Focus laid on integrating traditional architecture with modern practices at India Stonemart

Experts attending the Jaipur Architecture Festival here on Friday (February 6, 2026) called for integrating traditional architecture with modern practices in Rajasthan to realise the vision for “development with heritage conservation”. The festival was organised on the second of India Stonemart-2026.

The two-day festival brought those associated with architecture, stones, urban planning, and sustainable development to a common platform. Builders and architects said the architectural designs and elements found in old historical buildings should be adopted in new constructions.

Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari inaugurated the two-day festival and visited Shilpgram, set up at the Stonemart venue and showcasing the traditional art, handicrafts, and construction techniques of artisans and craftsmen from various districts of the State.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Kumari said Rajasthan’s stone and architecture were recognised worldwide because of their distinct qualities. “The global recognition of our architectural heritage, stone industry, and craft traditions is a matter of immense pride. The soil and stone of Rajasthan are visible across the world,” she said.

Ms. Kumari, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said the festival would help promote the State’s handicrafts, handloom, and marble industries, which needed greater focus and development. She said Jaipur, as the country’s first planned city, held a special place in global architecture.

The winners of the 12th All India Stone Architecture Awards-2025 were felicitated on the occasion. The awards were given in the categories of exterior facings, interior designs, landscaping, and green architecture.

Organised alongside Stonemart, the festival fostered direct dialogue and exchange of ideas among architects, policymakers, students, and professionals from the stone industry. Among others, Architects Regional Council Asia president Wu Jiang, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) president Vilas Vasant Avachat, and IIA Rajasthan chapter chairman Tushar Sogani were present.