Mount Abu Winter Festival concluded with fanfare

People from across the globe visited the renowned Mount Abu Winter Festival which concluded today at the resplendent hill station. The festival embodied the true cultural and traditional spirit of Rajasthan with mesmerizing dance performances, local sports, processions, activities and much more.

The earlier two days of the festival witnessed numerous attractions, performances, competitions and activities as well. These included – Dog Show, Turban Tying Competition, Mehendi Competition, Best of Rajasthan and Live Musical Performances. Much to the delight of the visitors there were also several competitions between the locals and tourists like – Matka Race and Matka Fod as well as Tug of War. Yet another feature of the festival was a grand procession, which started from the Bus Stop and ended at Nakki Lake.

The concluding day of the festival began with ‘Cycling’ in the morning. This was followed by Mr & Miss Aravali competition in the afternoon and a Heritage Walk in the evening. The evening also witnessed vibrant and colorful cultural performances by Nagar Palika at the  Polo Ground followed by a beautiful display of fireworks in the night at the same venue.

Kumbhalgarh Festival- a vibrant three-day celebration of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

The multi-hued culture of Rajasthan will be on full display during the upcoming Kumbhalgarh Festival from 1st – 3rd December 2019 at the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort. The festival aims to enthrall the onlookers with everything that Rajasthan stands for. Various cultural performances and competitions are planned to give the participants a glimpse of the rustic side of the state.

The festival commemorates Maharana Kumbha’s contribution toward art and culture at the historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, located at Aravalli Hills, 84 km north to Udaipur. Many activities and cultural programmes are organized to entertain the people visiting the fest. The cultural festival has been organized for more than a decade annually.

The festival is divided into two sections- day and night. In the daytime, there are exhibitions by the locals where they display regional ethnic wear, jewellery, handicrafts, souvenirs, etc. In the evening it is full of sound, vibrant and colourful light with dance and music performances by the finest artists across India. A few competitions among locals and foreigners are also conducted such as Pagadi Bandho (Tying the turban), Mehendi Mandana (henna applying), Tug of war, musical chair, etc. Visitors also witness the historical and popular puppet show organized every year.

Around the festival time, Kumbhalgarh Fort turns into a majestic sight with the decorations and lightings. The 3-day festival brings the art and culture of other states together and hosts competitions to bring out the enthusiasm among the visitors. Kalbeliyas, Langas, Terahtaali, Kachi Ghodi and Odissi dancers enthrall the audience with their performances. The fest is also looked upon as an opportunity for foreign tourists to get the taste of Rajasthan. The Sufi songs, Rajasthani folk dance, and saperaI (snake) dance are the major highlights of Kumbhalgarh Festival. 

The magnanimous fort is popular as a World Heritage Site, constructed and expanded in the course of the 15-19th century by Rana Kumbha. Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king, and warrior of Mewar. The mighty fort, believed to be built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, is also known as the second-largest wall after the Great Wall of China.

Images: Gaurav Hajela Photography

Pushkar Fair: A lot more than Camels

The greatly awaited Pushkar Fair is right upon us, scheduled to begin on 4th November and will culminate till 12th November on the day of Hindu festival Kartik Purnima. There’s nothing like Pushkar Camel Fair. It’s a celebration of the uniqueness of Rajasthan and experiencing the festival is the dream of every traveler. This is the time when Pushkar comes truly alive with multiple hues.

The small sleepy town comes out of its hibernation mode and becomes the playground of people from the world over. The history of Pushkar Fair is a hundred years old but the festival keeps not only that historic spirit alive but also has new age elements to it now.

Primarily, thousands of pilgrims and cattle merchants flock the town for holy rituals or the trade of cattle and livestock. But, that’s not all; Pushkar fair has a lot to offer to the travellers who are neither pilgrims nor traders. Buzzing markets, fascinating ghats and activity grounds are enough to catch the fancy of travellers and photographers.

Sunrise and Sunset: The vibes and the views of Pushkar switch within every hour right from the dawn to dusk, added to that the starry sky above ignited Pushkar Lake gives a heavenly chill in nerves. During early mornings and evenings, when the dust mixes with golden light falling from the sun it’s an absolute delight to watch the camels and the camel traders in the Mela ground. You not only get to see the heard of camels but also get a glimpse into the life of a rural Rajasthan, where the traders heat up the chullahs (a kind of stove used for cooking the food ) and prepare their food with minimum ingredients. Thousands of people from the world across come to capture only this spectacle.

