Vances have an immersive Raj experience at Amber Fort

Time of India

22-04-2025

Jaipur: Bejewelled elephants, folk artistes draped in traditional Rajputi and Kalbelia dresses, and musicians, along with vibrant rangolis, created a ceremonial atmosphere as they greeted
US Vice President JD Vance
, his wife Usha, and their three children – Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel – Tuesday morning at the Amber Fort, a
UNESCO World Heritage site
.
Inside the 16th-century hill fort, the Vances visited Mansingh Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Khush Niwas, and Diwan-e-Aam, spending almost an hour and a half before heading back to their hotel in the city, 11km away.
At the fort, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and deputy CM Diya Kumari welcomed the Vances amidst a vibrant air of the welcome drum beating and melodious sound of the shehnai.
As they walked on the red carpet to the fort, folk artistes performing Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Kachi Ghodi dances welcomed them. The Vice President paused and took his time to thank them graciously.
Madan Singh Shekhawat, one of the three tour guides assigned to escort the family during the visit, said, "Most visitors, including the state dignitaries, to Amber Fort complete the tour in an hour. But JD Vance and his family spent 1.30 hours, which showed that they liked the experience."
Vance, along with his children, spent time with the caparisoned elephants Chanda and Pushpa, as they welcomed them.
Shekhawat said Vance explained about the elephants to his curious sons. "As the elephants welcomed them with their gestures, Vance took quite a few minutes to have a better look at the animal and explain about it to his sons. He was seen answering a few queries from both children as well," said Shekhawat.
Inside the fort, he was welcomed by folk artists playing instruments like Ravanhatta (a stringed instrument), shehnai, and flutes.
Officials accompanying the VP in the fort said he seemed to have liked the Sheesh Mahal the most as he spent more time there.
"It seemed as if he knew everybody as he waved to and thanked everybody while leaving," Shekhawat said.