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.