Jaipur, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Minister of Tourism, Diya Kumari, officially launched the five-day Sambhar Festival at Jhapok on Saturday, emphasizing that Sambhar town in the Jaipur district is progressively becoming a premier global tourist hotspot.

The festival runs from December 27 to December 31, 2025, and is a collaborative effort between the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the Jaipur district administration, and the Sambhar Municipal Council.

During the inauguration, notable figures including former MLA Nirmal Kumawat, Additional District Collector Ashish Kumar, Sambhar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rishi Raj Kapil, and Deputy Director of Tourism Upendra Singh Shekhawat were present.

Following the launch, Deputy CM Diya Kumari explored craft and food stalls, engaged with local artists and artisans, and supported handicraft workers.

She introduced special postal cards and toured the kite and photography exhibitions.

While congratulating the event's organizers and welcoming both domestic and international visitors, she stated that this year's Sambhar Festival is being organized on a significantly grander scale than the previous year, with plans for further expansion in the future.

"The Sambhar Festival has established a unique presence on the global tourism map. Sambhar is on its way to becoming a notable tourist destination worldwide," she remarked.

Deputy CM Diya Kumari highlighted that the region's major allure is its stunning natural scenery, emphasizing the influx of migratory birds from Europe and North Asia during winter, particularly the Greater Flamingos, which brings Sambhar international acclaim.

She mentioned that the state government is actively enhancing tourist amenities and improving road connectivity for a smoother travel experience.

Diya Kumari encouraged tourists to relish Sambhar's picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, and folk performances, urging them to share their experiences on social media to globally promote Sambhar tourism.

The festival encompasses art and craft stalls, photography displays, a food court, spectacular kite exhibitions, kite-flying activities, horse riding, camel riding, and camel cart rides.

At Jhapok, tourists engaged in various adventure activities including parasailing, paramotoring, paragliding, jeep safaris, ATV rides, balloon rides, and cycling.

Vibrant cultural performances by folk artists enlivened the venue throughout the event.

Other highlights consist of a jeep/car adventure rally, a salt processing tour, bird-watching excursions, visits to the Sambhar Salt Lake, train-based salt expeditions, and star-gazing sessions.

From December 28 to 30, planned activities include heritage walks, cycling tours, adventure rallies, exhibitions, folk performances, and adventure sports.

Celebrity evenings feature Moti Khan on December 28, Raperiya Balam on December 29, and a Rajasthani folk evening with Mahaveer Nath on December 30.

On December 31, festivities will include heritage walks, kite-flying displays, exhibitions, adventure sports, and street performances by folk artists.