Jaipur: The state govt has decided to hold its official celebrations marking Jaipur’s 300th foundation anniversary only after the city completes 300 years on Nov 18, 2027, even as the former royal family has announced a year-long programme beginning Nov 18 this year.The decision to defer the govt’s formal celebrations was taken at the highest level after reconsidering the earlier proposal to organise year-long events from Nov 2026, leading up to the anniversary, said sources.Meanwhile, former royal family member Sawai Padmanabh Singh announced that celebrations at the City Palace and other venues would run from Nov 18 this year to Nov 18, 2027.The programme will focus on Jaipur’s history, architecture, art and cultural traditions, while also looking at how its heritage can be preserved for the next 300 years.A senior tourism official said the govt considered precedents set by other major commemorations and suggestions from stakeholders and civil society before revising the schedule. Jaipur’s 250th anniversary celebrations, too, had begun after the milestone was reached, she pointed out.The change in the govt’s calendar will not affect programmes being organised independently by cultural and social organisations, which will continue with govt support.Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II on Nov 18, 1727, and is widely regarded as one of India’s earliest planned cities. Its Walled City was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.BoxRaj reaches out to UK tourism marketJaipur: Rajasthan is expanding its global tourism identity beyond its iconic forts, palaces and desert landscapes, positioning itself as a diverse destination offering wildlife experiences, rural life, folk culture, ecotourism, wellness and immersive travel experiences.In line with this vision, the tourism department showcased its experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, focusing on strengthening partnerships with the global travel trade and attracting tourism investment.“The department is also using the platform to promote the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation’s flagship tourism products, particularly the luxury heritage train, Palace on Wheels,” said tourism commissioner Rukmani Riar.The UK remains one of Rajasthan’s important international tourism markets for Rajasthan. In 2022, Rajasthan received 29,532 tourists from the UK. The number rose to 96,394 in 2023, increased further to 128,994 in 2024 and reached 133,978 in 2025. This represents an increase of more than four times compared with 2022.
