Cultural evenings, handicraft exhibitions, and festive activities to continue till July 30

23 July 2025, New Delhi

The Teej Festival 2025 was formally inaugurated on Wednesday at Bikaner House, New Delhi, by Mr. Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary and Chief Resident Commissioner of Rajasthan. Organized jointly by Rajeevika and RUDA, the week-long festivities will continue till July 30, featuring traditional handicrafts, cultural performances, and culinary delights from Rajasthan.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Pant emphasized the festival’s role in reconnecting people—especially those with roots in Rajasthan—with their cultural heritage. “Teej is more than a celebration—it’s a bridge between tradition and today. Through crafts, music, food, and folklore, it brings Rajasthan closer to the heart of the capital,” he said.

He also highlighted the state government’s initiative to promote local artisans through the ‘Rajsakhi’ app and portal, which enables them to market their products nationally and globally. He acknowledged the efforts of Rajeevika and RUDA in empowering women through self-help groups and skill development programs.

A Platform for Artisans and Women Entrepreneurs

Resident Commissioner Mr. Jogaram lauded the event as a showcase of Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy, offering local artisans a valuable platform to display and sell their crafts.

Ms. Neha Giri, State Mission Director of Rajeevika, noted that the handicraft fair is not just an exhibition, but a livelihood opportunity. “The fair empowers women artisans to reach a wider audience, contributing both to cultural preservation and financial independence,” she said.

Additional Resident Commissioner Ms. Anju Omprakash detailed the schedule, noting the festival will remain open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a variety of programs each day. Highlights include a Mehendi Ramp Walk and Rajasthani dance and singing competitions on July 24, lemon-spoon races and tug of war on July 28, followed by Kho-Kho and turban-tying competitions on July 29.

Rakhi Ceremony and Cultural Performances

Adding a festive touch, renowned fashion designer Ms. Ruma Devi tied a Rakhi to Mr. Sudhansh Pant and extended greetings on the occasion of Teej and Raksha Bandhan.

Later, the Rajasthan Tourism Department hosted a spectacular cultural evening, with performances by folk artists showcasing Mashak Vadan, Khartal, Rim Bhavai, Mayur Dance, Phoolon ki Holi, Chari, Ghoomar, and Bhapang Vadan. Assistant Director Mr. Chhatarpal Yadav informed that similar evenings will also be held on July 27 and 28.

The inauguration event saw the presence of several dignitaries from Indian Administrative and Police Services, including Mr. V. Srinivas, Mr. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Ms. Shreya Guha, Mr. Rohit Kumar, Mr. Ashutosh Pednekar, Mr. Siddharth Mahajan, Mr. P.C. Kishan, Ms. Manisha Arora, Ms. K.V. Vandana (IPS), Ms. Preeti Jain, Mr. Rajesh Nirwan, Mr. Adarsh Sidhu, Mr. Vijay Meena, Mr. Mukut Bihari, and Resident Commissioners from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.