Dance Symposium in Jaipur to Celebrate World Dance Day

On the occasion of International Dance Day today i.e. 29th April,‪ the state capital of Rajasthan –Jaipur‬ hosted a five day dance festival to raise awareness about traditional and folk dance among youth. This five day event, is organised by Thirak India Cultural Society in collaboration with Gunijankhana at Badal Mahal, City Palace, Jaipur

Princess Diya Kumari  inaugurates the festival, ‘Dance Symposium-State of Kathak in the State Of Kathak’ at Jainiwas Gardens, City Palace at Badal Mahal by Traditional Lighting of the lamp.

JAIPUR GHARANA’S KATHAK PERFORMANCE MESMERISES THE AUDIENCE

Rajasthan is known for its beauty and traditional arts. Such events keep alive music and dance traditions and also encourage artists.

The dance Gurus Pandit Girdhari Maharaj, Shashi Sankhla, Pandit Rajkumar Jabda, Smt Rekha Thakar discussed the state of Kathak Dance in Rajasthan. It was followed by the dance performance “Navak” presented by the Jaipur Gharana’s upcoming artistes. The performances were also directed by the above mentioned dance gurus. The cultural evening concluded with Rashmi Uppal’s presentation of Kathak Dance.

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The Great Indian Travel Bazaar Inaugurates Tomorrow

A popular travel bazaar where the people from different parts of the world come together and exchange their experiences.

Rajasthan chief minister, Ms. Vasundhara Raje will be inaugurating the GITB 2015 tomorrow at Hotel the Lalit at 6:30 pm. This 3 day travel bazaar (19-21 April 2015) will release a knowledge paper entitled “Unexplored Tourism Destinations of India” at the inaugural session.

This colossal bazaar is hoping to set a record of more than 10,000 meeting, which will be showcased during the B2B meeting sessions and exhibition at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) at Sitapura in Jaipur.

Around 11 states from India are participating in this grand event along with tour operators, businessmen and travel agents from all over the world, and approximately 46 countries as participants are attending this travel bazaar, helping India achieve its goal of a world class tourist destination and giving a boost to the tourism industry.

Explore The 6 Best Heritage Sites Of Rajasthan On World Heritage Day

Rajasthan is known all around the world for its rich heritage. Having some of the best forts, palaces and monuments are till date maintained in really good conditions as they are very precious to the lives of Rajasthanis.

1) Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Recognized as the World Heritage Site, this observatory fascinates the visitors with the collection of various  astronomical instruments which were used earlier to know the correct timings through the movement of celestial bodies.

2) Chittorgarh Fort, Chittor

One of the largest forts of India, it is the true epitome of Rajputana pride and vigor. This massive fort though being attacked thrice by the enemies, couldn’t take over the powerful people of this place. The fort of Chittor is known for its own beauty and uniqueness.

3) City Palace, Udaipur

The grandness of this palace can be seen now, as it took almost 400 years to construct this complex. The attractiveness of this palace is shown more effectively as it is surrounded by Lake Pichola. This magnificent palace stands as a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

4) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

One of the largest private residences of the world is the house of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. Not only being a private residence, it also provides the chance to experience the royal and luxurious life at the Taj Palace Hotel in Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur.

5) Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace Of Winds is situated in the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. Its walls of pink color give a hint of the Pink City – Jaipur. It was constructed especially for the royal women to be a part of the festivities, as they were secluded from the society by ‘parda’ system. Having its own history, today gives it a worldwide recognition.

6) Chand Baori, Abhaneri

A 13 storey step well is one of the oldest and most attractive landmarks of Rajasthan. Constructed mainly to conserve water in the dry desert of Rajasthan is an architectural wonder in itself.

A Dip Into The 6 Famous Lakes Of Rajasthan This Summer

1) Nakki Lake

Do you know why is it named as Nakki Lake? Here is it.  Dug out from the nails for the protection from demons, thus got it name as Nakki Lake. Situated on the only hill station of Rajasthan- Mount Abu, Nakki Lake serves the most important tourist destination of Mount Abu as well as Rajasthan.

Image Credit : http://www.travelportalofindia.com

2) Ana Sagar Lake

Approximately 13 kms spread this lake built by Anaji Chauhan is in the city of Ajmer. Ana Sagar is the biggest artificial lake in Ajmer, with a small accessible island. Another small lake in Ajmer is Foy Sagar.

3) Gadisar Lake

A man-made lake which was initially constructed for water conservation, is the only perennial water body in the desert city of Rajasthan, and thus proves to be the must visit site in Jaisalmer.

4) Pushkar Lake

A sacred lake which has a religious significance, is a must visit during the major fair of India – Pushkar Fair. It has its own beauty during the night, when people sit at the Ghats to enjoy the serene beauty and peaceful environment.

5) Mansagar Lake

Situated in the capital city of Rajasthan- Jaipur is an artificial lake which has Jal Mahal situated in the middle. It is a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur which also provides the facility of boating. The Jal Mahal highlights the attractiveness and importance of this lake.