Markets: The narrow streets and lanes of the town have hidden within themselves a whole world of intrigue; from the local artifacts and handicrafts to funky apparels and chunky jewellery, Pushkar’s cozy markets are the treasure trove for a shopping enthusiast.

Ghats: The Ghats in the holy land of Brahma are said to be nothing less than those of Varanasi. Roaming around the ghats with a soothing sound of hymns and bells renders tranquility to the visitors. While the night scene becomes even more fascinating when evening aarti is performed on these Ghats. Illuminated with multitude of lights the Ghats and lake take the spectators into a world of solace and peace.

 

Food: Pushkar is also one heaven for foodies. From street stalls to roadside cafes, wide range of cuisines waits for food lovers to visit and enjoy sumptuous cuisine of Pushkar. Special Masala chai in Kulhad, Authentic Italian pizza, unique Poha Dal Pakwaan and Ugma ji ki kachori are a few to dishes to tantalize your taste buds. However, as you walk down the streets of Pushkar amidst the aroma of freshly made baatis, puris and kachoris being fried right on the street, the whiff of gulkand and the sight of tempting malpuas dipped in sugar syrup will call out only one thing- pure bliss.

Adventure and Activities: Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, the fair has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair, which attracts thousands of tourists. In recent years, the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists. Pushkar Camel Fair has so many events and activities like camel cart ride, horse riding, bullock cart ride and giant wheel that your day will be full but we advise you to take out a little time to stroll in the narrow lanes of the town.

For your convenience, here’s a tentative impression of the flow of events at Pushkar Camel fair 2019.

4th to 9th November – Cattle Trading
Cattle trading is at its peak during these days along with a variety of cattle contests.

10th to 11th November – Cultural Galore
These two days will see some cultural activities like dance shows, music performances sponsored by the Rajasthan State Government.

12th November – Holy Dips
This is the Holy Day when people take dips in the Pushkar Lake, and other religious ceremonies take place.

How to reach Pushkar:

By Air

The nearest airport to Pushkar is in Kishangarh, which is 36 kilometres away. Apart from this, Jaipur Airport is the major airport, which is 140 Kms and well-connected to major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata. Once you reach at the airport, you can hire a cab to reach Pushkar. The journey from airport to the city will take approximately 3 hours. You can either pre-book a cab or hire from any of the taxi vendors outside the airport.

By Bus

Regular buses between Jaipur and Ajmer ply every hour. However, buses from Delhi to Ajmer and further to Pushkar are easily available. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation runs deluxe and semi-deluxe buses (both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) connecting Ajmer to nearby cities and then transport you to Pushkar for a very nominal fare.

By Train

You will need to take a train to Ajmer and then take a 30-minute drive to Pushkar. The Ajmer railway station is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Bangalore. Some of the most popular trains that run daily on this route are Ajmer Shatabdi and Ajmer Rajdhani. Apart from these, other trains are Chetak Express, Aii Sdah Express, Aravalli Express and Bsb Express. Once you reach at the station, you can hire a taxi to reach Pushkar.

So what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy India’s Biggest and world’s famous festival Pushkar Fair.

Pushkar Fair to begin from 4th November 2019

There’s nothing like Pushkar Camel Fair. It’s a celebration of the uniqueness of Rajasthan and experiencing the festival is the dream of every traveler. This is the time when Pushkar comes truly alive with multiple hues. The small sleepy town comes out of its hibernation mode and becomes the playground of people from the world over.

The history of Pushkar Fair is a hundred years old but the festival keeps not only that historic spirit alive but also has new age elements to it now. This year the much-awaited fair will begin on 4th November and will culminate on 12th November on the day of Hindu festival Kartik Purnima.

Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, the fair has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair, which attracts thousands of tourists. In recent years, the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists. Pushkar Camel Fair has so many events and activities that your day will be full but we advise you to take out a little time to stroll in the narrow lanes of the town. Also, don’t forget to try local foods and do indulge in retail therapy. Spend some time at the famous Brahma Temple and watch the evening Aarti at Pushkar Lake too.

