Teej Mata procession featuring a Mangal Kalash Yatra and traditional folk performances marks the grand opening of the 10-day cultural festival
New Delhi: The 10-day Rajasthani Teejotsav 2026 was inaugurated at Bikaner House, New Delhi, on Saturday with traditional rituals and celebrations. Principal Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar inaugurated the festival by lighting the ceremonial lamp and offering prayers to Teej Mata. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Susan Elias, Principal of St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and Ramavatar Kila, President, Rajasthan Foundation Delhi Chapter.
Speaking on the occasion, principal residence commissioner Rohit Kumar said this teej festival would give opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s vibrant culture, traditional music and dance, handicrafts, cuisine and heritage. He also highlighted the government’s RajSakhi app-portal, which enables local artisans to showcase and sell their products across India and internationally. Rohit Kumar said Rajeevika and RUDA are working with self-help groups to expand the reach of Rajasthani handicrafts. He said that major attraction on the opening day was the traditional procession of Teej Mata. The idol was decorated and carried in a palanquin by four bearers around the Bikaner House premises, followed by prayers and rituals.
Joint Resident Commissioner Rinku Meena said around 51 women participated in the procession with a Mangal Kalash Yatra. Rajasthani folk artists led the procession with performances including Mashak Vadan and Kachhi Ghodi, while hundreds of women and men in traditional attire joined the procession and sang Mangal Geet in worship of Teej Mata.
The festival also featured a cultural evening organised by the tourist information centre, with folk artists from Bikaner, Tonk, Churu, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Baran, Deeg and Alwar presenting traditional performances including Mashak Vadan, Kachhi Ghodi, Bhopa Vadan and singing, Khartal Vadan, Chari, Chakri, Chang-Dhap, Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Mayur dance and Phoolon Ki Holi.
Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Dipali Sharma said the cultural programme showcased the diverse folk traditions of Rajasthan through performances by artists from different regions of the state.
The Teejotsav will continue until August 24 at Bikaner House, featuring stalls with handcrafted products by Rajeevika and RUDA, along with a food festival offering traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Visitors from different parts of Delhi also explored the festival’s handicrafts and food offerings on the opening day.
The festival brings Rajasthan’s folk traditions, handicrafts, cuisine, music and dance together at Bikaner House, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the state’s cultural heritage in the heart of Delhi.
