Vedanta Group Presents Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2024 – A Celebration of India’s Storied Culture & Heritage
Jaipur, 2 January 2025: The first edition of the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, presented by the Vedanta Group in collaboration with His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, concluded with resounding success, held on 28 and 29 December at the historic Jaigarh Fort, this two-day festival was an incredible celebration of India’s art, music, culture, and heritage, with the theme #ArtInEveryHeart, the festival brought together traditional crafts, mesmerizing performances, and meaningful conversations, creating a vibrant platform to honor the region’s rich heritage and foster sustainable community development.The festival was produced by pioneering arts and events production company, Teamwork Arts. From soul-stirring performances to insightful conversations and immersive workshops, the festival offered attendees an unparalleled experience that honored both the tangible and intangible heritage of Rajasthan.
DAY ONE: The festival commenced with the soulful strains of Dagar Vani Dhrupad by Niloy Ahsan Zulkernaeen, followed by dynamic performances by Nagada maestro Nathoolal Solanki, accompanied by giant puppets that set an energetic tone. The day featured a stellar lineup of artistes, including Ustad Mir Mukhtiyar Ali’s Sufi music, Vidya Shah’s musical segment Women on Record, and Jaipur’s indie folk fusion band, Yugm. Engaging discussions such as Jaipurnama: The Pulse of Pink City, featuring author and cultural ambassador Tripti Pandey and acclaimed historian Rima Hooja, explored the fascinating stories that define Jaipur. The evening closed with a breathtaking performance by Padma Shri Kailash Kher, whose resonant voice and band Kailasa’s fusion of folk, Sufi, and contemporary sounds enthralled the audience.
DAY TWO: The final day began with a serene Taus recital by Sandeep Singh and Avirbhav Verma, setting the stage for a day of diverse cultural offerings. There were two fascinating conversations: Chiseling the Divine: The Indian Temple, with art historian Parul Pandya Dhar in conversation with history-writer Ashwitha Jayakumar, and The Whirling Heart: Sufism’s Living Histories with renowned historian Rana Safvi in dialogue with the Gaddi-Nashin of Ajmer Sharif, Syed Salman Chishty. Highlights included a Khartal workshop by Chugge Khan, vibrant performances by the Jaisalmer Boys, and a spectacular Kathak presentation by the disciples of Manisha Gulyani. The evening witnessed a rhythmic crescendo with a performance by the spectacular ensemble TĀL FRY and a magical Nimadi folk music showcase by Nimad – Under the Neem Tree. The festival concluded with a powerful finale by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, the Folk Queen of India.
The festival, presented by Vedanta, also showcased a blend of traditional crafts, community empowerment, and cultural performances. Stalls included the Nand Ghar Experiential Centre, offering hands-on workshops in block printing, diya painting, henna art, and bilonachhaas making, celebrating Rajasthan’s rural artistry. Hindustan Zinc Limited displayed Upaya and Daichi products, reflecting Vedanta’s commitment to sustainable innovation, while Cairn Oil & Gas featured Jiji Bai cookies, Maru Sagar dairy, and handcrafted goods by Ruma Devi, promoting women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship.
The festival’s cultural performances included traditional ballads and storytelling by Bhopa-Bhopi, Rajasthani folk music by Bhutte Khan and the Manganiyars, and the mythological dance-drama Gavri from Mewar. A mesmerising percussion recital on the pakhawaj by Aishvary Arya, the impactful Uthori Street Play, and the Sakhi Ramp Walk showcasing a winter collection by women artisans empowered through Vedanta’s initiatives were other highlights of the festival.
The Jaigarh Heritage Festival is organized in partnership with Rajasthan Tourism. The event is held in association with KGK foundation and the official festival partner, Code Silver. Our festival patrons include Silver and Choice, while the festival is supported by
Rajasthan Patrika and AU Bank, with Radio Mirchi as the entertainment partner. Additionally, SDMH serves as the care partner, SOKA as the hydration partner, Airtel as the
internet partner, and Social Medeeya alongside Hunter Hikers as outreach partners.
His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur said: “Jaigarh is a proud symbol of Dhoondhar and Jaipur, embodying centuries of history and heritage. This festival celebrates not just our built heritage but also the spirit of Rajasthan—its art, craft, music, and stories. It is my hope that the Jaigarh Heritage Festival will continue to inspire and enrich the community for generations to come.”
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson at Hindustan Zinc Ltd. & Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd said: “We, at Vedanta, are proud to have been associated with the Jaigarh Heritage Festival that celebrated art, music, and vibrant traditions of Rajasthan. With the theme ‘Art in Every Heart,’ the festival provided a platform for artisans to showcase their talent and stories. We hope to contribute and further many such initiatives focused on empowering communities and transforming for good. I would like to extend my gratitude to His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur for his patronage and passion towards art and culture. Through both our businesses, Hindustan Zinc and Cairn Oil & Gas, we have several social impact initiatives across Rajasthan, impacting 15 million lives annually. At Vedanta, we are committed to creating a brighter future for everyone.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts said: “Jaigarh stands as a powerful testament to Rajasthan’s enduring heritage, where art and history merge seamlessly to celebrate both tangible and intangible legacies. With the first edition of the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, Teamwork Arts proudly transformed this historic landmark into a living canvas of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. This initiative underscores our commitment to preserving heritage while fostering dynamic platforms for music, art, and storytelling, ensuring that Jaigarh’s timeless stories continue to inspire generations.
“I’m delighted to see the Jaigarh Heritage Festival come alive within the majestic walls of Jaigarh Fort. This celebration is a testament to our state’s rich cultural tapestry, woven with vibrant traditions, soulful music, and exquisite artistry. We are honored to support this initiative, which not only showcases Rajasthan’s heritage but also fosters community bonding and cross-cultural exchange”, Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank.
