Rajasthan Travel Blogs - Tourism Guide to Ancient Rajputana

Rajasthani Art is held in high esteem all throughout the world.  Whether it be marble sculpture or miniature paintings or frescoes, each has their own significance throughout the ages.

The creativeness and artistic skills of people of Rajasthan is known all over the world. One of the artistic skills we would showcase  today in our blog is The Blue Pottery.

Blue Pottery - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

About Blue Pottery - History and Features

Blue Pottery is an interesting specialization in the field of pottery in Rajasthan. The distinctive feature of the blue pottery is that it is made of ground quartz. The clay is not used at all.

The traditional colours used to make blue pottery are blue (from oxide of cobalt), green (from the oxide of copper) and white. In addition of blue and green, other combination have now been evolved, such as canary yellow, dark blue and brown.

The art of glazed blue-pottery came to India from Persia. It flourished in Jaipur under the patronage of Maharaja Ram Singh.

Blue Pottery Designs Patterns

The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade 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 sizes for multiple use.

Ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars, accessories etc are the forte of this art of pottery.

All the material that goes into composition- quartz, raw glaze, sodium sulphate, multani clay, all requires the same temperature and the pottery needs to be fired only once unlike other pottery. It is also more imperious and therefore more hygienic for daily use. The ornamentation is done with brush made of squirrel’s hair.

There was a time when Blue Pottery was vanishing from Rajasthan. But recently the art has been revived by Gayatri Devi and Kamala Devi Chattopadhya.

When you visit Rajasthan, you would find blue pottery items in many markets. It mainly makes for some interesting souvenirs. The best part is the prices are also very reasonable.

February 25th, 2009 | Tags: blue art pottery jaipur, handicraft of rajasthan, jaipur blue pottery, painted pottery, pottery in blue, rajasthan art culture, rajasthan glazed blue pottery, rajasthani blue pottery, rajasthani pottery handicrafts, traditional rajasthani art | Category: handicrafts rajasthan | Leave a comment

Handicraft in Rajasthan

In Concept, In Colour, in Workmanship, the Art and Handicrafts of Rajasthan are incomparable. Be it jewellery, painting, furniture, leatherware, pottery, metal craft or hand-printed textiles, each object has a penetrating and irresistible appeal.  An ethnic aura envelopes even the simplest of forms, making each one truly a collectors delight.

It is therefore hardly surprising when people the world over, call Rajasthan a Treasure- Trove of Handicrafts and a Shoppers’s Paradise.

There is a profusion of exuberant colours and fascinating forms in the handicrafts of Rajasthan. They are in fact, a tribute to human refinement and sensibility and also a challenge, as it were, to the stark desert environment. In Rajasthan people obsessively decorate almost everything - be it camel, a kitchen wall, their clothes or themselves. No wonder each piece of Rajasthani handicraft never ceases to amaze.

Some of Handicraft Art have been briefly described below:

Blue Pottery - The Pottery Magic of Rajasthan Handicrafts

Pottery Magic

It was 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, which lately is being experimented with other colours such as yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs.

Paintings

Rajasthan has carved a niche for itself in the area of painting. The variation in art of painting ranges from pre historic rock paintings to wall paintings on palaces to huts, miniature paintings, phad and pichwais. Though many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes.

Rajasthani Traditional Jewelery Art

Rajasthani Jewellery

Rajasthan is known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears.

A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its lac bangles, kundan and meenakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is ‘thewa’ from Pratapgarh, popular for its gold work on glass.

Some of the traditional adornments are rakhdi (head ornament), tussi (necklace), baju bandh (armlet), adah (special necklace worn by Rajput ladies), gokhrus (bracelets), pajebs (anklets), etc.

If we start writing on topics covering Handicrafts from Rajasthan, we need a series of blogs, and this is just a start. If you have a smallest of interest in shopping, Rajasthan markets full of hand crafted materials is a heaven for you.

February 23rd, 2009 | Tags: art rajasthan, blue pottery, crafts in rajasthan, handicraft market rajasthan, jewellery design rajasthan, paintings in rajasthan, pottery rajasthan, rajasthan crafts, rajasthan handicrafts, rajasthani Arts and Crafts, tradition crafts, traditional jewellery rajasthan, ज्वेलरी rajasthan, हन्दिक्रेफ्ट्स | Category: handicrafts rajasthan | Leave a comment

My Wedding in Rajasthan - An Affair To Remember - Royal Hotels in Rajasthan

Wedding is perhaps the most important event in a person’s life. Everyone wishes to make his or her wedding an affair to remember.

If you think on the same lines, come and choose Rajasthan your wedding venue.

The land of romance and chivalry is the perfect venue for your dream wedding.

