Preparations for the grand cultural event, Shilpgram Utsav, are in the final stages at Shilpgram, the cultural hub of Udaipur. As of Tuesday evening, a majority of artists from across the nation have arrived to participate in this extensive cultural extravaganza. The stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts have been set up, with 135 artisans occupying nearly 400 allocated spaces by Tuesday evening.

More than 500 artists are expected to showcase their art during the festival, which kicks off on Thursday, 21 December with the resonating tunes of folk music from different cultures across the nation.

Kiran Soni Gupta, the Director of the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, said that performance groups have already started rehearsing on the Mukta Kashi stage at Shilpgram. Noteworthy groups include Odisha's Gotipua, Gujarat's Siddhi Dhamal and Rathwa, West Bengal's Chhau, and Rajasthan's Chari, among others.

Artists from Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Odisha's Paika Akhada, Gujarat's Garba, and Manipur's Pung Cholom dance are also rigorously practicing to hone their performance.

Gupta said that the stalls at Shilpgram will offer a diverse range of products from artisans across the country, including Meenakari jewelry, toys, shawls, pottery, lac bangles, terracotta items, embroidered items, handlooms, leather goods, zari, Gujarat silk sarees, Rajasthan's Tie-Dye, marble products, and a variety of dried fruits. The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural heritage.