Rajasthan Festivals
The festivals provide an opportunity to the people of Rajasthan to take a break from the mundane routine life and unite together to be a part of celebrating life in a unique Rajasthani way. The Desert land becomes alive with the splash of colors dashed across the state with the organizing of the festivals. The festivals also give a visitor a peek into the royal life of the former rulers of Rajasthan. Some of the famous festivals of Rajasthan are the Mewar festival, Marwar festival, Teej festival, Desert festival, Gangaur festival, Kajli Teej festival, Bikaner Camel festival. These festivals play a host to lakhs of people every year who make it a point to be here not just from India but across the globe.
Camel Festival
As the name of the festival suggests it is held annually in Bikaner to celebrate the contribution of the ship of the desert camel in the lives of the people of Rajasthan. This fair is organized by the Department of Tourism and Art & Culture of Rajasthan and draws tourist in large numbers to experience the culture of Rajasthan. With the camel festival held in January the state of Rajasthan inaugurates a host of colorful festivals which are held throughout the year.
Desert Festival
One of the biggest festivals of Rajasthan organized by the Tourism Department of the state, the Desert festival is thronged by lakhs of visitor every year and people even return here after already visiting it once. Held either in the month of January or February the festival is a delight to be a part of with the colorful activities gripping the land of golden sand dunes. For three days the Jaisalmer city echoes with music, dance and laughter.
Gangaur Festival
The Gangaur festival is one of the most popular local festivals which are celebrated across the state of Rajasthan. This festival holds immense importance for the maidens and married women of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur signifies the togetherness of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati; Gan is a synonym for Lord Shiva and Gaur for his consort Gauri. Their union is considered the most desirable example of marital bliss.
Kajli Teej Festival
The Kajli Teej festival is organized in the Hindu month of Bhadra and unlike Teej festival is celebrated only in the city of Bundi. The celebration of kajli teej festival is scheduled for two days; nonetheless the festivities continue till Janmashthami (the occasion of birth of Lord Krishna). The Kajli Teej festival is an occasion to replenish the ties of chastity in marriage hence it holds immense significance for married couples.
Marwar Festival
To experience Jodhpur art and culture at its best the right place to be is at the Marwar festival held every year in the month of October. This festival devoted exclusively to the folk dance and music of Marwar was formerly known as the Maand festival and is held for two days during the full moon of Sharad Purnima. The Marwar festival is one of the unique festivals of Rajasthan where you can get a taste of the bygone era of royalty.
Mewar Festival
The Mewar festival is a perfect example of the religious and secular traditions combined in one. Celebrated to mark the advent of the spring season the Mewar festival coincides with the Gangaur festival, thus a visitor can ideally enjoy two major festivals of Rajasthan. The festival is organized in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). Folk singing, dancing, puppet shows and many other activities keep the visitor enthralled.
Teej Festival
The Teej festival is celebrated in the months of Sawan (monsoon) by the married women to celebrate their marital status and pray for a happy married life ahead. It is one of the widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan but celebration at Jaipur acquires a whole new meaning with a two day procession which takes place during the festival.
No comments:
Post a Comment