India has been home to some of the greatest kings and warriors who spawned all over the country throughout history. However, one state that stands out amongst all of them, for the sheer grandeur displayed by its royal palaces and regal courtyards, is Rajasthan. The name itself is derived from two words – “Raja” meaning King and “Sthan” meaning place, so Rajasthan literally means the “Abode of Kings” and this place is not just all talk, this state has time and again provided its visitors with an experience of a lifetime.
The vibrant and colourful atmosphere of this place will make you feel as if you have been transported to a different world of colours painted over entire cities where you will witness the celebration of art and culture at a grand scale. Every city is full of old buildings and palaces which its own story to say like its rulers, the wars it has seen and much more.The biggest reason to visit this state is the sense of hospitality that is deeply seated in every person living in this place which means that no stones will be left unturned to ensure your visit here is comfortable in the most royal sense
ATITHI DEVO BHAVA
The state that literally personifies the phrase – “AtithiDevoBhava” in its truest sense since it is a part of the very foundation upon which its famed culture is built. Since the time of Maharajas, guests have always been treated as Gods and have been offered the utmost luxurious and royale hospitality that can be only dreamt of and this tradition has been passed down generations where even today, visitors staying at the Maharajas’ palaces are pampered and showered with care that you have never experienced before.
HISTORY & TRADITION
Rajasthan has long been the stronghold of various kings who have ruled over its lands throughout the centuries. Every ruler helped advance the on-going lifestyle and architecture of the old or introduced new variations which have led to different kinds of forts all over the state, each more magnificent than the other. Every nook and corner of this state has a lot of history emanating from it and as a traveller, there is a very high probability that you will be captivated by the towering ceilings painted with murals or pillars with intricate carvings throughout the dotted palaces, each depicting the valour of a warrior king or the numerous stages of his lifetime. The streets of this state too have stories to offer which are very vividly described in the Rajasthani folk tales and music and are some of the reasons that its history has not been forgotten to time.
16 SAMASKARAS
Another testament to its heritage and tradition is the grand celebration of every crucial event in a child’s life called “Samskaras” and how it is celebrated according to certain rules followed with respect to their own SAKA calendar, which is still followed in many parts of the state. There are total such 16 events like Garbandhan (conception), Pumsvan (ceremony performed by those who desire a male child), Seemantonayan (ceremony for the expecting mother to keep her spirits high), Jatakarma (the child is fed mother’s milk or the first time after birth), Namkaran (naming ceremony), Nishkraman (the infant sees the sun and the moon for the first time), Annaprashan (child is given solid food to eat for the first time), Chudakaran (a lock of hair is kept, and the remaining is shaved off), Karna-vedha (ears are pierced), Upanayana-Vedarambha (thread ceremony after which the child begins his studies), Keshanta (hair is cut, and Guru Dakshina is given), Samavartan (Person returns home after studies are completed), Vivaha (marriage), Vanaprastha (retirement), Sanyas (shedding away all responsibilities and relationships) and Antyeshthi (rites done after death) are the 16 Samskaras.
Not only in India, but many inhabitants of this state have been the predecessors of the Romani tribe in Europe and the Middle East where they had migrated or sent as slaves between the 8th and 11th century. Even in a foreign land, these people have stayed true to their core beliefs in the fact that they still follow their traditions which has albeit evolved over the years, and are proud of their heritage and ancestral lineage.
RAJASTHANI CUISINE
Speaking of food, Rajasthani food is one of the most famed cuisines of India and truly deserves its place on the world food map. There is a lot for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food lovers which will fill you yet keep you salivating for more. While for vegetarians, the most popular dishes that have been loved by all include DaalBaatiChurma – A hearty dish comprising of balls of flour kneaded with yoghurt and fried in ghee served with daal and a side of Churma – slightly stirred flour and semolina in ghee, Gattekisabzi, Kadhi and Bajrekikhichdi – a staple for the locals here usually consumed with handchurned butter and jaggery while meat lovers can relish dishes like LaalMaans, SafedMaans, and BanjaaraGosht. To cleanse your palate between helpings, you can always help yourself to generous amounts of Jaljeera or Masala Chhanch, must-try drinks. If you want to truly eat like the royal family, go for the Maharaja Thali, an epic dish where the sheer no. of dishes will take you back but the servings of the various gourmet vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes will give you a taste of everything that makes Rajasthani cuisine worthy of the great kings.
