Raj Ratna Singh Deo

Kamakshi Khanna

It felt like a balm on frayed nerves, a chance to bring back the eye on forgotten crafts and a regal lifestyle. ‘Royal Fables Comeback Show’ held at the home of the erstwhile maharaja of Bikaner set the tone for festivities in Delhi.

For me, it felt like life coming back. Simply to see so many people appreciating handcraft, shopping for art, listening to talks, enjoying a kebab from the kitchens of Rampur was invigorating. One realized how much we had missed in life, sitting coupled up with the feat of Covid-19 consuming our mind.

Royal Fables comeback show, in New Delhi, presented handicraft products made in 35 palace studios of India, besides hand-picked heritage brands. The two-day-long exposition was inaugurated by HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda, HH Brigadier Sukhjit Singh of Kapurthala, Raja Bimlendra Mohan Mishra of Ayodhya, Rajmata Subhanginiraje Gaekwad of Baroda, H.E Emmanuel Lenain- French Ambassador to India, and Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

A fashion show featured heritage jewels by Sujhal and handmade ensembles by over fifteen palace studios and were featured on the ramp. Accompanied by the music of Kamakshi Khanna and an opening act by ShivaniVerma, Umrao Khan Langao of Jodhpur sang praise to the royals of Rajasthan.

A series of meaningful talks on heritage, cuisine pairing by Pracheen-India before 1947, and the Royal Kitchens of Rampur added to the royal experience. Indeed it felt like yesterday once more.