Deepotsav in Jaipur

 

Hardly a week goes without some kind of event or festival taking place in Rajasthan. From elephant festivals to religious gatherings, the Rajasthani calender is overflowing with special days, meaning you’re spoiled for choice. It’s that time of the year again when Rajasthan celebrates one festival after another with traditional pomp, gaiety and gay abandon.

Over the past few years, Rajasthan Tourism has been organizing Deepotsav festival at Jalmahal ki  paal, Jaipur. (Towards the front side of Jalmahal, on Amer Road, opposite Hotel Trident.)

This month once again, the Pink City is celebrating the Deepotsav on 30^th and 31^st October. This is the third year of Deepotsav celebration in Jaipur . Diwali festival especially in Jaipur should, over a period of time, become as well known as the Dusshera of Kota or the Cattle Fair of Pushkar.

One will see folk performances, food stalls in different parts of the Walled City as well as fire crackers and lighting at the Jal Mahal Ki Paal, Anber Road, Jaipur.

The major highlights of Deepotsav would be…

• The entire area is decorated in traditional Rajasthani style on Deepawali theme with deepawali props, hangings, buntings, rangolis, mandanas, flowers, decorative illumination etc. Thousand of lamps and candles lit up the area in festive mood.

• Colourful and vibrant performances by the Folk artists of Rajasthan will add to the festivities ,  on both the days. Kalbeliya dance, chakri dance , chari dance, singing by langas , bhapang ,  Algoza performance are some of the hightlights of the cultural extravaganza. Attractive fireworks display would be presented as a part of grand finale.

For more details you can contact Tourist Reception Centre,  Government Hostel, M.I. Road, Jaipur. phone: 0141-5110598

 

 

Diwali!! Its time to celebrate in Rajasthan

 

We went out to the shopping mall for some regular shopping and found decorated markets on the way, dazzling shops with lights, pomp’s and gifts wrapped in attractive packing which quite symbolized the arrival of Diwali – the festival of lights, fervor and Happiness in India.

Diwali in Rajasthan is an absolute celebration of life and all the good that it has to offer; it is a time for togetherness and bonding. The Indians living in India would be itching to celebrate while the Indians living abroad would make sure their Indian holiday plans are in sync with Diwali time. Joy derived from triumph of good over evil is the hallmark of Diwali.

It was a dark, moonless night when Lord Ram, the banished king of Ayodhya returned home along with his wife, Sita after having vanquished the demon, Ravan (King of Lanka who had abducted Sita) and having completed 14 years in exile.

To honor and rejoice the homecoming of the king, the people of this kingdom lit his path with oil lamps to guide him on his way. Thus began the tradition of decorating homes and public spaces with earthenware oil lamps (diyas) to mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and the five day celebration came to be known as Diwali or Deepavali which means ‘rows of lights/lamps’.

Rajasthan is the land of festivals and fairs. People in this sparsely populated state look for any excuse to assemble together in celebration and take a break from their otherwise rugged, tough lives. The elaborate rituals and the gaiety with which they surrender themselves to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region show their sheer zest for life. Celebrated every year in October-November, Diwali is undoubtedly the most popular of all Rajasthan festivals.

As lamps and fireworks illuminate different corners of the globe, we pray that the light brightens up not only your homes but also your hearts.

Happy  Diwali !

 

Celebrate Diwali in Rajasthan from November 01 to 05, 2013 with great fanfare, sumptuous cuisines & desserts, ultimate shopping and lots of fun.

 

Ginger Hotels now in Jaipur

Ginger opens its first hotel in Jaipur

Ginger Hotels, from Roots Corporation – a subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), announced the launch of its first hotel at Jaipur in Rajasthan.

The 103 room Ginger Jaipur was inaugurated by Princess Diya Kumari in the presence of P.K Mohankumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Roots Corporation Limited.

The hotel that marks entry of the brand Ginger’s into Rajasthan and Jaipur will cater to the industrial and commercial sectors. Ginger Hotels has also introduced special services for the single lady traveler. This is designed to ensure that the lady guest feel safe and enjoys a hassle-free experience.

Highlights of the services include special airport assistance, regulated room access, design specific rooms with extra security measures, express check-in and wellness menu in the F&B Offering.

Ginger also offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all resident guests helping the modern business traveler to stay connected.

Looks like one more good option for the business travelers in Jaipur, hope it lives up to its promises!!

Vintage steam express train set to chug from Delhi to Alwar

A vintage tourist train by Indian Railways, consisting of two coaches hauled by steam engine “Akbar”, will commence running in the current season between Delhi and Alwar in Rajasthan from today i.e. October 27, 2013.

