The Gaddi Utsav Ceremony: In accordance with tradition, the Gaddi Utsav is being celebrated today at the City Palace, coinciding with Chaitra Shukla Panchami. The ceremonial placement of Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar on the throne has commenced, with the havan pujan rituals starting at 9:30 AM. This significant event is being conducted by the Kul Guru of Mewar, who has been overseeing such rituals for the royal family for the past 350 years. Final preparations for the ceremony were completed on Tuesday evening.
Extensive arrangements have been made at the City Palace for the Gaddi Utsav festivities. Notable guests are expected to attend, and invitations have been dispatched. Attendees are requested to wear white kurta-pyjama for men and white suits or traditional white attire for women.
- The Gaddi Utsav will take place at the City Palace from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
- Worship of the Nopati horse is scheduled for 3:15 PM at the City Palace.
- A visit to the Eklingnath temple in Kailashpuri is planned for 4:20 PM.
- The Hathipol gate of the city will be worshipped at 7 PM.
- The Rang Paltai ritual will occur at 8:15 PM in the City Palace.
- At 9 PM, a visit to Jagadeesh temple will be made for darshan of Lord Jagannath.
It is important to note that Arvind Singh Mewar, a former member of the royal family, passed away on March 16. His funeral saw participation from numerous individuals across Mewar, with many traveling from various parts of the country to pay their respects at the City Palace. Following tradition, his son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar is set to assume his responsibilities.
The Central Mewar Kshatriya Mahasabha has raised concerns regarding the designation of the City Palace event as Gaddi Utsav. Central President Ashok Singh Metwala stated that the Gaddi Dastur for former royal family member Vishvraj Singh was conducted on November 25, 2024, at Chittorgarh Fort, adhering to tradition. The institute argues that rituals performed traditionally should only involve the successor of the royal family, and labeling a personal event as Gaddi Dastur is a distortion of tradition, which they deem inappropriate.