Rajasthan, a treasure trove of history and culture, is fast becoming the best wedding destination in the country.

People from far-flung places come to this desert kingdom to tie the knot amidst in the most traditional and royal way.

Since the place is dotted with several palaces, heritage and luxury hotels, weddings in Rajasthan enable the couples to enter into the sacred state of matrimony in the most regal way.

Why Wedding in Rajasthan is different?

Rajasthan offers an eclectic mix of beauty and repose, convenience Query and accessibility, glamor and excitement, which makes it one of the top wedding destinations in the nation.

Impressive forts, colorful markets, picturesque lakes, rolling hills and sparkling sand dunes, enable couples to get married in the most exotic way. Weddings in Rajasthan are solemnized in a romantic and breathtaking setting.

Rajasthan Wedding Tour

Watching wedding ceremonies in Rajasthan provides wonderful opportunity to see the legendary customs and traditions.

A wedding in Rajasthan is much more than a social affair that joins two people in wedlock, it is usually a demonstration of social standing and financial status of the families involved. You’ll be enamored with royal glitz, glamorous gatherings, cultural functions and lavish exchange of presents.

See age-old social customs being enacted, while on a traditional Rajasthan wedding tour. Feel trapped in a delightful time warp where everything seems novel, exciting and new. Step into a land of color and customs on a Rajasthan wedding tour and treat yourself to elaborate social gatherings that showcase the social position of the families of the bride and the bridegroom.

Social functions and ceremonies such as pili chitthi, mehendi, haldi, pheras, pag phera etc. mesmerize you completely. Listen to Vedic chants recited by pundits while the radiant bride and the groom walk around the holy fire seven times.

Popualr Wedding Destinations in Rajasthan

Now a days who wish to perform a wedding in royal method they choose numbers of wedding venues in various parts of Rajasthan. There is a range of royal wedding places in Rajasthan such as Udaipur, Devigarh, Jaipur, Mandawa, Jodhpur, Neemrana and Jaisalmer.

Heritage hotels and palace hotels are the most preferred venue for weddings in Rajasthan.

Some of the major heritage hotels and palace hotels in Rajasthan include Ajit Bhawan Palace, Taj Hari Mahal and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur; Jai Mahal Palace, Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli and Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and Jagat Niwas Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Oberoi Udaivilas, Shiv Niwas Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur.

Another perfect venue for the Wedding in Rajasthan is Devigarh. Here the Devi Garh Fort Palace can be used for wedding ceremonies.

February 22nd, 2009 | Tags: haldi, heritage hotels of rajasthan, mehendi, pili chitthi, rajasthan activity, rajasthan regal wedding, rajasthan wedding tour, rajasthani wedding, royal wedding in rajasthan, wedding, wedding destinations of rajasthan, wedding event, wedding in heritage hotels, weddings hotels of rajasthan, weddings in rajasthan | Category: about rajasthan, travel rajasthan | Leave a comment

Rajasthan Budget Plan Outlay Approved By Planning Commission

In what can be described as a major triumph for the newly- elected Ashok Gehlot government, the Planning Commission on Wednesday approved an annual plan outlay of Rs 17,322 crore, the highest-ever allocation granted to the state by the commission.

The outlay which was finalised after a meeting between chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Planning Commission chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi, is higher than the 2008 fiscal outlay of Rs 14,020 crore by Rs 3,302 crore. The outlay also consists of a one-time additional central assistance of Rs 110 crore.

Outlay  Focused on Social and Community Services

The plan outlay focuses on social and community services including education, health, drinking water, housing, urban development, social welfare, tribal development and the energy sector.

The outlay for the energy sector has been increased from Rs 6,200 crore to Rs 7,484 crore while that for the social and community services have been increased from Rs 3,888 crore to Rs 5,627 crore.

The plan gives priority to rural development, irrigation, agriculture and allied services. The allocation for the rural development sector has been increased to Rs 1,366 crore from Rs 1,279 crore last year. The irrigation and command area development has been allocated a sum of Rs 942 crore, while the agriculture and allied services have received an allocation of Rs 885 crore compared to Rs 362 crore last year.

Mr Ahluwalia complimented the state government for the efforts aimed at making development more inclusive and lauded investment friendly efforts of the state government, particularly public/private partnership in development of physical and social infrastructure.

According to Sources, The state government has already initiated steps towards attaining self-sufficiency in power by sanctioning two power plants of 660 MW each at Chhabra and Suratgarh.

Considering the geographical condition of the state, the chief minister once again demanded special status to the state.

Gehlot also urged Ahluwalia to make the state tax-free like hilly states to boost investment prospects in Rajasthan.