6) Lake Pichola

Considered as one of the most beautiful lakes of Rajasthan, is situated in the ‘City of Lakes’ – Udaipur. Some of the main tourist attractions of Udaipur are situated along the periphery of this lake. With its own charm, people also come to enjoy its scenic beauty – sunrise and sunset. Fateh Sagar Lake is also an important lake of Udaipur which is connected with Lake Pichola. This lake was originally constructed for irrigation purpose, and to provide water for drinking in the city of Udaipur.

 

 

 

 

Bundi – The Blue City

A little drop of fantasy exists in this vast land of Rajasthan. Little is known, not talked much, there lies a tiny town Bundi, which is set 35 km NW of Kota on NH 12.

View from Bundi Palace

With a majority of blue houses this charming settlement is surrounded by the Aravali Hills. Lazy and narrow lanes, Lakes and numerous step wells ‘Baories’, temples and mosque dominate the town.

Not many knew this fact that Jodhpur- the blue city and Bundi have a strong affinity to the color blue.  Either you are atop Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur or at Bundi Fort you get a glimpse of the Blue City.

Whilst walking on the streets you are all at your own exhaling the splendor of this scenic town without any noise and pollution. Just like a hidden gem Bundi is not yet highly placed on the tourist itineraries and thus the place is still able to preserve its charismatic charm.

A picturesque Nawal Sagar man made lake in the heart of the town, add more beauty to the place, especially during Sunset when it soaks the reflection of the two-storied fortified complex ‘Garh Palace’.

Gar Palace, built in Rajput style architecture is the face of Bundi. There is no way you can ignore this magnanimous palace, which is also a host to ‘Chitrashala’ where the walls and ceilings are embellished with miniature paintings.

Garh Palace, Museum

The Bundi miniature paintings depict the history and most prominently the lives of kings & queens that wouldn’t be possible to have come out in public if the king had not encouraged painters and artists. Predominantly in blue and green color Bundi paintings reflect the mix of how the Muslim & Hindu culture.

Bundi Paintings

Unbelievable but true that this little town of Rajasthan hoards around 60 Baories or Step well and almost all have supreme craftsmanship and architecture. The finest example being the Rani Ji Ki Baori.

Rudyard Kipling’s Bundi connection is the tale told by almost everyone with an honored smile. ‘Billu’ our guide mentioned firmly, “It was the Mowgli man who stayed here.” Kipling got inspired for writing Kim in Bundi while he was staying at Sukh Mahal situated at Jait Sagar Lake. The lotus flowers when in full bloom enhance the beauty of the Jait Lake.

Sukh Sagar or Jait Mahal at Bundi

There is also an old hunting cottage ‘Shikar Bhurj’ which is the private property of the rulers. While peeping through the narrow lanes we discovered handcrafted Kota Dorias; a special craftsmanship that creates a unique lightweight cloth that helps to beat the heat.It is interesting to know that Bundi Town is named after Bunda Meena, the chieftain of the Meena tribe that once inhabited the town and not after Bundi Ke Ladoo J what we actually thought.

Though rice is not the staple food of Rajasthan as the production of rice demands more of water, which is a scarce resource in Rajasthan but surprisingly Bundi is renowned for its Basmati rice.

Acting As Natural Coolers – Some Monuments In Rajasthan You Never Knew About

Our ancestors long before predicted the modern climate phase and designed so beautifully looking monuments. Some of these ancient architectures of the land of Rajasthan are designed so as to portray natural cooling system principle. Rajasthan’s Hawa Mahal and Chand Baori are a perfect example of how the interiors served as natural coolers without the use of electricity.

Hawa Mahal was constructed around 300 years ago by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He being a believer of Lord Krishna designed it in the form of a crown – his ‘mukut’. This unique ‘Palace of Winds’ has its roots from physics’ Venturi effect. According to this principle, the fluid pressure is reduced and is constricted in a fixed path which lets the same cool air to flow all around. Another important feature which helps it to be a natural cooler is its walls. They are made of lime and stone which not only help cool the surroundings but also increases the life span of this well preserved monument.

Chand Baori, a step well with around 3500 stairs is also situated in the dry arid land of Rajasthan. Serving two purposes at the same time- one of water collection and storage and other, providing a stage for leisurely activities, this funnel shaped creation of Raja Chand is also an example of natural cooling principle. Based on the passive cooling strategy, the consistent temperature of soil is absorbed to cool a building. This 13 storey Boari is a well portrayed example of natural cooling system.

Jaipur and Jaisalmer Cities in Asia Preferred Travel Destinations List

Rajasthan is one of the top most travel destinations. For its rich history, culture and beauty, the two cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur the Pink City and Jaisalmer, the Golden City has emerged as the popular choices among globetrotters.

In the list of 2015 Travelers Choice Asia list for Destinations by the global travel site TripAdvisor, Jaipur has been ranked 12th and Jaisalmer (22nd). 

Hawa Mahal

TripAdvisor 2015Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations honour 600 top travel destinations worldwide based on the millions of reviews and opinions from travelers.