For your convenience, here’s a tentative impression of the flow of events at Pushkar Camel fair 2019.

4th to 9th November – Cattle Trading
Cattle trading is at its peak during these days along with a variety of cattle contests.

10th to 11th November –  Cultural Galore
These two days will see some cultural activities like dance shows, music performances sponsored by the Rajasthan State Government.

12th November – Holy Dips
This is the Holy Day when people take dips in the Pushkar Lake, and other religious ceremonies take place.

The Spirit of Rajasthan’s Unchartered Territory: Momasar Utsav

Rajasthan’s majority of parts comprises of the desert and bare land. With a vibrant splash of colors and vigorous display of cultural galore, Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan infuse life in these barren surroundings.  Ranging from dance music festivals, camels shows to techno-electric events and literature gala, Rajasthan is the royal host to marvelous showcase of the art, performing arts and culture.

Unlike the regular yearly festivals, this year we came across this interesting festival called, “Momasar Utsav” Situated in Shri Dungargarh district of Bikaner, Momasar is a tiny hamlet which is popular for its wood handicraft and Papad Mangodi.

Momasar hosted a two days folklore of art, craft, performing arts and shopping on 19^th and 20^th October in the village. Momasar Utsav offered an opportunity to the tourists to visit this uncrowded village which is not yet touched by the touristy vibes.

The festival was a truly inclusive and barrier-free festival that welcomed people from all backgrounds and beliefs while showcasing the unadulterated culture, heritage, stories, art and cuisine of the local communities of Momasar.

The visitors of Momasar Utsav got an opportunity to connect with rural folks as well as performing artists. This festival brought together over 200 folk artists and artisans from seven cultural regions in Rajasthan. During these two days, they found their own space as they lose themselves to the unalloyed traditions of this rich land. The concerts, congregations, and exhibitions were organized at unpretentious venues – a haveli (traditional mansion), an old temple of village deity and an open field next to a traditional water harvesting structure. The festival was so structured that visitors mingled freely with artists and local residents, enriching experience for all of them.

The artists who performed at Momasar Utsav can be undoubtedly called as the torch-bearers of indigenous music and craft forms of Rajasthan. In fact, a lot of these are the last few men and women practicing these arts, on the verge of being lost forever.

Until next year, let’s flip over these interesting moments from this year’s Momasar Utsav 2019

Image credits: Sanjay Kaushik : https://bit.ly/31K8fnX

 

Jaipur by Nite to enthrall the locals and tourists in Rajasthan’s Pink City

Jaipur is a city that offers a lot to explore to its tourists, be it historic forts and palaces, colourful markets, traditional delicacies, rich cultural heritage, all mimic the irresistible charm of this beautiful city perfectly. The idea of exploring  Jaipur at Night has added a distinctive identity to this captivating city.

Up till now, Jaipur has seen a lot of events that portray the rich heritage and culture of the city. But there’s just one event that shows the other side of the city which is as magical as it can be under the glittering night sky. Yes, we are talking about one of its kind festivals- Jaipur by Nite.

About Jaipur By Nite

Jaipur By Nite is a cultural event that takes place after the monsoon season when the historical city comes alive to its natural charm and is drenched in its brightest lights and when the Aravalis are prettier than ever, enhancing the beauty of the city even more. The pink city will make you fall in love with its beauty when adorned with the raindrops and incensed with the mesmerizing petrichor. Isn’t this the time to explore it?

Why not, let’s dig into the most happening festival of the year.

The much-awaited event and a point of attraction among tourists, ‘Jaipur by Nite’ is back with its 7th edition with its two days carnival that will be celebrated on September 27th- 28th 2019.

Come, explore and enjoy the beauty of the majestic Pink City under the moonlit sky but do not miss the cultural events that are the biggest attraction of the festival.

Enjoy the mirthful performances of Darshan Raval, Kaafila Band, Nathulal Solanki, Swaraag Band, Specially abled Kids from Disha foundation and Fitness Fun of Marathon Run on 27-28 September.

We are sure this will make you fall in love with the city, only if you enjoy the season leisurely. So pack up your bags and plan a trip to Jaipur.

