Jhalak 2016, Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan Tent Dealers Association began with pomp at a stadium located in Bedla, Udaipur.  Tent dealrs from across the nation participated in the event on the first day.  On this occasion, the entire Lake City wore a festive look as the Tent association ensured that each public area of the city was decorated to welcome participants from across the nation.  Preparations for this have bene going on for day now.

All India Tent Dealers Association President Manohar Gulati in his key address touched upon the PMS initiative for Soldiers Welfare Fund, wherein if all businesses and individuals come forward to contribute Rs 1/- per day, a mammoth funding for Soldiers welfare an be amassed.  He asked the participants to take this initiative forward thereby sending a message to citizens across the nation.  He said that if the members of the Association start this contribution now, the total accumulated funds can be handed over to the higher authorities to be put to relevant use.

Anil Rao from Haryana, in his address, said that the impact of GST on the Tent dealers should be countered by the government allowing a rebate of Rs 25-30 lac, failing which a nation wide agitation will take place.  The government needs to be made aware of the volume and strength of this business.

Various stalls numbering above 200 were setup at the venue, where visitors were seen in high numbers, to witness a wide variety of products.  Businesses from 18 states had set up stalls at the venue, which included meenakari umbrellas, mangal kalash embedded with ornamental stones, designer sofas, fancy furniture, fibre pillars, artificial galleries, diety statues, handicraft,  etc.  Products varied in cost from a few thousands to over 10 lac rupees.  Visitors were left agape at the range of products on display and sale.

A unique desert cooler, a product of a Mumbai businessman Brijesh Ravat claimed cool air without the use of water ranged in price from Rs. 2,400-4,200 for hand held as well as stand alone units.

12ft high elephant models made of fiber and costing a mere Rs 5000/- were on display at a stall owned by Netrapal Gupta and Lakshman Agarwal of Mathura-Vridavan.  These were also lapped up as the product of choice by visitors.

Electric Massage machine capable of massaging each part of the body, with 11 units for each part and costing Rs. 2,100/- was on display at a stall being managed by Bangalor based Khalid Khan.

The event was inaugurated with a Ganpati Vandana in the presence of Mayor Chandra Singh Kothari, BJP City President Dinesh Bhatt, UCCI President Paras Singhvi and Badgaon Village Panch Khubilal Paliwal among other eminent personalities.

Sudhir Chavat, President of the Udaipur chapter, despite of being unwell, attended the event and went on stage with the help of his family members, drawing a standing ovation from those present at the ceremony.