Rajasthan has always been a hub for tourism because of its rich heritage and cuture. It is a land of Kings. Drenched into royal grandeur and soaked into glorious history, Rajasthan is one of the most charming and captivating states of India.
The most distinctive feature of this state lies in its music and dance. Rajasthani music and dance styles are acknowledged worldwide. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer are the most popular among them. Kathputali, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, Kachchhighori, Tejaji,parth dance etc. are the examples of the traditional Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis (often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.) are also sung.
Besides folk styles, Rajasthani cuisine is also popular among tourists. he spice content is quite high in comparison to other Indian cuisines, but the food is absolutely scrumptious. Rajasthanis use ghee for cooking most of the dishes. Rajasthani food is well known for its spicy curries and delicious sweets. Out of all the Rajasthani dishes, dal bati churma is perhaps the best known. Infact, as one travels from one part of the state to another, one will find that every region has something unique, which reflects in its food as well. There is a popular sweet of each region like Mawa Kachori of Jodhpur, Rasogullas of Bikaner, Ghevar of Jaipur, Malpuas of Pushkar etc.
Rajasthan is also famous for its arts and crafts. Block prints, blue pottery, tie and dye, zari embroidery, sanganeri print etc. constitute a large part of Rajasthani sales. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts, and for its traditional and colorful art.
Rajasthani festivals are probably the most unique festivals celebrated in India. They include: Brij festival, desert festival, camel festival, elephant festival, teej, gangaur, etc. BRIJ FESTIVAL is staged a few days before Holi (March) in the Brij area around Bharatpur, it celebrates the festival of spring with spontaneus expressions of music and dance. DESERT FESTIVAL is celebrated between January and February in Jaisalmer. The Turban Tying Competition and Mr. Desert contest give a totally distinct touch to the festival.The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire dancers leave the crowd enchanted and asking for more. The festival ends with a trip to the sand dunes where you can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride while viewing dancers and musicians displaying their skills. CAMEL FAIR & FESTIVAL is an event organized in Bikaner by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, every year in the month of January as a salute to the Ship of the desert. The Camel Festival begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort, the festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the grounds, followed by the best breed competition, the tug-of-war contest, camel dance and acrobatics, etc. Teej is another festival dedicated to the worship of Shiva and Parvati, this time it is married women who pray for a long, happy marital life during the monsoon months of July- August, Though celebrations are held all over the state, they are particularly colorful in Jaipur where a procesion wends its way through the heart of the old city. Women dress in their finery and spend time in groups at swings that are specially erected for the festivals.
Rajasthani festivals
Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis, which were built by kings in previous ages. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Mirpur Jain Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. At Ajmer, the white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake is exquisite. Jain temples dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. Dilwara temples of Mount Abu, Mirpur Jain Temple of Mirpur, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath near Udaipur, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva (Lodhruva) Jain temples and Bhandasar Temple of Bikaner are some of the best examples.
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