Jaipur: ‘Lokmanthan Yatra 2026’ was launched in Jaipur Monday to promote Indian folk culture, traditions and cultural heritage and connect them with the younger generation.Deputy chief minister Diya Kumari, who is also the organising committee’s chairperson, flagged off the yatra after offering prayers at Govind Dev Ji Temple. The main event will be held in Jaipur from Dec 4 to 6.The Jaipur region yatra began at Govind Dev Ji Temple and passed through Hawa Mahal, Badi Chaupar and Albert Hall before reaching Maharani College, where programmes on folk literature, culture and Indian knowledge traditions began. Activities were organised under the theme of ‘folk discourse in cities and folk traditions in villages’. The yatra reached Abhaypura village in the evening, where programmes showcasing rural folk life and traditions were held.Dy CM said, “The event aims to create a dialogue between traditional culture and modernity through the participation of rural and tribal communities, folk artists, craftsmen, scholars and young people.”The yatra route was decorated with rangolis, while trade associations and members of different communities welcomed the procession with flower showers at several points. National and international players associated with Krida Bharati demonstrated cycling, skating, football, kabaddi, satoliya and other traditional and modern sporting activities.Kumari added, “The objective was to create awareness and connect people with their cultural roots. Lokmanthan will provide a platform to the fading traditions, customs and folk arts of Rajasthan and pass them on to future generations.”The committee plans similar yatras to be taken out in every district of Rajasthan before Lokmanthan-2026, featuring local folk artistes, singers and folk dancers. The initiative, she said, would help take the state’s folk culture, art and handicrafts to national and international platforms. Guests and speakers from across the world are also expected to participate in the main event.An official said, “The yatra is being organised with the support of Pragya Pravah, a think tank associated with RSS, along with Sanskar Bharati, Krida Bharati and Vidya Bharati.”