The 48 year-old steam engine is one of the last surviving vintage steam locomotives in the country. Named after the great Mughal emperor Akbar, the Pacific class broad gauge loco is capable of speeds up to 110 kmph and used to haul prestigious express trains.

After remaining out of service for several years, ‘Akbar’ was restored, overhauled and reclaimed in full working condition. The engine was recently in the news with its use in the famous film ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’, portraying the life of famed Indian runner Milkha Singh.

The tourist train will start from Delhi Cantonment Station of the capital and travel to Alwar (138 kms) in Rajasthan via Rewari on a tour package which includes a visit to the Sariska National Park near Alwar. This would also give an opportunity to the tourists to sight tigers in Sariska.

The train in its current season will travel between October 2013 and April, 2014 on every second and fourth Saturdays, starting from today.

Booking can be done on IRCTC’s website http://www.railtourismindia.com.

Kathiawar Food Festival in Jaipur

The Fern   An Ecotel Hotel, Jaipur is celebrating the charismatic cuisine of Kathiawar from October 18   27, 2013 at Conversation²   The World Cuisine Cafe . 

Kathiawar is part of the Saurashtra region in the state of Gujarat.  It is the cultural, religious and historical epicenter of the state of Gujarat. The food is a delight of this diverse region which is also named after the people who inhabit this area; the Kathiawadis. Kathiawar cuisine is basically Gujarati food that has influences of Parsee and Bohri cuisine. This is a cuisine where you will find boiled peanuts in the dal, jeera in the seasoning of every dish and a characteristic sweetness to all the dishes, thanks to a very Gujarati influence.

Vatana nu oondhiya, sambhariyu shaak, bajra nu rotla, khichdi, kadi, dal dhokadi, ringan nu olo, kachori, lasaniya bataki and lots more to keep you enticed and what better to keep the festive spirits alive post Navratra, Dandiya and Dussehra !

tikha-gathiya

undhiyu

Kathiawari Roasted Aaloo

Sev Tamatar no shaak

Basundi

The delicious vegetarian food on offer would be cooked by Maharaj Pratap Chand who is specially coming over for the festival. A lavish and sumptuous buffet with live cooking stations is all set to greet you between 19:30 hrs 22:30 hrs.

 

A R Rahman live Concert in Jaipur

What makes a live concert by AR Rahman special is its scale and grandeur that is rare to find amongst other Indian musicians. With his latest tour, called RahmanIshq — the title is a conceptual extension of his recent single Infinite Love — the music maestro will enthrall the people of Jaipur with his melodious music and heart winning voice.

He will joined by his team, comprising musicians such as Sukhwinder Singh, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, Ranjit Barot, and Vijay Prakash among others.

The musical-extravaganza scheduled for October 20, 2013 will have live interactive theatrical experience encompassing his award winning musical renditions right from “Roja”, “Jodhaa Akbar”, “Slumdog Millionnaire”, “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Raanjhanaa”.

Ranakpur Festival 2013

It’s a splendid opportunity for the tourists to once again gain an insight into the life of people of Rajasthan with the onset of cultural and religious festivals one after another.  Rajasthan stands out as a tourist destination for its colourful fairs and festivals.

Just like folk festivals in Jodhpur and Jaipur, the holy town of Ranakpur near Pali will also witness the Ranakpur Festival (October 18-21, 2013) a melange of Rajasthani folk performances and Bharatnatyam as well as renditions by renowned vocal artists and dance performers.

A large number of tourists from not only Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer but across the borders would visit the fair .On all the four days the ‘muktakash’ (open air auditorium at Surya Mandir aka Sun Temple) would become the venue for the fascinating cultural programmes. Other attractions during the Ranakpur festival will be craft-cum-food courts and jungle jeep safaris.

Mark your calendar for Ranakpur Festival and enjoy mesmerizing events during the Festival.

Marwar Festival

Marwar is the part of Rajasthan that jive with the heroic saga as the rest of the state and visiting Jodhpur (supposed to be the head office during ancient times) during winter is the best and its better if visited in month of September-October, then you sure can be a part of the two- day Marwar Festival. During Marwar Festival, Jodhpur the Blue City, performs well by staging the die-hard chivalry of the hero’s of the land.

The Marwar festival, which is organized in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan, is dedicated to the music and dance of this Marwar region. Bringing to life the legendary folklores of the area, the folk artists do all the justice in it. Listening to the folk musicians singing praises of the bygone heroes may not be completely understood but the fierce intensity can be strongly felt in their songs. Being an audience to the buoyant and spirited performers of the folk dances can make you go gaga over it. Watching the folk dancers, who accurately balance the earthen pots on their heads and also even dancing to the rhythm of the songs sung by the singers, and also the dancing, while standing on a sword fairly gives the idea about, how the valor rules the land.

