Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur at Rang

Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur and
Ms. Simona Bocchi with the participants of the Rang