Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari Inaugurates Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026, Says—Rajasthan’s Stone and Architecture Are Recognized Worldwide

Jaipur: On the second day of India Stone Mart 2026, the Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026 was ceremoniously inaugurated at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Diya Kumari, described the festival as a platform that gives global recognition to Rajasthan’s architectural heritage, stone industry, and craft traditions. She said that whether it is the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Akshardham, historical monuments, religious sites, or prestigious hotels and buildings across the world—if one observes closely, the stone used in most of them is from Rajasthan. It is a matter of immense pride for the state that the soil and stone of Rajasthan are visible across the globe.

The formal inauguration at the Mugdha Convention Hall began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The occasion witnessed the presence of renowned architects from India and abroad, policymakers, industry representatives, and senior officials from institutional organizations on the dais.

While addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari said it was a matter of pride for her to honour such a large and distinguished group of architects on one platform. She expressed her gratitude to Laghu Udyog Bharati for inviting her to this grand event and thanked the organizers. Speaking about Shilpgram, she said that providing such a large platform and dedicated space to small artisans and handicraft craftsmen is a commendable initiative. It will not only give artisans, students, and youth an opportunity to learn, but will also open new avenues for exporters. She added that in the coming years, the event could take an even broader form and should be organized for a longer duration instead of being limited to four days. Emphasizing the vision of “Development as well as Heritage,” she stressed the need to integrate traditional architecture with modern architectural practices.

On the inauguration of the Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this event is a significant opportunity for those associated with Rajasthan’s handicrafts, handloom, and marble industries. She noted that Rajasthan is the home of handicrafts, and such platforms are essential to further strengthen this sector, which still needs greater focus and development.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s mantra of “Development as well as Heritage,” she said that architectural designs and elements found in old historical buildings should be adopted in new constructions. She suggested that in the coming years, such festivals should be organized for up to ten days instead of being restricted to four days, so that more people can benefit from them.

She further said that Jaipur is globally known for architecture and is the world’s first planned city. Being associated with such a city, which holds a special place in global architecture, is a matter of pride. She added that not only in India but also in many historic and iconic buildings across the world, stone from Rajasthan has been used—an achievement that brings great pride to the state.

Diya Kumari also said that legends from the world of architecture are present at this festival, and getting the opportunity to honour them is a proud moment for her. Describing the exhibition as grand, she said that the large pavilions, impressive stalls, and models prepared by students are the key highlights of the event.

Dignitaries on the Dais

The following dignitaries were present on the stage during the inauguration:

• Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan

• Smt. Anju Singh, National Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati

• Shri Mukul Rastogi, Chief Executive Officer, CEDOS

• Shri Deepak Ajmera, Vice President, CEDOS

• Architect Wu Jiang, President, Arcasia

• Architect Tushar Sogani, Chairman, IIA Rajasthan & Curator, Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026

• Architect Vilas Vasant

Also Present at the Event

• Shri Prakash Chandra

• Shri Naresh Parik, National Joint General Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati

• Shri Hamir Singh Bhayal, MLA

Anju Singh Highlights Key Features of the Event

Smt. Anju Singh, National Secretary of Laghu Udyog Bharati, shared that India Stone Mart is being organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati in collaboration with CEDOS and RIICO. She said that several initiatives have been introduced for the first time this year, including the launch of a digital mobile app, a website translated into 26 languages, and various technology-driven facilities. She added that through the Jaipur Architecture Festival, the stone, architecture, and MSME sectors have received a common platform. She described Laghu Udyog Bharati as an organization that continuously works with the government for the empowerment of MSMEs and small industries.

All India Stone Architecture Awards 2025

On the occasion of the inauguration of Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026, the winners of the 12th All India Stone Architecture Awards 2025 were felicitated. A total of 80 entries were received across four categories. The award winners were selected by a distinguished jury.

Award Winners and Prize Money

Exterior Facings Category

• Architect Pramod Jain

Project: Marwar International Center, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Cash Prize: ₹1,00,000

Interior Designs Category (Joint Winners)

• Architect Shweta Balasubramoni

Project: Anvaya Residence, Kothwalguda, Telangana

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

• Architect Santosh Ramane

Project: Sawantanchya Wada, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

Landscaping Category (Joint Winners)

• Architect Shraddha (Joshi) Chavan & Architect Ajinkya Chavan

Project: Built with the Unbuild – Chandratreya Farmhouse, Pune, Maharashtra

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

• Architect Jaydatt Vishwanath Vaishnav & Architect Anal Kapadia Vaishnav

Project: Beyond the Greens – A Bio Diverse Landscape, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

Green Architecture Category (Joint Winners)

• Architect Himanshu Patel

Project: Tribhuvana – An Architect’s Own Studio, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

• Architect Lata Raman Jaigopal

Project: Stone Hedge, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

Cash Prize: ₹50,000

Jaipur Architecture Festival 2026 is not merely a conference, but a national-level thought festival that brings architecture, stone, urban planning, and sustainable development onto a common platform. Organized alongside India Stone Mart 2026, the festival is fostering direct dialogue and exchange of ideas among architects, policymakers, students, and professionals from the stone industry.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, CEDOS Chairman Shri Deepak Ajmera delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests, speakers, organizers, partner institutions, and participants, and sincerely thanked everyone for making the event a success.