The Jeeman 2024 event in London was a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture, cuisine, and music.
The Jeeman 2024 festival, organized by the Rajasthan Association UK, took place in London on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The event showcased Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional food, warm hospitality, and entertaining stage performances.
Preparations for this annual festival began well in advance, with volunteers working diligently on various aspects such as decorations, cultural programs, guest lists, menu planning, and venue arrangements. This year’s event was under the experience coordinators Rakhi Singh Gehlote and Rajiv Khichar.
On the event day, the Sattavis Patidar Centre at Wembley was filled with attendees dressed in colorful traditional attire. Volunteers wearing clothing reflecting the cultural richness of Rajasthan warmly greeted each other upon arrival.
At the entry, a welcome team of volunteers greeted guests, including Vijaya, Krishna, Kavita, Pratibha, Shivi, Shalini, Ragini, Smita, Chinki, etc., with Tilak on their foreheads and traditional Rajasthani welcome folk songs.
The festival began with a delicious spread of authentic Rajasthani cuisine, including traditional seating arrangements for dining. The food’s aroma filled the hall, and guests savoured the diverse flavours of Rajasthan.
The cultural program, anchored by Aditya and Anuja, commenced at around noon with an invocation and aarti. Young Rudransh’s rendition of “Tharo Mharo Desh” touched everyone’s hearts. The event showcased various performances, including flute recitals by Asana Gupta, Ghoomar dance by Lavishka, and many other cultural acts.
The chief guest, Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, delivered a message in Rajasthani. Special guests Lakshyaraj Singh and Pawan Arora were also invited on stage. Other dignitaries from Rajasthan who showered the program with blessings include Sant Soham Chaitanya Swami, Shreepal Ji Shaktawat, Kapil Dev ji from the Indian High Commission, Mahendra Madhup Ji, Anil Punglia etc.
A series of colourful performances, including folk dances, songs, and cultural displays, kept the audience engaged throughout the day. Performers like Prachi Sharma, Raghika Ramdev, Tanushka Yadavi Parmar, and Krishna presented various folk dances, while Vivek sang Rajasthani folk songs.
The event successfully brought together the Rajasthani community in London, allowing them to connect with their roots and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the beats of dhol and the grace of Ghoomar, made it feel as if all of London was witnessing the cultural splendour of Rajasthan.
As the event drew close around 4-5 PM, guests were treated to masala chai and refreshments, especially Rajasthani Besan Barfi. Everyone enjoyed the tea while reminiscing about the Jeeman experience before gradually departing for their homes.
Jeeman is an event that symbolizes Rajasthan’s rich culture and hospitality. It includes traditional Rajasthani cuisine, grand welcome ceremonies, and entertaining stage performances. The event warmly welcomes guests and familiarises them with Rajasthan’s culture and traditions. Such programs help preserve and nurture our cultural heritage, inspiring future generations.
This year’s decorations featured special Rajasthani tableaux, including traditional well and swing scenes, which enhanced the event’s ambiance. Volunteers like Aanchal, Bhavna, Shalini, and others had decorated the venue a day before the event. Stalls selling Rajasthani and Indian goods, as well as some for charitable purposes, further enhanced the event’s charm.
The Jeeman event showcases and celebrates Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together people who are far from home to experience the state’s traditions, cuisine, and hospitality. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cultural connections and passing on traditions to younger generations, especially those living abroad.
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London is such a vibrant place and to witness Rajasthani cultural celebration aided by their famous cuisine, colours and dances is joyous
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