The exhibits are a mesmerizing variety of cross-sectional Saudi culture, reflecting the prevailing peace, unity and inter-regional harmony in the Kingdom. Nothing short of a sumptuous cultural feast, the National Heritage and Cultural Festival, popularly referred to as the Janadriyah Festival after the host town, showcases rarely seen heritage objects, re-living the rich Arabian past. The significance of the festival can be gauged from the fact that it is no less a person than the King himself who inaugurates the event year after year. This year the festival, 27th in the series, was inaugurated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on February 8, with a camel race as a spectacular opening experience.
Visitors from all over the world thronged the two-week festival, and were treated to a full measure of potters, carpenters, metal smiths, basket weavers, blacksmiths, jewelers, and much, much more. Going beyond heritage objects, the festival even featured a full-fledged farm, complete with underground wells, waterskins and water canals. Farmers tended to the fields and livestock, using crude implements for their everyday activities, such as drawing water. As a special treat for Saudi and expatriate women, courses on various traditional handcrafts and trades were conducted. They focused on palm leaves and their various uses, henna painting, art works, ceramic and spindling wool. Children had their own share of thrills, playing games of yore, and enjoying the plays specially scripted for them. The Makkah pavilion, designed in the old Hijazi architectural style with a generous sprinkling of intricate wood work, skylights and chandeliers, displayed religious symbols, highlighting the significance of the holy city. Old and new photographs and replicas of the Grand Mosque and the holy sites were displayed, giving a vivid picture of the latest developmental projects in the region, including Mina, Jamarat and Arafat. A rosary, said to be among the largest in the world, was also put on display.
Auto buffs were delighted with the display of a range of vintage cars belonging to the Makkah region, while folk art enthusiasts were enchanted by the traditional dances, Mizmar and Majas.
Taif in the Kingdom’s western region is rich in flower cultivation, especially roses. In reflection of this regional characteristic, the Taif pavilion had a spread of more than 5,000 roses at its entrance, beckoning visitors to this strikingly beautiful pavilion.
The Baha region was not left behind, with an equally rich display of its folk art, including the famed sword dance, Ardha. Several dancers and poets teamed up to make the pavilion a melodic extravaganza, with a rich fare of the music of yore.
The Madinah region pavilion had put up a variety of dates and traditional cuisine, including rose tea, earthen oven-baked bread, pastries made of date paste and wheat rusks.
Intellectuals were treated with a rich mix of literature, art and cultural writings. Thinkers and writers exchanged their thoughts and ideas, welcoming positive criticisms of their works.
The tradition-filled air of Janadriyah had a refresher from the future as well. The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the Kingdom’s national science agency, lent a futuristic feel to the festival with its pavilion showcasing the Kingdom’s future research programs in communications and applications, including audio and display systems. The visitors were made aware of the importance of science in their everyday lives and its role in national development.
The Janadriyah Festival demonstrates the fact that the rapid shift from rural to urban life in Saudi Arabia does not in any way indicate traditional knowledge and skills are forgotten. The overwhelming task of locating and bringing together local talent well versed with traditionally handcrafted items and skills can well be imagined. But the rewards are for the taking: the continuance of the cultural traditions and historical knowledge of the Arabian Peninsula.

Main Page	Page Up
عربي