Shantanu Maheswari, Karan Tacker rock Rajasthani Mela in Kolkata

Also present was popular actor Karan Tacker. 

Aapno Gaaon saw the Dance Battle with Shantanu Maheshwari (Bindaas Nach Fame - World of Dance Champion). He took endless selfies and shook his legs with his crazy fans giving them a chance to meet and greet him.

Speaking at the occasion, Shantanu said, "For people, dance is a hobby; it is life for me! My passion for dance started from my hometown Kolkata and i feel so connected to my roots being here with you all. Through my dance, I have been lucky to be a part of many TV shows with some great roles. My dream is to make a mark in dance on the international arena."

Shantanu thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Rajasthani food and loved the ambience of the mela which gave him a feel as if he was in Rajasthan itself.

The big lawn of Nicco Park is decorated in such a way that it looks exactly like ‘Banga Bhumi Mein Marubhumi’, with the creation of a unique idea called "Aapno Gaaon" (which means our own village) where everyone can come together and bask in the festivities which celebrate our rich culture and tradition.

The highlight of "Aapno Gaaon" is the authentic cuisine of Rajasthan - namely Dal-Baati-Churma, Baajre Ki Roti, Gwarfali ki Sabji, Gatte ki Sabji, Raabri, Maalpoa, Gond Paak, etc. which is prepared by Royal Maharaj (cooks) from Rajasthan and served by popular Rajasthani "Manuhar" - a traditional way of pampering guests. 

 

The foodies are in for a lavish treat at the “Chokhi Dhaani”, or kitchen of the fair. The meals are being served inside cottages that have been covered with colourful cloth, symbolic of Rajasthan. Those serving the cuisine are dressed in traditional attire and the dishes too are recipes straight from the desert.

The event is organized by Saltlake Lok Sanskriti which works on social and cultural activities.  

EVENT FLOW FOR THE 
8 DAY LONG ANNUAL FESTIVAL:

v  24.12.15 (Thursday) - Inauguration Ceremony - Folk Artists from Rajasthan & Haryana followed by Cultural programme
v  25.12.15 (Friday) - Christmas Celebration with KARAN TACKER (Ek Hazaro Me Meri Behna Hai Fame & Host: Voice of India) 
v  26.12.15 (Saturday) - Dance Battle with SHANTANU MAHESHWARI (Bindaas Nach Fame - World of Dance Champion)
v  27.12.15 (Sunday ) - Dandiya Night with KARTIK ARYAN (Pyar ka Punchnama Fame), Live Gujarati band by Nayan & Keyur Mehta & Troupe
v  28.12.15 (Monday) – Rajasthani folk lore & Marwari Songs Live by SEEMA MISHRA, Rajasthan's renowned singer (Marubhumi Ki Lata - Lata Mangeskar of the Desert)
v  29.12.15 (Tuesday) -Religious Programme - Jab jab ude HANUMAN, Sankat kate Tamam
v  30.12.15 (Wednesday) - SUFI Night
v  31.12.15 (Thursday) - New Year Eve - PARLEEN GILL (Indian Idol Fame) musical magic by DJs at DJ NIGHT, Dance Troupe performances and gala Fireworks till midnight
Special attraction for AAPNO GAAON' 2015- TANOURA DANCE FROM DUBAI

Ground parties & activities include:
• Rides on Camel / Horses and Bullock Cart
• Baalu ka Tila (sand dunes)
• Traditional fire dance - Sidh Bhopa (walk on fire)
• Puppet show, Monkey Dance
• Mouth watering snacks
• Scintillating performances by folk artists 
• Display of skills by expert rural craftsmen – Nut, Luhaar, Kumhaar, Moustache Man
• Bon fire
• Rural ambience of a typical rustic village of Rajasthan & Haryana at the Mela Ground - Roti Bilowna, Chaaki, Okhli, Dholi Party, Chang Party, Bhopa, Charkha, Chaila Chaili (Turahi wala), Well, Taraju & wood