Jaipur: The state marked World Tourism Day Sunday with free entry to its protected monuments and museums, while Jaipur’s major heritage sites turned into venues for cultural performances.The state’s archaeology and museums department opened its protected monuments and museums to both Indian and foreign tourists without entry charges.In Jaipur, special arrangements were made at Amer Fort, Nahargarh, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Albert Hall.Tourists were welcomed with garlands and were treated to performances showcasing Rajasthan’s folk traditions, including Kalbelia, Kachhi Ghodi, puppetry, Bahurupiya and shehnai performances.At Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, special activities were organised to acquaint visitors with the state’s history, architecture and cultural heritage. The initiative was particularly significant for Jaipur, where the combination of a Sunday holiday and free entry drew visitors to some of the city’s most popular heritage attractions.During an event, Hotel Federation of Rajasthan (HFR) honoured 14 distinguished personalities and frontline professionals for their dedication and contribution to the development of the state’s tourism.Kota has traditionally marked the day through activities centred on its heritage and Chambal, including heritage walks, cleanliness drives, cultural programmes and public engagement around the Hadoti region.This year’s celebrations come at a time when the state has been trying to broaden its tourism offerings beyond the established forts-and-palaces circuit, with greater emphasis on crafts, rural experiences, cuisine and folk culture.