The budgetary plans are really tempting this time around because of simple reason that its a election year. If everything works out as plan Rajasthan would achieve its highest growth ever which is almost as difficult to happen as

February 19th, 2009 | Tags: 17322 crore for rajasthan, annual plan for rajasthan, central budget rajasthan, finance rajasthan, gehlot, montek singh ahluwalia, planning comming rajasthan plan, planning commission, rajasthan 2009-10 plan, rajasthan annual plan, rajasthan latest news, rajasthan state budget | Category: latest events rajasthan | Leave a comment

About Jhalawar

Jhalawar or the Land of the ‘Jhalas’, is situated on the banks of the holy river Chandrabhaga.

Jhalawar exudes a special charm as seen in its pre-historic cave paintings, formidable forts, forest and exotic wildlife.

It is also a haven for numerous species of birds. In winters the red poppy fields add a special colour to the countryside while the orange laden orchards are a delightful sight.

Chandrabhaga Fair in Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Chandrabhaga Fair

A three day long fair is celebrated every year in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when an air of celebration pervades the whole area.

Chandrawati, located on the river bank is considered the most sacred spot by the devotees. Religious Event Humble Devotion Thousands gather on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima to take a holy dip in the river.

A big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock include Cows, Buffaloes, Camels and Bullocks.

The fair provides ample opportunity to the tourist to acquaint themselves with the people of this region, their culture and traditions.

Places of interest in Jhalawar

Places of interest in and aroud Jhalawar are : Chandrabhaga temples, Scuptures here consist of the best examples of early architecture in Rajasthan.

Other places worth a visit are Jhalarpatan, Gagron fort, Buddhist Caves and Stups, Jhalawar Fort, and Government Museum.

How to Reach there?

Ramganj Mandi is the nearest Railway Station(25kms). Jhalawar is well connected to Kota, Bundi and Jaipur. National Highway No.12 passes through Jhalawar. Buses are available from all major cities.

February 18th, 2009 | Tags: buddhist caves stups, chandrabhaga fair, chandrabhaga fair in rajasthan, chandrabhaga fair jhalawar, gagron fort, government museum jhalawar, jhalarpatan, jhalawar attractions, jhalawar fort, jhalawar rajasthan, jhalawar tour | Category: festivals fairs rajasthan | Leave a comment

About Pushkar

The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.

It transforms into spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of kartik (Oct- Nov).
About Pushkar Fair - History

The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attractions draws people from all over the ancient and secluded environs of Pushkar town. Devotees throng to its Ghats to bathe and cleanse their sins in the sacred Pushkar Lake to attain a place in heaven.

It is belived that this lake appeared miraculously on the spot where petals of a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma, the creator. This answers for the famous temple here, dedicate to Lord Brahma.

Camels Resting at Pukhar Fair, Rajasthan

Sight Seeing at Pushkar Fair

The fair is predominantly a rural gathering. Villagers come from different parts of the state and bring their cattle with them.

On spectacular sand dunes camel, horse and bullock races are great crowd pullers. All roads lead to the lake, which is flooded with pilgrims.

The movement of the crowd is like a tide of color with currents of crimson, yellow and turquoise.

Evenings at the Pushkar Fair have their own charm. The silent night is pierced by calls of camels. Ballads are sung by actors in passionate tones. Folk dramas, skits and folk dance are organized for the entertainment of the tourists.

Arrangements of Staying during Fair

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) puts up a tourist village during the fair.

The tourist village is self sufficient and specially designed to complement the natural beauty of the site. It has a Coffee Shop and Dining Hall which can cater to 1500 guests at a time.

The village is arranged in blocks of tents, each with its own identity, being named after the famous dances of Rajasthan. The village also has huts with attached western style toilets and running water.

February 16th, 2009 | Tags: pilgrimages rajasthan, pushkar, pushkar camel fair, pushkar fair, pushkar fair rajasthan, rajasthan blog, rajasthan tour, rajasthan tourism, temples in rajasthan | Category: festivals fairs rajasthan | Leave a comment

Jodhpur - A Princly City in Rajasthan - Marwar Festival

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a  princely city with countless bastions and towers.

Exploring the city promises a delightful encounter with the unusual lifestyle and culture of the people.

A treasure trove for bargain hunters, the bazaars here stock an array of fabulous art and craft creations and a collection of tie and dye fabrics in extremely fine designs.. some of the reasons that attract tourist from all around the globe.

more on Jodhpur

Marwar Festival

Fairs in Rajasthan are mostly mythological in nature relating to Gods and Goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medival heroes.

The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example. The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province.

The massive Mehrangarh fort and impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace which are symbols of ingenuity, might and valor of the Rajputs, make Jodhpur an ideal location for the festival.

