The
Shekhawati Festival held on I0th and 11th February every year is
organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District
administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC
Rural Research Foundation.

Shekhawati,
already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism
destination too. Travelling on horse back, the tourists get a closer
view of the countryside and the people. And they return with an
indelible imprint of not only the friendliness of the people but also of
the agricultural revolution sweeping the villages -- the region now
exports 80 per cent of its crops whereas only a few years ago, it could
meet only 10 per cent of its requirement through local production.
For
a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is spread
over a number of venues - Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The
programmes include a one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris,
farm visits, rural games, cultural programmes, havelis competitions and
fireworks.
The driving force behind this festival, the M.R.
Morarka - GDC Rural Research Foundation, has pioneered integrated rural
development since 1993 and has identified tourism as a thrust area for
creation of employment opportunities. The festival and other efforts of
the foundation have convinced the haveli owners of the need.