Mewar Welcomes Holi with Holika Ropan at The City Palace, Udaipure

The City Palace, Udaipur, began Holi celebrations with the traditional Holika Ropan ritual at Manek Chowk. Held on the full moon of Magh (February 1, 2026), the ceremony features the ceremonial erecting of the Holika effigy, steeped in royal customs and Vedic chants. This ritual marks the start of Holi preparations and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The effigy will be burnt on Phalgun Purnima (Holika Dahan) on March 2, 2026. A vibrant prelude to the festival of colors, Holika Ropan showcases Mewar's rich cultural heritage.

Melodies of Mewar: Saturdays at Baadi Mahal

The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) celebrates Mewar's timeless cultural heritage with enchanting weekly musical performances at Baadi Mahal in the City Palace Museum, Udaipur. Every Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, masterful resident artists perform on beloved traditional instruments, including the santoor, flute, jal tarang, violin, sitar, and sarangi, right in the heart of historic splendor. Open to all visitors, these concerts bring classical Ragas to life amid the palace's architectural grandeur.

Audiences in January and February 2026 were captivated by exceptional performances: Mr. Om Prakash Tak (Sitar, Jan 10), Mr. Anil Bhardwaj (Flute, Jan 17), Mr. Dheeraj Vaishnav (Santoor, Jan 24), Mr. Chandan Prajapat (Flute, Jan 31), Dr. Dimple Sindhal (Sitar, Feb 7), Mr. Nandlal Gandharv (Jal Tarang, Feb 14), Ms. Kanishka Verma (Violin, Feb 21), and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Tanwar (Santoor, Feb 28).

Anniversary Celebrations of Maharanas

Maharana Kumbha (r. 1433 - 1468 CE)

The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation commemorated the 608th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Maharana Kumbha on 14th January, 2026 at City Palace, Udaipur.

Maharana Kumbha (1433-1468 CE), born in 1417 CE at Deogarh, was one of Mewar's greatest rulers, a mighty warrior, erudite scholar, devout religious leader, and master architect. After his father Maharana Mokal's assassination, Kumbha ascended Chittor's throne in 1433 CE and, with key ally Rao Ranmal Rathore, avenged his father by eliminating all conspirators. Starting with just Chittorgarh and surrounding villages, he expanded Mewar into a vast empire stretching from Abu and Mandsaur to Ranthambore and Amber, defeating Malwa, Gujarat, and Nagaur in 56 battles, losing none.