Rajasthan has a vibrant culture and a thousand-year-old heritage. The official language of the state is Hindi but the primary
spoken language is Rajasthani. There are however deviations
according to various regions. For instance, Malwi in South-East
Rajasthan, Mowati in North East Rajasthan and Jaipuri in the
eastern part of the state to name just a few.
The music and dance scene is vibrant with each region having its
own brand of entertainment. Udaipur's Ghoomar dance, Gair
Ghoomer dance of the Bheel tribals, the fire dance of Jasnathis
to name just a few of the popular dances of Rajasthan. As
far as music is concerned both devotional as well as festive
music recitals are performed and instruments include both
stringed and the autophonic instruments along with percussion.
The Sarangi, jantar and Ektara are some of Rajasthan's most
popular musical instruments.
Rajasthan is renowned for its beautiful hand embroidery.
The Zari, bagaru, sanganeer along with block, tie and die
prints are world famous and earns a good amount of foreign
exchange for India as export items and commodities. It is
also famous for its kundan and gold jewellery, patari craftwork
and brasswork and stone engravings. Rajasthani Bandhini sarees
and the quintessential Jodhpur shoes have both carved a niche
for themselves.
Rajasthan is the richest state in India as far as art and
handicrafts are concerned. It is believed that the sheer desolate
and barren landscape of the state has made its people to be
more creative which is amply reflected in their dress pattern.
Men are dressed in full sleeved shirts with a potia on their
head. During the festivals, they were churidar and pyjamas
along with a colorful turban. The turban can be an indicator
to ones class and social status. Women are at the dazzling
best with their Ghagra, Kanchuli and Orni, surma in their
eyes, mehendi in their palms, gorgeous nose ring, ear rings
and necklaces all of which makes them look absolutely stunning
in the backdrop of the desolate desert landscape.
As far as paintings are concerned, the Rajasthani miniature
paintings can be found in palaces. In certain old and historic
towns in the interiors of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, paintings
and exquisite frescoes can be seen adorning the parapets of
even the huts. They exude with a rich sense of humor. The
paintings found in the palaces are particularly evocative
of Lord Krishna's legends.
Puppets or "Kathputtlis" as they are referred to
in the local parlance are an integral part of Rajasthan's
folk entertainment. The puppets are gorgeously designed and
through puppet shows, historical legends and mythologies to
modern day issues like education for the girl child and child
labour are highlighted during festivals and village fairs.
Rajasthan has its usual Indian festivals but the ones to
watch out for are the Gangaur and Teej Festivals where marital
and conjugal bliss is the primary significance of the festivities.
There is also the world famous Pushkar cattle
fair and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
which are hugely popular with foreign tourists.
In Rajasthan, fairs and festivals are celebrated
with great pomp and grandeur. For instance, the Jaisalmer
Desert Festival is a riot of colors with devotional songs,
dance and folk music. Colorful processions and tableaus are
taken out. The pulsating bhangra and stick dance, bull fight,
moustache competition and fireworks at night all make for
a truly exotic sight.
India Rajasthan Tours offers online booking
for Tours to Rajasthan. For more information
or to book a tour, please enter your query in the form below.
|
