On December 12, 2024, Khetri town celebrated the 14th Khetri Virasat Divas, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s impactful visit on this day in 1897. Swami Vivekananda, who had recently returned from America, was warmly received by the then ruler of Khetri, Ajit Singh Bahadur, and the townspeople at Panna Sah Talab. His arrival was marked by a grand reception, which included a feast and illuminations throughout the town.
In honor of this historic occasion, a committee of prominent individuals in the town, in response to a call from the Ramakrishna Mission, Khetri, initiated the annual celebration of Khetri Virasat Divas in 2011. For the past three years, this celebration has been jointly organized with the Khetri Municipality.
The 2024 celebration began with a morning procession (Prabhat Pheri), in which approximately 2,500 school children marched through Khetri, raising awareness about the significance of the day. In the afternoon, a live tableau reenactment of Raja Ajit Singh escorting Swami Vivekananda in a horse-drawn carriage took place, starting from Vivekananda Smriti Mandir to Panna Sah Talab. The Talab was beautifully illuminated, accompanied by a vibrant fireworks display.
The evening festivities included captivating performances of Rajasthan folk songs and dances by troupes from the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy, attended by around 1,000 local residents and numerous distinguished guests.
