Holika Dahan Ceremony
The Manek Chowk shimmered in the evening light as the Holika Dahan Ceremony was performed in regal splendour in The City Palace Complex on the 7th March 2012. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) along with other royal family members performed the traditional rites and ritual of lighting the Holika on the auspicious full moon night of Phalguna, heralding the onset of spring. Guests from overseas and India joined residents from Udaipur to witness the festival that is performed according to the ancient traditions of Rajasthan and India.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur and members of the family recited prayers with the Palace priests at The Manek Chowk. Sacred text from the Vedas and Hymns were read as Shriji lit the Holika and circled the holika effigy, accompanied by priests. "Holika Dahan marks the triumph of good over evil; it is truly an inspiring and colourful festival", said Mr. Bhupendra Singh Auwa, Deputy Secretary MMCF - Administration, he added, "It is a regal festival that has been traditionally celebrated at the City Palace in Udaipur for centuries, we are proud to uphold this age-old tradition and make it meaningful and interesting for our guests."

The Eternal Mewar Festival of Holika Dahan is organized by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation in association with HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur. HRH Group organised 'Rangoli, a food festival at Palki Khana, the European style café at The Manek Chowk. Chefs captured the festive spirit of Holi with exotic and delicious chaats and street foods. Holika Dahan occupies a place of pride in the regal calendar of festivals organized every year by the MMCF. Ashwa Poojan and Kartik Poornima are the other regal festivals celebrated with traditional dignity at the City Palace Complex by Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF).

MMCF, established by late Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar in 1969, has been facilitating the development of Udaipur as a heritage-city. MMCF has launched innumerable developmental activities to enhance the quality of life of the people of this historic city. Education and outreach programmes, health care, heritage preservation and conservation, museum management and preservation of places of religious worship are some of the key activities of MMCF. The foundation has instituted annual international and national awards granted for services of a permanent value rendered to society. In addition, MMCF has set up a number of subsidiary trusts for religious and charitable purposes to give assistance to the underprivileged without distinction of caste, creed or religion.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur
arriving at The Manek Chowk for Holika Dahan Ceremony

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur
receiving a guard of honour

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur and the Royal Family Members circumambulating the Holika Effigy

Gair Dance performance
at The Manek Chowk on the occasion
of Holika Dahan Ceremony