Walks, tours, talks, exhibitions to mark heritage festival

Vadodara: Heritage, nature walks, rickshaw tours, visits to home museums, illustrated talks, and exhibitions will mark the Vadodara People's Heritage Festival, which will kick off on Monday, marking the 513th anniversary year of Vadodara."We have been organising this festival since 2015 to applaud Vadodara's heritage during the national heritage week, which is celebrated across the country between Nov 18 and Nov 24," said city-based art historian Chandrashekhar Patil. He added that while some events are repeats from earlier festivals, many new events are added this year.The events include the Kothi walk and a nature walk of the heritage trees of Sayajibaug, a lush green oasis in the heart of Vadodara. Visits to home museums include a glimpse of the photograph collection by Shubhangi Prajakta Manohar and a collection of around 570 water pots at the home of Atul Shah, who will also display an exhibition titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi as Brand Ambassador'. The exhibition featured a collection of advertisements and publicity material that used the image of Gandhiji to promote various products and causes.Similarly, the festival will include an art exhibition by sculptor Rajesh Patel, a social awareness photo exhibition by Jayanti Chavada, a rangoli exhibition and workshop by artists of the Ekdant Rangoli Kalakar Group, and a group exhibition of handicrafts of Baroda.At the same time, bicycle lovers will organise bicycle trails. In addition to the bicycle trails, there will be an architectural and art exhibition showcasing Vadodara's rich heritage. Architect Nilesh Rami will be presenting his work, highlighting the intricate designs and historical significance of the city's most beloved buildings. As part of the festivities, there will be a series of talk shows focusing on various aspects of health and wellness. Dr. Anand Ahuja will speak on the importance of heart health in his talk titled ‘Cardiac Arrest', ‘Yoga for Better Living' by Dr Shilpa Patel, and ‘Psychology and Human Behaviour' by Dr Zeenat, among others.