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

Early Mornings For An Elephant Ride At Amber Fort

Located 11kms away from the hubbub city of Jaipur on the Aravalli hilltop lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Hill Forts of Rajasthan – Amber Fort. As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amber Fort rightly personifies the state’s rich culture.

But there is something enchanting and delighting when you are in Jaipur and to be more precise – at Amber Fort. Elephants – beautifully painted and richly ornamented are the most adored creatures in Rajasthan. These elephants are used in providing rides to the tourists to make there journey pleasant and amusing. These rides tend to transform you into a regal era of Maharajas when they used to commute with pride on these adorned elephant backs.

With the increased influx of tourists in Jaipur, the timings of elephant ride at Amer Fort will now be open a little early, between 7.00 am to 11.30 am in the mornings.

So now you can take an elephant ride up the cobbled path on the fort and truly feel like you deserve all the royal treatment that is being bestowed upon you.

Amer Fort ranks 9th in Asia’s top landmarks 2018 by TripAdvisor

We are proud to share that tourists’ favourite and Rajasthan’s’ pride – Amer Fort ranks 9th among Asia’s top landmarks in Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 by the popular travel portal TripAdvisor 😀

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful fort and the pride of Jaipur!!  Amer Fort, also known as Amer Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

Crowning the crest of a hill, Amer Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill, which was the early seat of the Amer kings before they made the fort their capital.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behaviour. One among the best hilltop palaces, Amer Palace presents a curious blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural design. An aide memoir of the yester years, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

 

Though the magical epitome of grandeur Amer Fort under the sunlight of the day is a mesmeric place for tourists in Jaipur, but now it also caters to the night tourists. The fort turns even more fascinating and enticing with the launch of night tourism. Besides, elephant rides to fort, sound & light shows and cultural evenings have always been a favourite among the visitors.

Certainly, Amer  Fort, is one of the few places in India where the entry fee is worth it with never ending, consisting of a maze of rooms, tiny and grand!!  Spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills and dotted with majestic architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amer Fort is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Jaipur. Now TripAdvisor also agrees 😉

 

Let’s Celebrate the Heritage of Rajasthan On World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day is not just a day to cherish the beautiful monuments around us. The day which is celebrated every year on April 18 is meant to raise awareness to protect our history and culture. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is the one behind the idea of celebrating a day called International Day for Monuments and Sites. The day came to be known as World Heritage Day and is celebrated by countries that are members of UNESCO.

The theme for World Heritage Day 2018 is ‘Heritage for Generations’. It has been decided keeping in mind the fact that communication across the generations of heritage practitioners generates enriching exchanges by combining the knowledge with the energy and dynamism thus bringing a more holistic approach. Rajasthan is globally popular for its rich heritage of architecture and culture. Having some of the best forts, palaces and monuments in cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur which are till date maintained in really good conditions are very precious to the lives of Rajasthani’s.

Today we want to remind everyone that our heritage needs to be protected. This is an important step towards maintaining the beauty of our state and keeping the spirit of Rajasthan alive forever.

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 vigour. This massive fort though being attacked thrice by the enemies, couldn’t take over the powerful people of this place. The fort of Chittorgarh is known for its own beauty and uniqueness.

3) City Palace, Udaipur

The grandness of this palace can be seen, 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.

Picture courtesy: myudaipurcity.com

4) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

One of the largest private residences in the world, it 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 colour 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 it gets 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 arid desert of Rajasthan is an architectural wonder in itself.

7) Amer Fort

Amer or Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is among the most visited places in Jaipur. The fort situated high on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake is spread over a vast area with four levels. Every evening, the fort hosts a spellbinding Light and Sound Show as a part to boost night tourism. With a blend of folk music, the show brings to life the legends, history, traditions and cultures of the Rajputs.

8) City Palace Jaipur

Located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, City Palace was built in the 18th Century. The Palace is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture. Within the premises, one will find many gardens, ravishing courtyards and a museum displaying many artefacts from the bygone era. Buildings like Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace add to the allure of the Palace. Their richly crafted walls and ceiling, marble flooring and the mirror work are just an addition to the beauty of the palace. Govind Dev Ji temple, which is in the palace premises, is also a major tourist attraction and sees a heavy footfall daily.

These are only a few to mention, but when you come to the land of royals, there will be many to add on to the list.

Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar to open post noon on Dhulandi

 

On the occasion of ‘Dhulandi’ – the Holi Festival of colour,  Amer Fort of Jaipur as well as  Jantar Mantar will  open in the afternoon from 03.00 pm to 05.00 pm post Dhulandi celebrations.

It is a great news for the tourists who are planning their visit to Jaipur to witness the festival of colours along with its historical monuments and forts.  Amer and Jantar Mantar are the monuments of great historical significance and are on the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list.

Looking at the travel plans of numerous tourists , who are planning to mark their Holi in  Jaipur,  the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan has decided upon opening the Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar post noon.

