Rajasthan Day hit by downturn

Rajasthan Day hit by downturn
Jaipur, March 29: Recession blues have hit celebrations of Rajasthan Day, the founding day of the desert state, which will now be curtailed down to a one-day affair here in the Pink City tomorrow. In an attempt to curtail unnecessary expenses, the state Congress government has decided to encapsulate the usual week-long festivities initiated during the term of former chief minister Ms Vasundara Raje into a single-day event avoiding “unnecessary dazzle and extravaganza”.
“We have decided to celebrate the day with great fervour and spirit and that’s what counts in the end. Rajasthan Day should be celebrated on a single day,” said Ms Bina Kak, state tourism minister.
The state government has also decided to give prominence to local performers and artists from Rajasthan in the celebration. The events being organised by the government include a classical music concert, a painting competition, a Surya Kiran Air show by the Indian Air Force followed by a folk dance performance and a musical concert by singer Kailash Kher. This is in contrast to the festivities last year, which had witnessed performances by various celebrities including Hema Malini, Adnan Sami, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chouhan, Mallika Sarabhai and Pandit Birju Maharaj.
The celebrations also come under the purview of the Model Code of Conduct and the government has already taken permission from the Election Commission.