The typical Kalbeliya dance has made a mark internationally and you can check it out here in its own land and with the true Indian spirit. Other attractions of the festival, to make it a hit among the tourist clan are sufi night, Moustache competition, tug of war, matka race, Marwar Shree competition and Band competition etc.

The festival is one of the perfect events where it’s a great fun to take a look closely at the rustic rural as well as colorful life of the people and the venue of this live entertainment takes place generally in the Umaid Stadium, Mandore town and at the Mehrangarh Fort, which are also the hot places to be visited in the list of a traveler if in Jodhpur.

16th Oct’13 –  Inaguration will be on 16th Oct’13 at 19:00 hrs  with Deep Dan at  Gulab sagar followed by sufi programme at clock tower by Sonu Kalra.

17th – 9:00 hrs – procession at Umaid Stadium 14:00 hrs – various programmes competition at Umaid Stadium.

18th – Grand Finale at Osian sand dunes in evening .

Dussehra in Kota

Kota is a fabulous amalgamation 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 the 21^st century but the festival of Dussehra is still celebrated with great fervor  and enthusiasm in myriad ways.  Scheduled to take place from October 12 to 14, 2013, the fair generally lasts for about a fortnight with lots to eat, buy and enjoy..

Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along-with his brother Kumbhkarna and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with firecrackers are set alight. Legend has it, that Ravana has ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana comprise ten heads and these colourful effigies are a photographer’s delight. It’s a 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. In some places homage is paid to propitiate Kali, the goddess of destruction and war. They enjoy the festival savoring sugar cane and the mouth-watering sweetmeat Jalebi.

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

Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2013

Rajasthani s globally acclaimed for its musical festivals and the annual Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), at various sites covering magnanimous structure of the Mehrangarh Fort, is one of the most anticipated and the best musical event out of all. Musical saga will delight the music lovers from October 17 to 21, 2013

If you are still in a dilemma, whether RIFF is worth a visit or not, the henceforth rushes would sure help sway your views on the apparently shaping bigger and better than ever music festival!

Rajasthani folk music is the soul of RIFF while a strong spotlight is going to be there on Bhojpuri Music and the “Manganiyar Muslim Community of Performing Artists”. For the first time in the history of RIFF, the music festival will feature its collaboration other than Rajasthani folk. Daud Khan, an Afghani master rubab player from Germany will do a solo set, as well as collaborate with Rajasthani artists and perform a track with Sultan Khan’s nephew, Dilshad Khan, on sarangi.

Intercultural, French-Spanish mega star Manu Chao along with the English folk act Spiro, and The Gypsy Kings family would perform at one especially reserved evening in the town.

The Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival would start daily at dawn with free events at Jaswant Thada, in front of the Fort.  Other events comprise performances by Living Legends and the late night Desert Lounge acoustic events under the starry sky in Rao Jodha Park.Besides, few interactive sessions are also organized to give visitors the fortuity to mingle with the performers and ask questions.

In this year’s RIFF, some special sessions on exceptional Rajasthani instruments, the culture of Manganiyar of Marwar and a workshop on Rajasthani percussion instruments will be organized during the Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival.

So, this year’s RIFF is going to be bigger and better with so many new additions and exclusive musical events one after another. You definitely cannot afford to miss this awesome musical extravaganza…

Check out the event details here…

17th October

Opening Night – Variety City Concert

18th, 19th & 20th October

Fort Festivities

18th, 19th & 20th October

In Residence
a series of interactive sessions with our custodians of culture

18th October

RIFF DAWNS with the Harijas of the Meghwal of Marwar

Living Legends I

MOODY RIFFS

Desert Lounge(all acoustic, traditional – from Rajasthan)

19th October

RIFF DAWNS with brothers Imran Khan and Dilshad Khan

Living Legends II

NORTHERN LIGHTS

EDGE

20th October

RIFF DAWNS with the bhajans of brothers Barkat and Jalal Khan

MOONRISE with Babunath Jogi (TBC)

Special Performance

SONG, STRUM & BEATS

RIFF Rustle at Club Mehran with Cedric Leonardi, Kheta Manganiyar, Linda Gytri, Rajasthani musicians and surprise guest artists

21st October

RIFF DAWNS with Kabir Panthi Kaluram Bamaniya

18th October

Children’s Folk Morning