On the occasion of the 2nd anniversary celebrations of Chokhi Dhani, the ethnic Rajasthani village culture at Wagholi, Pune, 'Chokhi Dhani 2008 - Rajasthani Fair & Festival' has been organized, from Wednesday, April 9th onwards for one month, from 5pm to 11pm. Festivities galore are being offered on a platter by Chokhi Dhani, with professional artisans displaying their expertise, who have come specially to Pune, from the land of the desert! Hand-made artifacts, blue pottery, jewelry, block prints, and what-have-you will be on display and sale. Authentic dance and music performances brought to you live with Rajasthani folk performers, will be a major attraction at Chokhi Dhani. These will be going on all through the evening.
That's not all - there will be puppet shows, bioscope, camel rides, elephant rides, horse rides and bullock-cart rides, which are expected to be a hit, both with the young and old. What's more - traditional entertainment will come in the form of algoja, kacchi ghodi, ghumar, kalbelia, bhopa bhopi, nat (acrobatics). A jadugar will enthrall the young ones with his art, while a jyotishi will predict your future with the help of his parrot. That's not all - a ventriloquist will charm the young and old with his art of throwing his voice into that of his puppet. "This will truly be an occasion to expose youngsters to the folklore of India.
In fact, not just youngsters, but people from the age of 3 to 83 can come and enjoy and spend hours together with the family at Chokhi Dhani", smiles Atul Goel, MD, Goel Ganga. Rajasthan's cuisine is always the most-talked about feature. Sangri, the village dining hall will dish-out mouth-watering, authentic vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine, served on a leaf platter, in the tradition of 'Manuhar' with a variety of 22 items in each thali. There will be a welcome drink counter, which will serve chhaas or jaljeera. Unlimited entertainment and unlimited food will all be available at very affordable rates.
"One can actually experience the warmth and hospitality in line with the Rajasthani tradition of 'Padharo Mhare Des', transporting you into the era of Thakurs, the village lords, at Chokhi Dhani", says Amit Kumar, Director, Chokhi Dhani. "At Chokhi Dhani we emphasise on quality, service and entertainment. Here is one place where the whole family can rejoice together, unlike several destinations, which only cater to kids or youngsters or adults". During this festival Chokhi Dhani will also offer a platform to small-scale artisans from Pune to come here and display their talent and wares, be it mud artefacts, jewellery, textiles, paintings and the works. Located conveniently at just 15 kms from Pune station, on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road, Chokhi Dhani, spread over 13 acres of land, has become a landmark tourist destination, not only in the city but the entire western part of India.
In fact, in the past two years, over 2. 80 lakh visitors have enjoyed the hospitality at Chokhi Dhani and its been a celebration time practically every other week. having rejoiced on Navratras, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Sankranti, Holi, Baisakhi, Christmas, Republic Day, Independence Day, etc. So, all those who have always wanted to go to Rajasthan, can now have a taste of Rajasthan right here in Pune.
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