Jaipur: City's 297th Foundation Day festivities began on Monday with prayers at Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, led by JMC-Greater. The month-long celebration kicked off with women in red chunaris performing aarti, followed by the mayor's worship of Lord Ganesh at Gangapole Gate. The temple echoed with shehnai tunes and band performances.
Mayor Soumya Gurjar extended greetings for Jaipur Festival 2024, emphasising the need to preserve the city's cultural heritage and cleanliness. Later, she visited Govind Dev Ji Temple, participating in devotional songs with residents.
In the evening, deputy chief minister Diya Kumari inaugurated a Deepdaan programme at Statue Circle, joined by Mayor Gurjar, cultural committee chairman Durgesh Nandani, and Padma Shri recipient Maya Tandon. The grand finale at Albert Hall, organised by Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation, featured the Jaipur Lokrang Festival.
The event showcased 150 Rajasthani folk artists, including Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Sapera's Kalbeliya dance, and a captivating performance by vocalist Thanu Kha. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Meanwhile, police arrested a mentally unwell man who climbed on the statue of Maharaja Jai Singh's statue on Monday. He was identified as Rajendra from Tunga Bassi. Police informed his family too.