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Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is
popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in
its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded
by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing
metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All
through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several
influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural
heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From
the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar
Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi
Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the
majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the
sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the
serene Jal Mahal. |
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The city of Jaipur is the prime example of the culture and traditions of this
region. . In this land, towering forts were built as much for ostentation as for
intimidating the enemy; and desperate battles were fought by rulers who were
great patrons of the arts. Among all the
states of erstwhile princelyIndia, Rajputana is undoubtedly the one with the
most martial record - warring factions locked in deadly warfare, thousands of
royal ladies consigning themselves to flames preferring death to dishonor. The
royal city of Jaipur owes its name to the founder of the city. It was Great
Warrior King Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1743) who laid the foundation of the city
in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details
and a very good scientific temper. Being capital to the northern Indian state of
Rajasthan, the city is mirror to every thing that Rajasthan signifies, be its
culture, tradition, society, and most importantly people. |
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Mewar Festival :- This 18-day festival is celebrated to welcome
the advent of spring and coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur. It
is significant for the women of the state as it is time for them to dress in
their best. The women gather to dress the images of Issar and Gangaur and then
carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The
procession ends up at Pichhola Lake where the images are transferred to special
boats amidst singing and festivity. Cu1tura events are held at the end of the
festivities and they include songs, dances and a display of fireworks.
Gangaur :- This spring festival is held in honour of Gauri,
the consort of Lord Shiva, the goddess of abundance. During the festival young
girls dress up in their finest wardrobe and pray for grooms of their choice and
the married women do the same for the well-being of their husbands. Though
celebrated throughout Rajasthan, in Jaipur it has its own charm and attraction.
Girls worship the goddess throughout the preceding fortnight. Colourful images
of Gauri are taken out in procession with the town band.
Teej Festival :- Teej is especially celebrated in Jaipur, the
capital city of Rajasthan. However, people of Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh
also consider this festival an auspicious one. Though the revelry and public
participation is absent here, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati are worshipped by
married women who keep a 24-hour fast for the long life of their husband. The
fast is a strict one during which the women are not allowed to have even a sip
of water. An offering of traditional sweets and fruits is made and women pray
for the long life and prosperity of their husband.
Elephant Festival :- A festival celebrated around Holi, great
occasions for the visitor, to watch several elephant sports and enjoy the
festival of colours. A magnificent spectacle, it unveils the majesty and
grandeur of elephants. A royal procession of sixty elephants in their best
finery, a match of elephant polo and an elephant race are main events of the
festival.
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