Vedaaranya Heritage & Healing Festival Returns In 2024

EE News Desk Jan 16, 2024

The Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival (VHAH Fest) returns to Ramgarh Shekhawati from 26 to 29 January 2024. This festival, a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shruti Foundation and INTACH Shekhawati Chapter, is set to celebrate heritage, art and healing.

Once deserted by affluent merchants, Ramgarh Shekhawati has become a sought-after heritage destination, showcasing over 200 Havelis, 36 cenotaphs and 101 temples.

Initiated eight years ago by the Shruti Foundation, the VHAH festival focuses on the cultural revival of Ramgarh Shekhawati through restoration, skilling, rural tourism and cultural festivities.

The event promises a blend of cultural experiences featuring performers, artists, heritage experts and musicians from India and beyond. This cultural festival will unfold with ‘East meets West’ performances, renowned musicians, domain experts, indigenous craftspeople, healers, designers, entrepreneurs and leaders from governmental and institutional spheres.

Highlights include a food and crafts mela, artistic workshops, an exploration of the Veda temple's architecture and a Lime (Chuna) Technology demonstration by INTACH Shekhawati Chapter for heritage building restoration.

Participants can also engage in a Kantha Textile workshop, explore upcycled products and join weaving sessions with Katran (waste material). The festival features cultural performances, including ‘Meera’ by Dr Sonal Mansingh, a Sitar and Cello Jugalbandi with Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao De Haas, and ‘TRIDHARA’ by Guru Geeta Chandran, blending Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam.

Other attractions include an inaugural dinner with Iranian folk dances, Sufi folk with the Mirs of Rajasthan and a screening of ‘The History and Heritage of Ramgarh Shekhawati.’

Artist Satish Gupta will present a ‘Live Calligraphy’ performance and attendees can explore Ramgarh Shekhawati's heritage through guided tours. Healing sessions offer local ayurvedic insights, ‘A Superfood a Day’ with health transformation coach Vidhi Beri and yoga healing sessions with Bijal Doshi.