VHAH Fest 2023

About Ramgarh Ramgarh Shekhawati

Ramgarh Shekhawati is a unique heritage town developed by the richest Indian 19th century merchants (Seths). It has beautiful structures - magnificent Havelies (more than 200), 36 Cenotaphs (Chattris), 101 Temples, which are great examples of ancient art and architecture of India. Earlier, Ramgarh Shekhawati was also known as Doosra Kashi, since it had eight centers of Sanskrit learning and cultural patronage. It has the only Veda Temple in the world, with unusual stucco sculpture and architecture.Though the town shows signs of aging, this doesn’t make it any less interesting. It is often called the world capital of wall paintings (frescoes). It is now being revived into one of the most coveted heritage destinations of the world. Ramgarh Shekhawati is a forgotten surprise - A wonderland of heritage, a haven - to celebrate and to heal our lives.

Mira Misra Kaushik (OBE)
Dr. Shruti Nada Poddar

Welcome Note

Greetings and welcome from Shruti Foundation to the Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival or VHAH FEST 2023 at Ramgarh Shekhawati, Rajasthan!

The festival is an integral part of the dream to revive this unique and spectacular region of India which had been abandoned by some of the richest Seths (merchants) of India almost a century ago, throwing its economic and social order into chaos and disintegration. Today history beckons again as we rediscover the charm, the uniqueness of the painted walls of Ramgarh Shekhawati and the great culture and intangible heritage of this unique town that was once a great Centre of learning and was therefore called Doosra Kashi.

VHAH FEST February 3-6, 2023 brings together great artists from across India and Abroad, CLassical Fusion EAST meets WEST PERFORMANCES, artists, domain experts, Crafts persons, healers, designers, entrepreneurs as well as Government and Institutional heads from India and abroad to Celebrate, Learn and Create at the festival, and explore the uniqueness of this great town along with the local community, particularly its women and youth.

Join us at VHAH FEST 2023 in reimagining this great historical region of Shekhawati as possibly, the most holistic and exciting Habitat of the Future!

What to expect VHAH FEST 2023

  •  Live in our Magical Heritage Havelies
  •  Unforgettable Rajasthani Cuisine
  •  Explore Fascinating Havelies, Chhatries, Temples, Johads and other Heritage Sites in our “Ramgarh Shekhawati Heritage Walk” (or ride with Camel Carts, Cars and Tuk-tuks)
  •  Awe-inspiring “EAST Meets WEST” Fusion Classical Music | Soul Stirring Contemporary Classical | Folk Dance Performances | Engaging Baithaks | Daastaan Goi | Addas | Hunar-shalas at The FORT and our beautiful heritage haveilies and other Heritage Sites
  •  Learn, Experiment and Create with our Training Workshops with our Local and Global Experts
  •  Learn Ayurvedic Recipes and Natural Health Treatments
  •  Heal with Ancient Tools and Techniques
  •  Immerse in the Rasa of Music & Movement
  •  Experience the healing Power of Ancient Chants