To know more visit http://www.jaipurbynite.com

Register now for the most awaited festival

https://bit.ly/2TLhz8A

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Mandawa to host a 6 days International Horse Riding Expedition from 2nd March 2019

Rajasthan is globally acclaimed for its royal grandeur, rich culture and vibrant festivals. The land of maharajas has something to offer to the connoisseurs of culture, adventure and vibrant celebrations.  A one-of-its-kind horseback adventure – ‘Gallops of India’ is another exciting event in Rajasthan, which will take place in Mandawa from 2nd to 10th March this year. This edition is hosted in India is the 3rd in a row after Morocco and Oman.  The adventure event was a huge international success with riders participating from different parts of the country.

This exemplary competitive endurance ride will witness 70 horse riders from all over the world riding the indigenous Marwari Breed covering a total distance of 200 km.  The riders will participate from countries like Australia, Belgique, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Israël, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Oman, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. The prestigious 61st Cavalry of the Indian Army will also participate in the event. 

The Gallops is the only equestrian event in the world which offers high adrenaline adventure that is simultaneously sporty, human and touristic. The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Gehlot also congratulated the organizers for organizing an event to promote and popularize the Indian Marwari horse breed.

It is to be noted that the 1st edition of the Gallops took place in the Sultanate of Oman, with the support of its Majesty Sultan Qaboos, in the year 2014 with 110 riders from 10 different nations participating in the prestigious event. 

Similarly, under the patronage of its Majesty, King Mohammed VI, Morocco hosted the 2nd edition of the grand marathon in February 2018 with 4 foreign teams from Oman, Germany, Ireland, France, Slovakia and Malaysia participating in the expedition.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Makar Sankranti of Jaipur

Hundreds of kites dancing in the sky, and us- on our terrace. That’s the memory every Jaipurite has of Makar Sankranti. Kite-flying is one of the most favorite and zealous festivals in Jaipur. It’s not just about flying kites but also about the battleground that the sky becomes and the way the whole group of family and friends gather up on their terraces and hoot and shout along with the music.

But this is not all! There’s so much more to this festival and the day marks as one of the most auspicious occasions of the year. Here are some of the reasons Jaipurites put their heart and soul into celebrating Makar Sankranti.

1. Pavitra Snaan and Daan
While lakhs of people take dips into the Ganges on Makar Sankranti around the nation, scores of people also arrive at Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur to bathe in the seven holy kunds there. The day is celebrated to worship the Sun God. It is considered that taking dips in the kund at Galtaji on Makar Sankranti absolves us of all our sins.

To take a dip in the kund at Galta Ji Temple, you might as well trek up the small hill that exits the city from Galta and Surajpole gates. It’s a sight to behold when you see the amount of faith that Jaipurites put into worshipping on Makar Sankranti.

People around the country also believe that donating clothes, jaggery, corn, ground peanuts and sesame is a good omen and brings prosperity.

2. Harbinger of spring
Makar Sankranti falls on the equinox and the day and night are equally long. After this day, the days start to get longer and nights shorter. It also marks the onset of spring season. This also brings a welcome relief from the cold wave of the bygone winter.

3. The Harvest Festival
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year as the harvest festival of the country. The Rabi crop is harvested in the month of January and corn, mustard, peanuts, sesame etc. are the major crops harvested at this time. One day before Sankranti, i.e. on Lohri the new crop is offered to god through worshipping fire.

4. Kite Buying
Kite buying is a serious affair in Jaipur. People don’t just by any random kites. They especially head to kite markets like Handipura, Haldiyon Ka Rasta, and Kishanpole bazaar to buy the best kites. It takes an understanding of the science behind the designing of kites in order to buy the best ones. You can find hundreds and thousands of kites in all shapes, sizes and designs according to your preference. Some of the popularly known designs of kites are Chaand-dara, Glass-dara, Mangal-dara, Aankhal-dara, Tripatta, Dadhiyal etc.

5. Kite- Flying

A true jaipurite knows how to fly a kite and the science applied behind it.

It takes a lot of patience, time and effort to prepare for kite flying. The night before Sankranti the whole family sits together to put ‘tang’ in kites with white saddha.

