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Information about Rajasthan,
India
Rajasthan Tour
Rajasthan represents the ultimate confluence of history, chivalry, romance,
rugged natural beauty and colour. As Col. James Todd, the celebrated writer
once wrote:
"Rajasthan exhibits the sole example in the history of mankind of a
people withstanding every outrage barbarity can inflict or human nature
sustain, and bent to the earth, yet rising buoyant from the pressure and
making calamity a whetstone to courage"
Today, long years after the last bugle was sounded, and after the warring
kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana, sheathed their swords, the desert appears
romantic, its arts, the expression of a brave yet sensitive race, its
architecture the embodiment of strength and grace. It is as if, in celebration
of life itself.
While an age has come to pass, cities flourish and contemporary Rajasthan is
an explosion of colour and paegentry. It is the ultimate destination offering
something to suit the tastes of every single different traveller.
Amazing legends of heroism and romance still
resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate
its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world
for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its
wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so
well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day. It is
action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or
even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop,
or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch
birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage
properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity.
MUSIC AND DANCE
RHYTHM AND RESONANCE
Rajasthan is culturally rich and has extensive tradition in art and culture,
which reflects Indian way life. The dance, music and art forms have been
watchfully cultivated and patronised by the erstwhile courts. An equally rich
and varied folk culture from villages is both fascinating & mesmerising.
The music is of uncomplicated innocence and songs depict day-to-day
relationships and chores more often focal around bring of water. Rajasthan's
cultural tapestry takes in simple folk to highly cultivated classical music
and dance in its own distinct style.
The Architecture of Rajasthan
The mixture and brilliance of Rajasthan's architectural heritage can amaze a
visitor. Majestic forts, intricately carved temples and havelis (meaning
mansion) and even step well make Rajasthan a paradise for an architecture
buff. The desert state of Rajasthan is a land of irony and extremes. This
vibrant and striking region is the home of the Rajput warrior clans who had
ruled here for many years. Rajasthan is also home to some of India's most
romantic cities. The Rajputs were prolific builders and have dotted the arid
Aravali landscape with their legacy of some most imposing and magnificent
forts and palaces in the world. Today the structures defy time to tell the
story of gallantry, courage and tragedy of the bygone era and its story of
survival in the harsh Thar Desert.
The People of Rajasthan
Rajasthan according to the 2001 census has a population of 56.5 million.
Rajasthan has a large indigenous populace Minas (Minawati) in Alwar, Jaipur,
Bharatpur, and Dholpur areas. The Meo and the Banjara are travelling tradesmen
and artisans. The Gadia Lohar is the Lohar meaning ironsmith who travels on
Gadia meaning bullock carts; they generally make and repair agricultural and
household implements. The Bhils are one of the oldest peoples in India,
inhabit the districts of Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur,
and Sirohi and are famous for their skill in archery. The Grasia and nomadic
Kathodi live in the Mewar region. Sahariyas are found in the Kota district,
and the Rabaris of the Marwar region are cattle breeders. More...
CUISINE OF RAJASTHAN
Land of Princes, as Rajasthan is called, shows off, many a fine gastronomic
both within the palaces and outside. The royal kitchens of Rajasthan, the
preparation of food was a very complex matter and was raised to the levels of
an art form. Thus the 'Khansamas' (the royal cooks) worked in the stately
palaces and kept their most enigmatic recipes to themselves. Some recipes were
passed on to their descendants and the rest were passed on as skills to the
chefs of semi states and the branded hotel companies.
Rajasthani cooking was inclined to the war-like lifestyle of the medieval
Rajasthan and the availability of ingredients of the region. Food that could
last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more
out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have
had their effect on cooking.
In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use a minimum of
water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter.
A distinct feature of the Maheshwari cooking is the use of mango powder, a
suitable substitute for tomatoes, scarce in the desert, and asafoetida, to
enhance the taste in the absence of garlic and onions.
Safety & Security in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a peaceful state and its people are friendly and well meaning.
This piece of an advice is meant to caution but you should not be paranoid
otherwise you miss knowing about the very vibrant people and culture of
Rajasthan. Like anywhere else, reasonable caution is your best weapon against
theft or worse. Rajasthan is very safe and there are no civil disturbances.
It is advised never to leave your valuables unattended in train, station
platforms or airports.
If you have to leave your belongings in a train, please pad lock them with the
loops hanging from the bottom of your seats. In case of hotel room use
additional locks on the cupboard in the room or if possible on the rooms door
also. It is well worth if pack a couple of padlocks and a one metre long chain
with loops on its ends.
It is recommended that you keep your passport, ticket or money safely stashed
in a belt pouch fastened around your waist.
Thieves and Thugs are prevalent on routes crowded by tourist, be careful not
to accept food or beverages from a friendly co-passenger. It may contain
sleeping pills for possible drugging to relieve of your baggage.
While engaging in an interesting discussions with a co-passenger, stay alert
about your baggage as his accomplice might be stealing your baggage. Be
generally alert of bag pickers.
