Alwar Utsav to delight tourists, sustain craft

ALWAR: Preparations are in full swing for the three-day ‘‘Alwar Utsav’’, slated to begin here on February 7.
This is the second time that the Utsav figures in the tourism calendar of Rajasthan. The state government has decided to hold the festival — expected to attract tourists in a big way — every year until 2010.
Alwar district magistrate Tanmay Kumar told Times News Network, ‘‘Apart from highlighting Alwar as a delightful destination for tourists, the Utsav is aimed at promoting handicrafts, pottery, leather and woodwork of the district.’’
‘‘Last year, more than one lakh people from both within the state and outside visited the festival,’’ he said.
Notably, areas like Rajgarh and Thanagarh in Alwar are the worst affected by drought. Kumar said, ‘‘Alwar Utsav in such a drought situation can be meaningful. It can directly or indirectly help ameliorate the sufferings of the rural population, especially artisans.’’ It will help generate employment for the artists and craftsmen while providing entertainment.
The events during the Utsav will encompass Shobha Yatra, a heritage awareness rally, Milaap, a traditional music and dance evening, Apna Alwar, a film and slide show, Raagini, an evening of enchanting folk music and dance, Maandana, a display and competition of Rangoli and Mehandi arts, Bahaarein-exotic flower show, among other activities.
Nestling in a cluster of hills of the Aravali range, Alwar is just 170 km from the Capital. Once a part of the Matsya kingdom, a visit to the state is like walking back into the past given its ancient temples, medieval forts and palaces. Besides Silserh Lake, the city is a gateway to the famous Sariska tiger reserve and Sariska palace. Other important and interesting sights are: Bala Quila, City Palace, Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri, Vinay Vilas Palace, Vijay Mandir and Moti Doongri.
On the plans for developing tourism infrastructure in the city, Kumar said, ‘‘For an easy and comfortable approach, some roads are yet to be constructed and networked properly. There are some monuments which need restoration. Besides the cleaning operation, the state is looking for some private bodies who can re-do and maintain forts like
Tijara.’’