The Celebration of Mewar's Martial Dance as a Victory Festival: Dr. Ajat Shatru Singh Shivrathee

Renowned historian and Founder Secretary-General of the Global History Forum, Dr. Ajat Shatru Singh Shivrathee, revealed that in the village of Menar in Mewar, the traditional martial dance festival celebrated during Holi is akin to an Olympic event. He suggested that labeling it as "Rajasthan's Olympics" wouldn't be an exaggeration, given the centuries-old tradition of celebrating the martial dance of Holi throughout Mewar. It's reminiscent of the historic victory of Marathon against the Persians in Athens during the 5th century BCE, as it symbolizes Pratap's victory over the Mughals during the Battle of Haldighati amid the struggle for independence and freedom from Mughal dominance across the Aravalli mountain range. Through a collective effort of Menarians and other communities, Pratap successfully dismantled Mughal military outposts in Girwa, highlighting the significance of this martial dance as a celebration of victory. This martial dance festival should be honored as part of the Mewar Festival and recognized as a cultural center in the western region.