Marwar Festival Celebrations - Traditional Music and Dance of Rajasthan

Marwar Festival Attractions

It was originally known as the Maand Festival, a classical style of folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers.   This two day festival is held during the full moon of Sharad Purnima.

The festival has on display the music and dance of the Marwar region. The spirited folk dancers assembled here, perform with gusto and entertain the audience with Rajasthani folklore.

One can see the folk dancers with pots on their heads and folk singers bringing to life the bygone era of the state. They provide a window to the past days of yore, of battles and of brave and noble heroes.

Apart from this, the other attractions of the festival include the camel tattoo show and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held during the festival.

Against the backdrop of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh fort, this festival gains an added attraction.

February 14th, 2009 | Tags: ashwin, camel tattoo show, chamunda devi temple, heroes rajasthan, jodhpur attractions, jodhpur rajasthan, jodhpur tour, maand festival rajasthan, mandore, marwar festival, marwar festival jodhpur, mehrangarh fort, polo, sharad poornima, umaid bhawan palace | Category: festivals fairs rajasthan | Leave a comment

About Kota

Kota is a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization. Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, Kota has left its past to history books and pushed itself into 21st century.

Dussehra Festival in Kota

The Dussehra mela is held in Kota every year in the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept- Oct).

The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with fervor not only in Kota but throughout India in myriad ways. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon King Ravana.

This fiery battle between the good and the evil lasted ten days. The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter are held throughout the nation in which both children and elders participate.

Attractions of Dussehra Festival

A major attraction for the children, in these enactments, are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the monkey God Hanuman.

Ravan Putla (Effigy) Burnt on Dusshera Festival in Rajasthan

The air resounds with slogans in praise of Lord Rama. Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with crackers are set alight.

As per legend says Ravana had ten heads, so the effigies of Ravana also has ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographers delight.

It’s wonder how these effigies, which measure upto 72-75 ft in height are made to stand.

The worship of weapons during this festival was essential for the martial Rajput race.

Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of the Ravana is burnt. Various cultural programmes last for a fortnight while the cattle and trade fair continues for the whole month.

Other Tourist Places in Kota

A few interesting sites to visit in around /kota are Badoli, Darrah Wildlife, Rock Paintings of Alaniya. The Goverment Museum and Jag Mandir.

Personal Note

We also burnt one effigy of Ravana, the snap of which you can very well see on the left.

February 12th, 2009 | Tags: badoli, darrah wildlife, dushera, dussehra mela, dussehra festival kota, effgies, jag mandir kota, kota rajasthan, ram, ravan, ravana, ravana effigy, rock paintings of alaniya, tourist places in kota, vanar senas, वानर senas | Category: festivals fairs rajasthan | Leave a comment

Summer Festival in Mount Abu - An Escape from Burning Heat of Plains of Rajasthan

About Mount Abu

Mount Abu the only hill station in Rajasthan, situated in the sylyan setting of verdant forests. Its a major pilgrim centre located in the south- western corner of Rajasthan .

Abu, according to legend, stands for the Son of Himalaya, deriving its name from Arbuda, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva , from a chasm. This picturesque hill station stirs to life during the three day Summer festival.

more on mount abu

Summer Festival - A Cool Experience of Life

The festival begins with an enthralling ballad, followed by folk dances of Rajasthan like Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap.

The evening is enlivened by a Sham-e- Qualwali. Qualwals or high pitch singers from all over the state come to perform here and captivate the audience with their vocal skills.

A Village Artisan Playing Fluet Type Musical Intrument in Summer Festival

The Rowing Competition

Other gripping events include a boat race on the Nakki Lake and roller skating race. The grand finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks. Refresh yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Nakki Lake.

It is believed that the Gods formed the lake-bed by digging it with their fingernails - ‘nakh’ - hence the name nakki lake.

Other Tourist Places in Mount Abu

Mount Abu has a beautiful lake, a comples of exquisitely carved Jain Temples, old fort, Gurumukh Temple, Honeymoon Point which attracts tourists from the world over.

In the summers, there are very few tourists who plan a visit to Rajasthan, and I agree with them totally because even I myself prefer staying in the comfort of air conditioning. On the contrary, Abu proves to be a great tourist destination especially in summers, as domestic tourists tries to escape the rising mercury levels in the state.

February 11th, 2009 | Tags: arbuda, festival of summers, gurumukh Temple, hill station rajasthan, honeymoon Point, mount abu, mount abu attraction, mount abu rajasthan, nakki lake, nandi, rajasthan fairs, rajasthan pilgrim, summer festival, summer festival rajasthan | Category: festivals fairs rajasthan | Leave a comment