On Sankranti, everyone’s duty is sorted! Makar Sankranti food is all about pakode, moongfali, popcorn, khichadi, gajak, feeni, ladoo and papdi-chatand the children in the house go up and down the terrace for serving them. The youngsters become DJs playing the best songs the loudest.

And oh! What an art kite flying is. As soon as the ‘Dangal’ starts in the sky, you can hear “Woh kaata” every five seconds from a terrace or two around!

7. The evening sky

As the day sets in, the kites start to come down and gradually the whole sky is lit up with fireworks and paper lanterns known as “Tukkals” or “Kandeel.” The night view on Sankranti is absolutely mesmerizing and one of those experience that is hard to get over!

So if ever you plan to visit Jaipur during winter, make sure you don’t miss the intoxicatingly enthusiastic vibe of Makar Sankranti!

January festivals and events in Rajasthan you shouldn’t miss

Happy 2019! Here comes the season when Rajasthan becomes a canvas of colours and merry day and night! It’s that time of the year when the land of Maharajas gives you an opportunity to live through the best celebrations of life, opulence, and chivalry through dance, music, colours, lights and food! Whenever a person thinks about Rajasthan, the first thing that comes to mind is the lively culture, courteous hospitality, soul-stirring music & dance, and royal heritage! You’re in a mood to drink in the vibrant galore of festivities in Rajasthan and Rajasthan Tourism Beat is ready with the first list of the festivals of 2019! Come, witness or take part in some of the most exciting, and amazing festivals of the state. Come; live through the best festival experience in Rajasthan.

 Bikaner Camel Festival
12-13 January 2019

A vibrant event in the desert land of Bikaner, Camel Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture Rajasthan every year. In the chilling winter of desert, Camel Festival fills the warmth with cultural evenings, local sports, art and craft fair and business of livestock. Watching decorated camels and men in attractive turbans offers an interesting frame to the photography enthusiasts.

 

Lohri
13th January 2019

Lohri is a festival connected with the solar year. The festival is celebrated mark the harvest season’s bliss. This is particularly a happy occasion for the couples from Sikh community, who would sing and dance around the campfire and share delicious delicacies made from jaggery and sesame.

 

 Makar Sankranti
14th January 2019

Makar Sankranti festival coincides with the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, and falls on January 14 according to the solar calendar. Kite festival is the biggest attraction of Makar Sankranti in the pink city of Rajasthan. In Jaipur, this festival is a wonderful spectacle as kites take to the sky all across the state. While one can enjoy colourful kites in a variety of shapes and sizes, the celebration takes a mesmeric turn after sunset. Thousands of lanterns and firecrackers fill the sky with the light of joy on this festival. The Jal Mahal ki paal in Jaipur also hosts an international level Kite flying competition, which sees experts from across the world taking participation.

Jaipur Literature Festival
24th – 28th January 2019

 

As the largest FREE literary festival on earth, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival brings together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across South Asia and the world. From Nobel laureates to local language writers, Man Booker prize winners to debut novelists, every January the most remarkable, witty, sensitive and brilliant collection of people thong the Jaipur Literature Festival for not just literary sessions but for fashion update too, yeah you read it right!

Bundi Festival: a celebration of culture and adventure

A celebration of culture and adventure in the marvelous town of Bundi, Bundi festival is the occasion that turns the city into a vivid spectrum. The festival is spreading the colors of festivity on 26-28 November, 2018.

Partaking or witnessing the three-day long Bundi Festival in Rajasthan is a beautiful way to delight the adventurer inside you. With exciting activities, cultural performances and beautiful landscapes, Bundi Festival is one of the most invigorating experiences to make memories in Rajasthan.

Bundi, situated in Hadoti region of Rajasthan is set 35 km NW of Kota on NH 12.

It is a remarkable cluster of traditional art, culture and craftsmanship and visitors are left charmed by its magnificence. The programmes at Bundi festival includes a colourful grand procession, arts & crafts fair, ethnic sports, cultural exhibition, classical music & dance program, turban competitions, bridal clothing, musical band competitions, and a sparkling fireworks display.

Unlike other towns of Rajasthan which are crowded with tourists, Bundi is one place which is still able to preserve its charismatic charm.  Bundi Festival is a marvelous festival of culture, celebrations, and fanfare!