Honorable Governor of Rajasthan, Mr. Shivraj Patil, inaugurated the 10day Shilpgram Festival in Udaipur today in a jampacked auditorium by lighting lamp and announcing the official start of this mega festival dedicated to art and artists of western zonal Indian states.Mr. Patil also inspected all preparations by the management and craftsmen. After a formal inauguration, Mr Patil gave a speech of 15 mins in which he described the value of our cultural and traditional legacy, art and crafts, he encouraged all artists  who came here to perform their various art forms.

Udaipur is the center of traditional art and artists of all western Indian states.

West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) organizes this yearly event to provide a broad platform to hundreds of artists representing their states and culture. WZCC is a successful attempt of Late Rajiv Gandhi to preserve the vastly diverse and colorful Indian art and artists.

The first artistic performance today was Gotipua Dance of Orissa followed by Kathak and Lawani synchronization by team of Maharashtra which mesmerized the audiences.

Other shows were Manganiar, Dhangari, Bhapang and famous Rajasthani folk dance Kalbelia at the end of the first day of Shilpgram festival.

Shilpgram festival is one most favorite event for both locals and tourists visiting Udaipur.

Here are some great Photos By Akhtar Khan:

Inaugural Ceremony: Mr. Shiv Raj Patil (Governor of Rajasthan)

Aadivasi Dance of Bara District

Mangniyaar

Goti-Puaa Dance

Kathak Dance

Lavni Dance