###Shilpgram Festival 2025 to Begin on December 21: A Grand Celebration of India’s Living Folk Traditions

Udaipur, One of India’s most awaited cultural extravaganzas, the Shilpgram Festival, is set to commence on December 21, marking a grand celebration of the nation’s rich and diverse folk heritage. The festival will be inaugurated with the ceremonial beating of the nagara by the Governor of Rajasthan and Chairman of the West Zone Cultural Centre, Shri Haribhau Kishanrao Bagde.

The opening ceremony will be presided over by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Several Members of Parliament and MLAs from Udaipur and Chittorgarh will also attend the inauguration.

Entry will be free from 3:00 PM on the opening day, allowing the public to experience India’s vibrant folk traditions without any charge.

Komal Kothari Lifetime Achievement Awards to Two Eminent Artists

This year, the prestigious Dr. Komal Kothari Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Folk Arts will be conferred upon:

Dr. Niranjan Vallabhbhai Rajyaguru of Gujarat

Shri Ramnath Chaudhary of Rajasthan, renowned international Algoza maestro

Each award carries a cash prize of ₹2.51 lakh along with a silver plaque. Instituted by the West Zone Cultural Centre, this award honors the legendary folklorist Padma Shri Dr. Komal Kothari and recognizes lifelong contributions to the preservation of Indian folk arts.

22 States, 900 Artists, One Cultural Confluence

The ten-day festival will witness participation from approximately 900 folk artists representing 22 Indian states, presenting over 82 traditional folk art forms through 91 performing groups.

Daily performances across multiple stages will include iconic folk forms such as Kalbelia, Gawari, Lavani, Bihu, Chhau, Rouf, Garba, Baul, Pandavani, and a special Kathak–Lavani Symphony, offering visitors a new cultural experience every day.

Art Installations and Cultural Attractions

Key highlights of the festival include:

Twelve stone-carved sculptures crafted by young sculptors

Ghoomar dance figurines in traditional Rajasthani attire

Miniature models of Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Sajjangarh Fort, and other landmarks

Photography exhibitions and live documentary screenings on folk art

Hand-painted entrances inspired by tribal and folk motifs

400 Craft Stalls and Four Food Zones

Over 400 craft stalls will showcase handmade products by 800 artisans from across India, including special stalls by the Wool Board (Jodhpur), Jute Board (Kolkata), and TRIFED.

Four dedicated food zones will offer visitors the chance to savor traditional cuisines from 12 Indian states, turning the festival into a complete cultural and culinary journey.

Workshops, Youth Engagement, and National Art Symposium

Live craft demonstrations featuring Kota Doria weaving, Kashmiri shawl weaving, lacquer bangles, Molela clay art, and more

“Hivda Ri Hook” youth engagement programme (December 22–29), inviting visitors to perform and participate in cultural quizzes

Ten-day workshops on tribal masks, puppetry, and papier-mâché

National Painting Symposium (Dec 21–25) on the theme “Vision India 2047” featuring 15 eminent and Padma Shri artists

A Festival Where Tradition Lives On

With thoughtfully curated performances, immersive craft experiences, and ever-changing daily highlights, the Shilpgram Festival stands as a living celebration of India’s cultural soul—where heritage, harmony, and creativity come together.

The Shilpgram Festival 2025 invites everyone to witness India’s folk traditions in their most authentic and vibrant form.