A Lifestyle Exhibition showcasing the magical vibrancy of Rajasthan
The Land Where Heritage Tourist Destinations, Arts & Crafts and Textiles Come To Life
New Delhi, November 20, 2014:The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, spearheaded by Diya Kumari of Jaipur, brings alive the magic of vibrant Rajasthan, with Treasures of Rajasthan Season II–A Lifestyle Exhibition that will provide a rare treat to lovers of design in New Delhi. Encompassing heritage travel, luxury craft, fine art and revivalist textiles, the exhibition showcases the rich and rare treasure trunk of Rajasthan.
Opening on 21-22 November at IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts), this unique lifestyle exhibition, presents four key focus areas that the state is famed for- Arts and Crafts, Travel & Tourism, Gems & Jewelery and Garments &Textiles.
Smt. Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan who is the most iconic face to Rajasthan today, will inaugurate the exhibition on November 21, 2014 at 11:00 am.
The two-day exhibition, curated under the expertise of Diya Kumari, will showcase handpicked textiles, garments and fashion using the age-old techniques of leheriya, tie-and-dye and gotapati, complemented by traditional kundan-polki jewellery and contemporary fashion accessories.Also being displayed are selected handicrafts, objects d’art, hand tufted carpets, blue pottery, paintings and lacquer products.
As part of the world of heritage tourism, Diya Kumari positions this platform as an apt showcase to the various forts and havelis and boutique travel destinations that dot Rajasthan and are its hidden, unexplored gems. Presenting them before domestic travelers, who account for 80% of tourism in India, as well as before expats and diplomats.
Speaking on the occasion, Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur said, “The exhibition aims to encourage and revivethe state’s languishing arts and crafts and is an extension of my endeavor to not just keep the crafts alive but to also provide a means of livelihood to its practitioners. It is also a continuation of a family tradition of promoting arts and crafts, started way back in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, who set up 36 karkhanas or state patronized ateliers of different crafts. I feel duty bound to preserve and promote my cultural inheritance.”
In view of the similarities between India and France, with their rich cultural histories, exquisite craftsmanship and love for heritage, the French Embassy will be lending it’s support to the second season of Treasures of Rajasthan. Their support will lay the foundation for a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries, which will help to promote the exchange of ideas and revival of the arts. We also hope to link in the future, palaces and forts in Rajasthan with castles, palaces and chateaus in France, to take forward our shared interest in preservation and promotion of culture and heritage.
Treasures of Rajasthan II is a one of a kind, public private partnership venture, that enjoys the patronage of Rajasthan Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, along with corporate associates like IndusInd Bank, AUDI, Godrej Consumer Products, DiaColor, Pernod Ricard, The Leela Group of Hotels, amongst others, all of whom have a stake in the economic development of the State.
Mr. Joe King, Head, Audi India, says, “Audi as a brand resonates the richness and grandeur that Rajasthan stands for. We were the first to have two network points in Rajasthan and this reflects our commitment towards this market. We are delighted to be associated with the ‘Treasures of Rajasthan’ II exposition under the aegis of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. We have been associated with various events connected to the history, splendor and magnificence of this state and I am happy to note this exposition has a special focus on Brand Rajasthan.”
The key exhibitors areAruna Singh, Monisha Tharyamal, Zari Silk specializing in Gota Patti work, Anupama Bose, Mangalmayee, Jaipur Pink, Dori specializing in traditional Leheriya textiles, Sri Tana Bana, Padamshree Tayyab Khan specializing in Tie & Die, Anantaya, Rasa for Home Décor and Linen, Nayaab Jewellers, P.C. Toutuka & Sons for traditional Kundan Polki Jewellery, Emma Chapman and Neelum Narang for contemporary fashion accessories, Frozen Music, Art Chill, Arihant Arts, Jaipur Rugs for Arts & Handicrafts, amongst others. The travel and hospitality sector will also showcase the best that Rajasthan has to offer, for both domestic and international tourists, in the luxury and adventure segments.
The French Ambassador hosts the inaugural dinner at his residence followed by a celebratory evening for ‘Friends of the Royals’ at the Leela Palace in New Delhi hosted by Diya Kumari along with Mr. Vivek Nair, CMD of the Leela Group. A music performance by a distinguished son of Rajasthan, Grammy Award winner, Padamshree Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, along with Rajasthani folk musician – Dessert Slide, sets the stage for a fitting finale to this rich exhibition.
Treasures of Rajasthan will come alive in the sprawling lawns of the Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts,Gate No. 4, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi on November 21 & 22, 2014 from 10am to 6pm.