Jal Utsav
| Jal Utsav | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Cultural festival focusing on water conservation |
| Dates | November 15-25, annually |
| Venue | Het Ni Haveli, Dudhala |
| Location(s) | Dudhala, Amreli district, Gujarat, India |
| Coordinates | 21°41′N 71°22′E / 21.68°N 71.36°E |
| Country | India |
| Inaugurated | 2023 |
| Founders | Dholakia Foundation & Government of Gujarat |
| Attendance | 125,000 |
| Website | Official Jal Utsav Website |
Jal Utsav is an annual cultural and environmental festival held at Het Ni Haveli, Dudhala, Amreli district, Gujarat, India, focusing on water conservation and sustainable practices. It is India's first carbon-neutral festival.[1] The festival is a collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Dholakia Foundation, aiming to promote environmental awareness and celebrate the region's cultural heritage.[2][3][4]
Overview
[edit]Initiated in 2023, Jal Utsav was inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and the Chief minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel. The festival is held at Het Ni Haveli, a significant location near Dudhala. [5] [6]
Background and objectives
[edit]Jal Utsav was first held from November 15 to 25, 2023, with the aim of raising awareness about water conservation. The festival offers a variety of activities designed to educate and engage visitors in a festive atmosphere, emphasizing sustainable practices.[7][8]
Main features
[edit]The festival includes:
- Water sports and activities
- Cultural evenings with music and dance performances
- Educational workshops on water conservation
- amusements in carnivals [5]
Conservation Impact
[edit]Jal Utsav has made significant contributions to environmental conservation through its water conservation and ecosystem restoration initiatives. The festival has facilitated the development of over 140 lakes in Gujarat, collectively storing more than 15 billion liters of water to alleviate regional water scarcity. The United Nations has recognized the Dholakia Foundation's contribution to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. [1] [9]
Additionally, 'Amrit Van,' a botanical garden created as part of the festival, features over 26,000 plantations of 70 different species, serving educational and ecological purposes. [10]
Significance and impact
[edit]The festival attracts over 125,000 visitors annually, highlighting its role in promoting environmental awareness and community engagement in sustainability efforts. Jal Utsav also serves as a model for water conservation initiatives in India.[11][2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "India's first Carbon-neutral Festival: Jal Utsav". UN Decade on Restoration. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ a b "Gujarat's first Jal Utsav inaugurated in Amreli". The Economic Times. 2023-11-16. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ Presswire, EIN (2023-10-30). "Gujarat Government, Dholakia Foundation Welcomes UN Agencies and Hosts India's First-ever Carbon Neutral Water Festival". KRQE NEWS 13 -. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Gujarat Government, Dholakia Foundation Welcomes UN Agencies and Hosts India's First-ever Carbon Neutral Water Festival". www.dehlidailytimes.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ a b "FIRST JAL UTSAV INAUGURATED BY GUJARAT GOVERNOR SHRI ACHARYA DEVVRAT AND GUJARAT CHIEF MINISTER SHRI BHUPENDRA PATEL". www.dehlidailytimes.com. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
- ^ "First Jal Utsav inaugurated by Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel". AP News. 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ "Gujarat Government, Dholakia Foundation Welcomes UN Agencies and Hosts India's First-ever Carbon Neutral Water Festival". kalkinemedia.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Dholakia Foundation & Gujarat Govt.'s 'Jal Utsav' Promotes Water Conservation In Drought-Prone Amreli". Solitaire International Magazine - India’s leading B2B gem and jewellery magazine. 2024-03-28. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ Team, ENI. "First Jal Utsav inaugurated by Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel". globalwarming.einnews.com. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ network, diamond news (2023-11-20). "Gujarat Governor, Chief Minister inaugurate the first Jal Utsav in Lathi-Dudhala". Diamond World. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ IN, FashionNetwork com. "Hari Krishna Exports' Dholakia Foundation launches 'Jal Utsav' with Gujarat Government". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.