Vedaaranya Heritage & Healing Festival 2024: A cultural odyssey in the heart of Ramgarh Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Embark on a journey into the mesmerizing world of heritage, art, and holistic healing as the Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival (VHAH FEST) makes its triumphant return to Ramgarh Shekhawati from January 26th to 29th, 2024. Crafted in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shruti Foundation, and INTACH Shekhawati Chapter, this festival […]

by PRACHI SAINI - January 19, 2024, 9:41 am

Embark on a journey into the mesmerizing world of heritage, art, and holistic healing as the Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival (VHAH FEST) makes its triumphant return to Ramgarh Shekhawati from January 26th to 29th, 2024. Crafted in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shruti Foundation, and INTACH Shekhawati Chapter, this festival unfolds against the backdrop of Ramgarh Shekhawati—a heritage wonderland adorned with over 200 Havelis, 36 cenotaphs, and 101 temples.
Once the solitude of affluent merchants, Ramgarh Shekhawati has evolved into a global heritage hotspot, and the VHAH FEST, initiated eight years ago by Shruti Foundation, stands as a testament to its cultural renaissance through restoration, skilling initiatives, rural tourism, and vibrant cultural celebrations.

From January 26th to 29th, 2024, the Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival promises an immersive blend of cultural experiences, uniting performers, artists, heritage experts, and musicians from India and beyond. Under the theme of “East meets West,” the festival will host an array of renowned musicians, domain experts, indigenous craftspeople, healers, designers, and leaders from governmental and institutional spheres.

The festival’s highlights include a vibrant Food and Crafts Mela, artistic workshops, an exploration of the Veda Temple’s architectural marvels, and a Lime (Chuna) Technology demonstration by INTACH Shekhawati Chapter, showcasing heritage building restoration techniques.

Participants can engage in a range of activities, from Kantha Textile workshops to exploring upcycled products and joining weaving sessions with Katran (Waste Material). Cultural performances will feature “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, seamlessly blending Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam.

Additional attractions include an inaugural dinner with Iranian Folk dances, Sufi Folk performances by the Mirs of Rajasthan, and a captivating screening of “The History and Heritage of Ramgarh Shekhawati.”

Renowned artist Satish Gupta will captivate the audience with a “Live Calligraphy” performance, while guided tours provide an opportunity to explore the heritage of Ramgarh Shekhawati. Immersive healing sessions offer insights into local Ayurvedic practices, “A Superfood a Day” with Health Transformation Coach Vidhi Beri, and Yoga Healing Sessions with Bijal Doshi.

Save the dates—January 26th to 29th, 2024—for an enchanting rendezvous with the rich heritage, art, and holistic well-being of Ramgarh Shekhawati, Rajasthan, at the VHAH FEST 2024.