So, plan ahead joyfully, and happy holi 🙂

For more information please contact:
Pankaj Dharendra, Superintendent, Amer Fort (M: 09414251730)
Shashi Sawami, Superintendent, Jantar Mantar (M: 09785247246)

Chittorgarh Fort, the Witness to the Valor of Rajput Queen Padmavati

Chittor established in 728 AD by Bappa Rawal is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan. The imposing Chittorgarh Fort here among the oldest in the state is not only grand to look at but also has equally grand stories attached to it. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chittorgarh fort might be in ruins now but that doesn’t diminish its importance.

The fort has total seven gates or Pol-  Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and Ram Pol which is the main gate. A circular road in the fort links all the gates.

Vijay Stambh is called the symbol of Chittor and was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khilji. The 72 feet high Kirti Stambh built by a businessman, Jijaji Rathore is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankar Adinath.

There are 130 temples in the fort premises. The most popular ones are- Meerabai Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple (Varaha Temple), Kalika Mata temple and Tulja Bhawani temple.

 

The three-storied Rani Padmini’s palace is surrounded by a water-body. Legend has it that Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khilji saw the Padmavati’s image in the same water-body and got attracted to her.

The fort has another impressive palace known as Rana Kumbha Palace. This is the place where Rani Padmini, Rani Nagmati and other women of the fort did Jauhar. Jauhar was a Rajput tradition where women immolated themselves on burning fire when the defeat in a war was certain. It was done to not get caught by vicious attackers. The brave Rajput warriors fought to death but never surrendered. This reflects the courage and pride of Rajput clan.

Chittorgarh Fort was attacked thrice, once each by Alauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah and Akbar. The story of the attack by, Alauddin Khilji is the most well-known. Poet Malik Mohammad Jayasi wrote a poem known as Padmavat which mentions the legend. According to the poem- Rani Padmini or Padmavati was the wife of Rawal Ratan Sen the ruler of Chittor. Padmavati was exceptionally beautiful and hearing about her beauty, Alauddin Khilji attacked Chittorgarh to get the queen. A battle ensued where Ratan Sen was killed and Rani Padmavati along with Rani Nagmati and other women committed Jauhar.

The authenticity of this story has not been established but that hasn’t made it any less popular. Jauhar was anyway a tradition. It shows that Rajput women were symbols of gallantry, honor and culture. The upcoming Hindi movie ‘Padmavati’ has got mired in controversies over various events depicted in it. The idea of taking creative liberties might not have gone down well with some people but the fact remains that a movie cannot lessen a fearless woman. Whatever is shown in a movie can’t take away from history and what Rajput women stand for.

If you are also enamored by the legends and want to witness the place where it all happened, head to Chittorgarh Fort.

Segway Scooters for Tourists at Nahargarh and Amer Fort

Segway scooters are coming along, riding all the way  to Rajasthan 😀 Yes you heard it right! Now you have a chance to be Akshay Kumar or a carefree child! Starting from today, the tourists visiting Amer and Nahargarh forts in Rajasthan will have an add-on adventure experience of riding a Segway scooter other than elephant rides.

Picture – Hridesh Kumar Sharma, Director Dept. of Archaeology & Museums

Rajasthan’s archaeological department has inked an agreement with a private firm, which will provide the paid scooters  which will run on batteries. These eco-friendly and battery-operated self-balancing scooters are a hit among people abroad, and now they will run in Rajasthan too.

The scooter service will initially be started at Jaleb Chowk in Amer and Nahargarh fort, and the company will charge ₹200 for a ride, a tourism official informed.

The ride will be available between 11am and 3.30pm when the elephant ride is not there, and after 5pm.

 

 

Kumbhalgarh Festival kicked off today

The unconquered fort of Kumbhalgarh is majestic, and the stern and strong stature of the fort is amazingly inspiring!  To patronize the overall aura  and magnificence of Kumbhalgarh area, the tourism department of Rajasthan has organized an exquisite festival- ‘Kumbhalgarh Festival’ purely dedicated to the place!

Kumbhalgarh Festival, every year, in all its glory promotes the artistic and cultural heritage of the place. It is a beautiful effort of the tourism department of Rajasthan, which is primarily divided into two parts-Folk performances at the daytime and an impressive show of light and sound at night.  It is also a platform where India’s finest classical musician, artists and renowned dancers assemble to delight the viewers with their best performances. Among the highlights of this festival includes the dance performance by local artists. Indulging games and sports such as musical chairs, turban tying and tug of war are also a part of the festival that encourages tourists to participate and enjoy.

The festival has kicked off today i.e 01- 03 December 2016 .If you are somewhere near or around Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this fun filled festival.

Here are the rushes from the festival held in March this year 🙂 

Jodhpur’s “Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)” is here to spark up the moods!

On chilling October evenings, when the sun is setting and the sky is filled with orange and reddish hues, you hear light music passing by your ears and the wind embracing your skin gently.  Everybody wrapped in shawls and sweaters, occupying their place on the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, and listening to the enthralling music of Rajasthani Folk musicians. This is exactly how the setting of Jodhpur’s Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is, which is conducted every year in and around Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort.

