The
Shekhawati Festival held on 10th and 11th February every year is organised jointly
by the State Department of Tourism, District administrations of Sikar, Jhunjhunu
and Churu.
Shekhawati, already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism
destination too. Travelling on horse back, the tourists get a closer view of
the countryside and the people. And they return with an indelible imprint of
not only the friendliness of the people but also of the agricultural revolution
sweeping the villages -- the region now exports 80 per cent of its crops whereas
only a few years ago it could meet only 10 per cent of its requirement through
local production.
For a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is spread
over a number of venues - Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes
include a one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural
games, cultural programmes, haveli competitions and fireworks.
Nawalgarh is the central venue of the festival and can be reached comfortably
by train and road from Jaipur (140 kms by Road). Nawalgarh also has some of
the finest frescoes of Shekhawati. The Clock Tower is a famous landmark and
the Roop Niwas Palace hotel occupies a place of pride in the town.