Shilpgram Udaipur: famous for, Timings, Entry Ticket, Festival Mela, What to Buy

Shilpgram Udaipur: A Sanctuary for Culture

Shilpgram is an artistic village outlay in Udaipur, specifically known for promoting art forms and crafts. They signify a continuation of the ancient rural heritage of Rajasthan, besides the interweaving of art forms.

Shilpgram is steeped in history, and as you walk through its gorgeously painted streets, you cannot help but be captivated by the cultural norms that seem to dominate every nook of this lovely place. Shilpgram, nestled next to the lake city of Udaipur, has a history dating back to the 1980s. The Indian government has considered a novel plan to promote and conserve Indian traditional arts and crafts. The concept of this project was first planned to establish a rural arts and crafts village called Shilpgram, where artists from across the country were given a chance to demonstrate their skills, disseminate information, and market their creations to customers around the globe.

Today, Shilpgram has grown to be an important cultural complex and a tourism attraction where people from across the globe visit with a desire to get the actual feel of Rajasthani culture. Currently, on this plot of 130 acres, there are more than 26 cottages, each representing a different state of India. It has a remarkable variety of homeware, accessories, ornaments, clothing, and other items that convey the richness and sheer variety of the country's culture.

1) Things to explore at Shilpgram

• Art and craft village

It offers foreigners a peek into the colorful history of Rajasthan. An imitation of a conventional Rajasthani town showcases the craftsmanship of skilled artisans by exemplifying decorative fabrics, carved wooden objects, and tender pottery. Tourists can engage with the locals involved in creating art. They can learn about traditional methods and even produce artwork independently. This captivating event is guaranteed for artists, history enthusiasts, and every adventurous traveler.

• Rural life in Rajasthan

Visit the Rural Life section of Shilpgram Udaipur, a hall of arts and crafts, to get a glimpse of the rural Rajasthani culture. Experience the traditional life of the villages, craft skills, and talents inherited from past generations. See how the locals mold the clay into practical items. Observe the lifestyle inherent to rural folk and the togetherness inherent to such people.

• Music and dance

Shilpgram has a rich music and dance culture to present the region's ethos, depicting their feelings, hardships, and victories. The Bhil tribe traditionally expresses gracefulness in their folk dances. The eloquent Kalbeliya dancers’ movements are slinky. Langas and Manganiyars will bewitch you with their captivating tribal songs.
 

• Local delicacies

Rajasthani cuisine is also preserved at Shilpgram, providing a culinary anthropology tour of the state. The flavors of the region’s dishes, such as spicy dal baati churma, sweet ghevar, and malpausa, are also said to be enchanted. The local delicacies are available at food stalls and restaurants. Tourists can taste popular Indian dishes such as the special thali and the lassi. Meals are either spicy or flavorful because of the combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, including ghee and chili.
 

• Meet the craftsmen

Shilpgram has a few artistic workers who are still protecting traditional art. Such artisans are Rabari women who embroider and Mewari artisans carving attractive wooden designs on boxes; both reveal their talents and the story behind their work. The artisans’ work is a harmony of creativity; potters design ceramic products out of clay, and jewelry designers fashion filigree products. The talent of the artisans is expressed in their special creations, which are reminiscent of the grandeur of the Rajasthani regions and enlightened by their spirit. Such artisans are not merely talented workers but treasurers of the long-standing tradition, valuable for the elaborate picture of Rajasthan’s culture.
 

• Experience adventurous activities

Shilpgram Udaipur has extraordinary things to do like camel riding, horse riding, and hot air balloon riding for travelers. For locals, it becomes a tradition to perform fables, that have been passed down through generations of Rajasthani people, and guests remember such performances after leaving Shilpgram. These out-of-the-box activities are informative and enhance visitors’ understanding of Rajasthani culture and traditions.

2) The Festivals of Shilpgram

From the colorful Mewar Festival to the innovative Shilpgram Crafts Fair, everyone celebrates the true spirit and traditions of the place. The cultural troupes perform dances, songs, and other cultural activities. These are the main festivals that are still celebrated across the territory of Rajasthan. It showcases a great part of the state’s ethnic values.
The major attraction is the Shilpgram Festival, which is held every year from December 21 to December 31. Here visitors are entertained by folk troupes while craft melas and lip-smacking local specialties add to their culinary delight. The Navratri festival, especially the Garba and Dandiya Raas, depicts the active participation of people in dancing and allows the visitors and local inhabitants to enjoy the merriment of the festival. The Gangaur Festival is dedicated to the goddess Gauri. It culminates with enthusiastic processions, songs, and sweet offerings.

3) Things to buy at Shilpgram

The tourists can purchase handicrafts directly from the craftsmen. The whole area is replete with outstanding souvenirs, which include bright textiles and exquisite embroidery, beautiful household linens, tastefully made jewelry, and ornaments. Thus, visitors may help these local artisans take a souvenir of Rajasthan’s creative heritage back to their homes.

4) Visiting Timings

Shilpgram is open on all days of the week from 11 am to 7 pm. During the festival, it is open from noon to 10 pm. The Haat Bazaar opens at noon.

5) Entry Fees

(The entry fees might vary on festivals and special days). 

6) Accommodations in and around Shilpgram

7) Nearby places to visit

• Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal (4.9 km)

• Sajjangarh or Monsoon Palace (4 km)

• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (4 km)

• Udaipur city (10 km)

• Lake Fateh Sagar (6 km)