FAIRS AND FESTIVITIES
Moving ahead, you can visit the Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Camel Fair, the biggest camel fair known in India. The ground then turns into a display of colorful art form where each and every type of artists tries their best to entertain the guests for the night.
You can next go and join in the celebration of the Gangaur festival – a festival of marital fidelity and harvest. This festival represents the culture of Rajasthan where everybody celebrates the pious bond between life partners that they share for life. It also portrays an important part of Rajasthani culture where women are treated with a lot of respect and where they command a high level of authority which is made even special by the show of colourful side of Rajasthan.
RAJASTHANI FOLK MUSIC
Rajasthanbeholds a rich and diverse history and culture articulately expressed in its various dance forms and music. This entire culmination of art forms has been giftedby ruling kings under whom such art forms flourished. Later on, it diversified into many more and Rajasthan became one of the few places which preserved its art even after so many years.
With instruments such dhols, nagaras and damrus as well as Shehnai, Poongi, Algoza, Tarpi, Been and Bankia, the musicians of Rajasthan have captured the hearts of millions of music lovers throughout the world. While these instruments are exotic on their own and deserve their due respect and love, these instruments complement and provide the foundation for the folk music that has been a fan favourite of any traveller who has listened to it front of a bonfire during a festival or at an event. The folk music of this state has had the contributions of countless talented musicians.
RAJASTHANI FOLK DANCE
The Rajasthani folk dance is an expression of self which is highly skilful. However, there are certain traditional dance forms performed by dancers who have trained for years in their art such as Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chari dance, and Gair dance each of which has its own nuances.
Ghoomer is a very popular dance form and is performed by women on auspicious occasions. The name itself is derived from the word – “Ghoomna” or graceful gyration as women make rounds across the stage displaying their eye-catching, vibrant and vividly colorful “ghaghra”, their traditional long skirt.
TheseRajasthani dances and is passed on from generation to generation. Due to its popularity and non-chalant beauty and grace, along with its music it has been included in the UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from the year 2010.
Chari dance is a representation of the old times when women used to collect water from far away wells and reflects the joy of those women despite the peril of carrying water over many miles in the scorching sun. The dance boasts of high skills as the dancers carry brass pots(Chari) on their heads balanced to perfection. Many times, especially when performing during evenings or nights, the pots are lit on fire and despite the danger it poses, the grace exuberated by the women dancing to the same sequence with such grace is more than enough to mesmerize the viewers.
ART & HANDICRAFTS
One thing you simply cannot miss is the handicraft industry of Rajasthan. With a title as grand as “Treasure trove of Indian handicrafts”, the handicrafts and art work of Rajasthan are held in high esteem throughout the world and are very well known for their colourful and royal feel and look which is again highly coveted by people. Along with artwork, textiles and jewellery too are a big hit among the shoppers as you will surely find something that you will love and treasure. Bandhani and Bandhej are two beautiful forms portray the rich culture of Rajasthan. There is tie and dye work from Jodhpur, the distinctive native hand-block fabrics of Sanganer and Bagru villages around Jaipur and the ‘lehariya’ prints from the villages around Udaipur.
SIGHTSEEING IN RAJASTHAN
You can visit the Golden city of Rajasthan, known as Jaisalmer. It has fort and palaces spread across the entire city. Be it Jaisalmer or blue city Jodhpur, these cities are sure to leave you awestruck as you roam around in the cities soaking in the rich history and culture of the Rajas and Maharajas which ultimately became a part of the culture of Rajasthan. You can next visit the crown jewel of Rajasthan, also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur which is dotted by pristine lakes throughout the city which offers a unique and breath-taking sight. Finally, you should roam around the streets of the capital of the state, Jaipur whose pink sandstone buildings have earned it the title of The Pink City. A city that is equally vibrant and colourful during day and night, it will be the perfect bookend to any trip to Rajasthan.
We provide extensive tour packages for Rajasthan as well as included trips in our North India tour package. We also provide customized tour packages for visit to specific cities and areas.
