Rajasthan Day

Rajasthan Day or Rajasthan Day also called the Foundation Day of Rajasthan is celebrated on 30 March. On this day many cultural activities organised at Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and also at every district headquarters in Rajasthan. On March 30, 1949, the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner were merged to form 'Greater Rajasthan Union'. Since then the celebration of Rajasthan Day started.

History
It was earlier known as Rajputana and this state was formed by merging a total of 19 princely states and was named "Rajasthan" which literally means "place of kings" because many kings and emperors ruled here before independence. The integration of Rajasthan took place in 7 phases:


 * 1) 'Matsya Union' with the merger of the princely states of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli on 17 March 1948.
 * 2) 'Rajasthan Union' with the merger of Tonk, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Pratapgarh, Dungapur, Banswara, Kishangarh, and Shahapura on 25 March 1948.
 * 3) 'United States of Rajasthan' with the merger of the Udaipur state on 18 April 1948.
 * 4) On March 30, 1949, 'Greater Rajasthan' was formed by the merger of the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. This is called Rajasthan Foundation Day. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was actively involved in this merger.
 * 5) 'United States of Greater Rajasthan' with the merger of Matsya Union with Greater Rajasthan on 15 May 1949.
 * 6) 'United Rajasthan' with the addition of the princely state of Sirohi on 26 January 1950.
 * 7) Final reorganisation of Rajasthan as per the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Events
On this day many programs are organized by Rajasthan Tourism Department. The main center of these programs is Jaipur.

Food & Craft Fair
The Food & Craft fair is a part of the Rajasthan Day celebrations, taking place at Shilp Gram in Jawahar Kala Kendra. The fair offers an opportunity for attendees to experience Rajasthan’s culinary traditions, accompanied by a variety of folk performances. The food items available represent various regions of Rajasthan, including Mewar, Marwar, Dhundhar, Hadoti, and Brij, and are showcased at the Food fair on Rajasthan Diwas.

Craft bazaar
The Craft bazaar showcases a variety of items including handicrafts, art forms, prints and textiles, pottery items, embroidered fabrics, intricately designed carpets, and metal & wood works. These items, originating from various regions of Rajasthan, serve as a major attraction for both tourists and local residents during the week-long celebration of Rajasthan Diwas.

Cultural performances
The Chari dance and Puppet show are held at Jal Mahal. Tribal dance and folk song performances take place at Albert Hall. “Ravan Hatta” and “Khartal Vadan” are performed at Amber Fort. Artists from various parts of the country participate in these cultural performances on Rajasthan Diwas.