Another one in the Not to be missed in Udaipur list is the Shilpgram fest which begins tomorrow i.e. 21^st December. A 10 day event which brings in fun by means of food, shopping, cultural programmes and local artists of various natures is never missed by locals and even tourists.

The Shilpgram fest dates back to 1991. With the establishment of this art village in 1989 began an era of art and culture of various Indian states. Surrounded by traditional rural walls, this place houses a variety from 31 states in its enclosure under winter skies.

There was a time when very few people used to visit Shilgram since it is located at a great distance from the city…a distance which was really far in those times. Pulling in crowd for this place was a hectic task despite a good parking spread out. Now with the efforts of West Zone Cultural Centre investing innovative techniques, crowd throngs in like anything. Shilpgram has now become a well known tourist destination as result of which people coming in to visit Udaipur even during summer vacations head to see the beauty of this place.

This year it has been decided to enhance the fest by segregating the centres inside Shilgram. A customised look has been created in the sense that it will be zone specific. Clay art will be made available in the “clay zone”, metal art in the “metal zone” and jewellery and other decorative items in “alankar”. Handicraft items will be available in the handicraft zone.

Public can witness folk art and culture as always. In the last three years musical instruments carved in stone, bronze statues specifying folk dances, Sculpture Park, replica of huge film reel made of stone have been the centre of attraction for visitors. Even Drishyam screening centre has attracted youth to this rural art village.

In 1989 Hakku Bai Shah became the man behind huts of various states which are members of WZCC. These huts still stand signifying cultural heritage. Each of the 31 huts was built with material brought from that specific state. The same is still being maintained while repairing and renovating these 31 huts which are of significant importance in Shilpgram.

So have a great time in Shilgram fest which begins tomorrow for 10 days. Enjoy the cultural programmes in the evening and witness unity in diversity in this rural art and folk centre.