Rajasthani Festival Starts In Kolkata

With camel rides
on artificially-created sand dunes, folk
music and dance, traditional food, a
children's carnival and a host of other
attractions, a eight-day Rajasthani Mela
'Aapno Gaaon' is set to enthrall revellers
here till Dec 31.
'Aapno Gaaon', inaugurated Dec 24,
aims to bring the vibrant Rajasthani
culture to the fore and connect the youth
to their heritage.
"The youngsters are more into partying
these days in clubs and discos. This has
been a cause of concern among us and it
resulted in the creation of a unique idea
called "Aapno Gaaon" (which means our
own village) where everyone can come
together and bask in the festivities which
celebrate our rich culture and tradition,"
said Pradeep Agarwal, convenor of Salt
Lake Lok Sanskriti, the organisers
The highlights of the fest at the sprawling
grounds of Nicco Park in the satellite
township of Salt Lake, will include
'Chokhi Dhaani', or kitchen of the fair,
where guests will be served wholesome
cuisine from the region in various
courses, tight-rope walkers,
performances by singer Ila Arun and her
troupe and tribute to late film-maker
Yash Chopra.
"This year it will be bigger as there is a
big Bollywood presence. Actors Imran
Khan and Anushka Sharma will also
participate on December 30.

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A. B.