KHAMNOR/RAJSAMAND, June 18, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) : The three-day fair at the historic battlefield of Haldighati was celebrated with great enthusiasm on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti. This year, Maharana Pratap Jayanti was observed on June 17 according to the Vikram Samvat calendar, while June 18 marked the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Haldighati as Shaurya Diwas according to the Gregorian calendar.
History Comes Alive from Rakt Talai to Chetak Samadhi
From early morning, the sound of horses echoed across the nearly six-kilometre stretch from Rakt Talai in Khamnor to Chetak Samadhi in Balicha, recalling the historic legacy of the battlefield. A vivid portrayal of history unfolded when the Rajsamand Police mounted unit reached Chetak Samadhi to pay tribute to Chetak, the loyal horse of Maharana Pratap.
Under the leadership of Head Constable Mukesh Shrimali, personnel and horses of the police mounted unit offered tributes at Chetak Samadhi and symbolically retraced Chetak’s immortal journey of valour up to Rakt Talai. Rajya Sabha MP Satish Poonia performed horse worship at Chetak Samadhi and flagged off the procession. Tehsildar Dr. Suresh Nahar welcomed the participants at the historic pass. The Chetak Smriti Ashwa Mela was formally inaugurated upon reaching Rakt Talai.
Successful Event Through Joint Efforts
Development Officer Hanuveer Singh Vishnoi said the event was organised through the joint efforts of the Panchayat Samiti, Animal Husbandry Department, Tourism Department and Haldighati Tourism Committee. In the evening, horse owners were honoured under the chairmanship of Administrator and Sub-Divisional Officer Bhagirath Singh Lakawat.
State Youth Morcha President Shankarlal Gora attended the horse competition as chief guest. Dr. Kuldeep Kaushik and his team examined the participating horses and announced the results. Haldighati Tourism Committee founder Kamal Manav, with the support of president Vinod Paliwal, welcomed the guests and shared views on the development of Haldighati.
Tributes Paid to Martyrs, Chadar Offered at Hakim Khan Memorial
Following the horse competition, tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Haldighati battle at Rakt Talai through a ceremonial Deepanjali. Participants collectively recited the Hanuman Chalisa and paid homage to the immortal warriors. Lamps were arranged in the shapes of Swastik and Om before offering tributes at the memorials.
Members of the Muslim community, along with their families, offered a chadar at the memorial of Hakim Khan Sur and raised slogans in honour of Maharana Pratap’s associate warriors, expressing brotherhood and harmony.
Among those present were Virendra Singh Chauhan and Sangeeta Chauhan from Kothariya, Sub-Divisional Officer Bhagirath Singh Lakawat, Tehsildar Dr. Suresh Nahar, Development Officer Hanuveer Singh Vishnoi, representatives of Kshatriya Mahasabha, Karni Sena, Brahm Shakti Navayuvak Mandal and other dignitaries. Mandal President Madan Singh Parmar, educationist Ramlal Duriyan, former Panchayat Samiti member Tansukh Soni, Navneet Paliwal, Basanti Lal Lodha, Shyam Lal Panwar, Gopal Mali, Chetan Panwar, Gopesh Mali, Vijay Paliwal and villagers were also present.
Bhajan Sandhya Held at Shahibagh, Fair to Conclude on June 19
A Bhajan Sandhya sponsored by visiting artists was organised at Shahibagh. In view of the programme, the evening event scheduled outside Rakt Talai was merged with the main समारोह. The Bhajan Sandhya continued late into the night.
The fair will conclude on June 19 with a prize distribution ceremony led by MP Mahimakumari Mewar and Collector Arun Kumar Hasija.
Haldighati’s Message
“Even after 450 years, the soil of Haldighati continues to reflect valour. The battlefield tells a story of sacrifice for the motherland, where Hakim Khan Sur fought alongside Maharana Pratap.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