Image via Google

Jodhpur RIFF is among the world’s top 25 music concerts which soak you totally into Rajasthani culture. This year, the fest is being conducted from 13^th to 17^th October. The event goes on from day to night where talented performers showcase their area of expertise and enthrall the spectators. From Rajasthani folk music to traditional dances, from circus acts to plays, everything keeps people engaged throughout.

Image via Google

The Festival should not to be missed by anyone because this can only be experienced once in a year. The schedule for this year’s RIFF is as below:

Date	Event(s)	Time	Venue
13-Oct	Children’s Folk Morning	9.30 AM to 2.00 PM	Veer Durgadas Memorial Park, Jodhpur
	Opening Night – Variety City Concert	8.30 PM to 10.00 PM
14-Oct	1)      Jodhpur RIFF DAWNS with the Meghwal of Marwar	5.30 AM to 7.30 AM	Jaswant Thada (outside Mehrangarh Fort)
	2)      Kahaniyan Kahan hai?	11.00 AM to 1.00 PM	Chokelao Bagh (Mehrangarh Fort)
	3)      Living Legends I	5.45 PM to 7.15 PM	Lift Terrace (Mehrangarh Fort)
	4)      MOODY RIFF	7.45 PM onwards	Old Zenana Courtyard (Mehrangarh Fort)
	5)      Desert Lounge (all acoustic, traditional – from Rajasthan)	11.30pm onwards	Rao Jodha Park (Mehrangarh Fort)
15-Oct	1)      RIFF DAWNS with Bhaga Khan Manganiyar	5.30 AM to 7.30 AM	Jaswant Thada (outside Mehrangarh Fort)
	2)      Where do we go from here? An interaction with the next generation of Langa and Manganiyar musicians and their teachers. In Residence II – a series of interactive sessions with our custodians of culture	11.00 AM to 1.00 PM	Chokelao Bagh (Mehrangarh Fort)
	3)      Living Legends II	5.45 PM to 7.15 PM	Lift Terrace (Mehrangarh Fort)
	4)      STRINGS and BEATS	7.45 PM onwards	Old Zenana Courtyard (Mehrangarh Fort)
	5)      CLUB MEHRAN	11.30 PM onwards	Venue to be confirmed
16-Oct	1)      RIFF DAWNS with Smita Bellur	5.30 AM to 7.30 AM	Jaswant Thada (outside Mehrangarh Fort)
	2)      Winds of the Thar – The aero-phonic instruments of Rajasthan In Residence III – a series of interactive sessions with our custodians of culture	11.00 AM to 1.00 PM	Chokelao Bagh (Mehrangarh Fort)
	3)      MOONRISE SPECIAL	5.30 pm to 7.00 pm	Jaswant Thada (outside Mehrangarh Fort)
	4)      INSIGHTS	7.30 PM onwards	Old Zenana Courtyard (in Mehrangarh Fort)
	5)      RIFF Rustle at Club Mehran with Ben Walsh and a pick of Rajasthani and international artists from the festival	11.30 PM onwards	Old Zenana Courtyard (in Mehrangarh Fort)
17-Oct	RIFF DAWNS with Jasleen Kaur Monga and Gurmat sangeet	5.30 AM to 7.30 AM	Jaswant Thada (outside Mehrangarh Fort)

For more information, please visit http://www.jodhpurriff.org/index.php

Explore nightlife of Jaipur with “Jaipur by Nite” on September 16 & 17

Great news has arrived for all those who would love to experience night life in Rajasthan. An event called Jaipur by Night is being conducted to promote night tourism in Jaipur. This is going to take place on 16^th and 17^th September.

Band performing in musical night at “Jaipur By Nite” held in 2014

The event will begin with various performances. In fact, 16^th will be dedicated to the cultural performances at the majestic Jaigarh Fort. The entry will begin from 5.30 pm onward where Rajasthani troupe will be performing at Chowk 1 & 2 on the beats of vibrant music while others will be showcasing the various other forms of art such as puppet dance, caricature artist, magic show, handicraft show, live painting at night etc.

Glimpse of musical night at “Jaipur By Nite” held in 2014

A musical concert will also follow at Char Bagh in which the pioneer of Indian pop music, Euphoria will make you tap your feet to the beat of their music. Rajasthan Roots, which is a world’s famous band of folk musicians from Rajasthan, will make you groove under the sheet of stars in the moonlit skies. Then, the event will come to an end with dinner.

Musical night at “Jaipur By Nite” held in 2014

The next day, Jaipur will experience its first after sunset marathon at night at Clarks Amer. The marathon has been divided into two tracks;

10k with timing chip for age group of 14 years and above

5k without timing chip and for all age group.

There will be other attractions running along like roadside bands, music and nukkad show on the theme etc.

Jaigarh Fort

The charges for the event are as mentioned below-

Cultural night at Jaigarh Fort – Rs 2500

10k Marathon – Rs 1000

5k Marathon – Rs 500

For more details, please visit http://www.jaipurbynite.com/