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Rajasthan Day राजस्थान दिवस
Rajasthani folk dance at Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
Status	Active
Genre	Foundation Day
Frequency	Annually
Location(s)	Rajasthan
Country	India
Inaugurated	March 30, 1949 (1949-03-30)
Sponsors	Government of Rajasthan

Rajasthan Day, also known as the Foundation Day of Rajasthan is celebrated on 30 March. On this day many cultural activities are organised in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, and also at every district headquarters in Rajasthan. On March 30, 1949, the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner were merged to form the Greater Rajasthan Union, and Rajasthan Day has been celebrated on that day ever since.^[1][2]

Rajasthan was earlier known as Rajputana and this state was formed by merging a total of 19 princely states and was named "Rajasthan" which literally means "place of kings" because many kings and emperors ruled here before independence. The integration of Rajasthan took place in 7 phases:^[3]

1. 'Matsya Union' with the merger of the princely states of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli on 17 March 1948.
2. 'Rajasthan Union' with the merger of Tonk, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Pratapgarh, Dungapur, Banswara, Kishangarh, and Shahapura on 25 March 1948.
3. 'United States of Rajasthan' with the merger of the Udaipur state on 18 April 1948.
4. On March 30, 1949, 'Greater Rajasthan' was formed by the merger of the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. This is called Rajasthan Foundation Day. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was actively involved in this merger.^[4][5]
5. 'United States of Greater Rajasthan' with the merger of Matsya Union with Greater Rajasthan on 15 May 1949.
6. 'United Rajasthan' with the addition of the princely state of Sirohi on 26 January 1950.
7. Final reorganisation of Rajasthan as per the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

On this day many programs are organized by Rajasthan Tourism Department.^[4] The main center of these programs is Jaipur.

The Food & Craft fair is a part of the Rajasthan Day celebrations, taking place at Shilp Gram in Jawahar Kala Kendra. The fair offers an opportunity for attendees to experience Rajasthan’s culinary traditions, accompanied by a variety of folk performances. The food items available represent various regions of Rajasthan, including Mewar, Marwar, Dhundhar, Hadoti, and Brij, and are showcased at the Food fair on Rajasthan Diwas.^[6]

The Craft bazaar showcases a variety of items including handicrafts, art forms, prints and textiles, pottery items, embroidered fabrics, intricately designed carpets, and metal & wood works. These items, originating from various regions of Rajasthan, serve as a major attraction for both tourists and local residents during the week-long celebration of Rajasthan Diwas.^[7]

The Chari dance and Puppet show are held at Jal Mahal. Tribal dance and folk song performances take place at Albert Hall. “Ravan Hatta” and “Khartal Vadan” are performed at Amber Fort. Artists from various parts of the country participate in these cultural performances on Rajasthan Diwas.

• Bundi Utsav