Timeless tales of Rajasthan

The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) concluded on Monday with an insightful session, "Padharo Maare Desh: Rajasthan Roundtable," held at Baithak, Clarks Amer. Moderated by Rima Hooja, the panel featured eminent personalities, including Dushyant, CP Deval, Prerana Shrimali, Manisha Kulshreshtha, and Nand Bhardwaj, who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on Rajasthan’s rich culture and history.

Renowned Hindi novelist Manisha Kulshreshtha shared that Rajasthan is a recurring theme in all her stories. She remarked, "It is not necessary to be in Rajasthan to write about it." Writer and columnist Dushyant emphasized democratic values, stating that in a nation where everyone is equal, there is no need to address royal families as Raja or Maharaja.

Rajasthani poet and translator CP Deval highlighted the state's vast yet undiscovered history, expressing his deep connection to Rajasthani culture and tradition. Meanwhile, senior Kathak exponent Prerana Shrimali reminisced about her journey, which began in Jaipur. She noted that Rajasthan is unique in preserving both classical and folk arts, adding that many traditional bandishes of the region have become an integral part of Kathak.

The session, deeply rooted in Rajasthan’s heritage, captivated the audience with engaging discussions. The voices of the panel not only showcased Rajasthan’s cultural richness but also emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating its multifaceted history and traditions.