If you have hotel accommodation in mind, do not let Taxi or auto rickshaw
driver mislead you, as he may only be a tout for another hotel and poor
bargain.
Handicraft of Rajasthan
Blue pottery
An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji was first
introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe of
distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes are also
peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the
external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with
other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral
or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the
prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional
ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size for multiple use,
ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior
items are the forte of this art of pottery.
Metal Craft
Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used
for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive,
and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants,
dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought iron has become
popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage, than traditional.
Wooden Artefacts
Wood-sometimes plain often painted- is used to make everything from furniture
to artefacts.While the furniture ranges from the made-as old that is such a
range all over the world, its contemporary variants include chairs with
painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets
Artefacts include a range of animal -horses ,elephants, parrots- that are
beautifully painted as well as boxes, chests snuff boxes and other interesting
paraphernalia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the
doors.
Stone Carving
White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything is
used to make elegant statuary, idols, figurines, carved panels, even elaborate
jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts
that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving
is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.
Nature Cure Centres in Rajsathan
Rajasthan continues to preserve and promote its traditional health-care system
based on naturopathy and the Vedic approach to health. There are a number of
nature cure and yoga centres that offer a system of health care with adequate
facilities and diagnostic methods including steam bath, mud bath, rigorous
dieting and physical exercises. Massages, treatments using herbs, and the
ancient traditions of ayurveda and yoga add to the well-being of the body and
the mind.
The practice of nature cure systems ensures the readjustment of the human
system from abnormal to normal functions and conditions aimed at removing
toxic matter from the body without damaging its vital organs. Dietary
regulations ensure that acid-forming foods are eliminated from the system for
a period of one week. A wholesome diet of fresh fruits and juices is
prescribed, instead. After the stomach and alimentary canal have been
disinfected, raw vegetables and sprouted whole-grain cereals help restore the
body's equilibrium.
Hydrotherapy, or water baths at various temperatures, is also considered
beneficial. Patients are made to sit in cold water baths to stimulate the
nervous system, while warm water applications are considered relaxing.
Similarly, fresh air, sunbathing, exercise and massage restore a semblance of
balance to one's body. With adequate rest, meditation and fresh ingredients
forming the diet, the body is nursed back to the way nature intended it to be.
National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
An ayurvedic college, established in 1946 for integrated curative and
preventive health care, it is situated in a palatial complex, Madhav Vilas,
covering an area of 10 acres. The institute has 13 departments of medicine and
an attached hospital (Arogyashala) where courses in Post Graduate level are
conducted. The college has a collection of dry medicinal plants that includes
roots, seeds, flowers and bark.
It also manufactures herbal and vegetational drugs in its own pharmacy.
Rajasthan Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & Festivals
The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt and nobody can really match the
gay abandon with which the Rajasthani surrenders himself to the numerous fairs
and festivals that are celebrated here.
There are animal fairs, to mark the chanting seasons. In fact, celebrations
occur almost round the year and provide the visitor with a splendid
opportunity to gain an insight in to the life of the Rajasthani. There is
dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and other community activities that
can enthrall the visitor.
Some of the more important fairs and festivals are the Desert Festival of
Jaisalmer (held in January- February), Pushkar Fair, held in Pushkar, near
Ajmer (November), Gangaur Festival, Jaipur (Murch- April ), Elephant Festival,
Jaipur (March- April ), Marwar Festival, Jodpur (October), Camel Festival,
Bikaner (January), Mewar Festival, Udaipur.
Listed here is a very small selection of the countless number of exciting
events that are held in Rajasthan throughout the year.
Nagaur Fair,Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially an animal fair, it provides
an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Desert Festival,Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.): One of the most popular of all
festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert,the golden city of
Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts
even the much traveled visitor.
Baneshwar Fair,Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.): A religious festival with simple
and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large
number of tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Gangaur,Jaipur (March-April): A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati,the
consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery
and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the
well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various
activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva
to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival,Udaipur (March-April): A festival to welcome the spring
season. There is song, dance, processions,devotional music and fireworks where
almost everybody participate
Elephant Festival,Jaipur (March-April): A festival to celebrate Holi,
this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and
also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with the elephants
turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif,Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar): Held in the
memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion
for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their
prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes
are organised to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June): Organised in the only hill station of
Rajasthan,this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and
a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the
tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August): A festival to mark the advent of
monsoon.Processions,women dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment
prevails during Teej. Essentially a women’s festival, it is interesting to
watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to
shop in all their finery.
Marwar Festival,Jodhpur (October): A festival devoted mainly to the
music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the
visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.
Pushkar Fair,Ajmer (November): The well-known and marked with largest
participation of all the festivals of Rajasthan,Pushkar is an important
pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair.
Bazaars,auctions,music and sports are highlight of this event.
Camel Festival,Bikaner (January): An enchanting desert city which comes
alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds
an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances,camel, race camel dance
etc. here.
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