Revel in the royal festivities with Jodhpur Marwar Festival 2018

The most promising and culturally rich Jodhpur festival is the Jodhpur Marwar Festival. It is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. Originally known as the Maand Festival, Marwar Festival is held in the month of Ashwin i.e. September and October. Scheduled for 23rd and 24th October 2018, the festival enthralls the tourists with spectacular activities, sports and musical performances for two days.
The main attraction of this festival is the folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers and the heroic tales of chivalrous soldiers who died in the battlefield with bravery.

The music and dance of the Marwar region is the main theme of this festival. The folk dancers and singers assemble at the festival and provide lively entertainment. These folk artists give the spectators an insight of the days of yore, through their songs.

Among other attractions at the festival, is the camel tattoo show and polo. The venue of this festival includes the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort.

Disclaimer: All images via Rajasthan Tourism Official website

The three Gems of the Blue City, Jodhpur !!

Marvelously situated on the foothill of a sandstone hillock, the city of Jodhpur seems like an oasis in the vast desert. Its history revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in Rajasthan state of royals. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. The marvellous statue of the founder Rao Jodha ji was also unveiled in Jodhpur a couple of years ago on May 12, 2012, on the occasion of 554^th Jodhpur Foundation Day.

Jodhpur is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Rajasthan. People from India as well as all over the world visit Jodhpur every year. There are numerous tourist attractions in Jodhpur, which can also be a reason for your visit this year during the Marwar Festival and Jodhpur International Folk Festival scheduled for the coming months.

Standing as the sentinel of the country’s western border, tour to Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces and the city is charming with its wealth of historic attractions and colorful markets, which specialize in antiques. The major places to see in Jodhpur Rajasthan are:
Mehrangarh Fort

The most breathtaking fort in Jodhpur is the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort such as several palaces, galleries, a museum, and temples.

Umaid Bhavan Palace

One of the most fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

So, if you are planning to visit Jodhpur, try to come at such a time so as to experience the popular events  like Marwar Festival and Jodhpur International Folk Festival, and don’t miss to explore the grandeur of these major places in the beautiful Blue City of Rajasthan!

Re- living 64 Years Of Rajasthan On Rajasthan Diwas Today

As Rajasthan celebrates its 65^th Rajasthan Diwas this year on 30thMarch 2015, we tell you the magnificent journey of 64 years. What makes Rajasthan so unique is its colorful culture, rich heritage and one of the tourist hubs. The state dazzles in its beauty and every glimpse is captures with due importance.

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a state which is known for the richness of traditions, and diverse culture. All the festivals are celebrated with joy, enthusiasm, zeal and zest. Some major fairs and festivals are Pushkar Fair, Jaisalmer Desert Fair, Gangaur, Teej, Marwar Festival, Holi and the list goes on.

2. CUISINES

One cannot leave Rajasthan without tasting its food which is known for it spiciness and rich flavor. Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian but can be put together in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. A sweet is a must which is complemented with every meal. Some relishing dishes are dal bati churma which is a well known delicacy all around the world. Every region in Rajasthan has its own speciality and taste.

3. FORTS, MONUMENTS & PALACES

Rajasthan is well known for its historically rich ‘Forts and Palaces’. The forts of Rajasthan tell stories about the kings and queens and their journey during their period of reign. Each and every fort and fortress has a unique and unparalleled story behind it. Some monuments of Rajasthan are well recognized due to recognition by UNESCO, namely – Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.

4. FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

The folk music and dance are important part of our culture and thus performed at every occasion, may it be a birth of a new born, anniversary or a welcome to the new season. The famous dance form of Rajasthan is Kalbelia, Terahtaali, Ghoomar, Chari, etc. Though dance is not the only art, music is considered important in the state of Rajasthan.

5. WILDLIFE

Rajasthan is an abode to a number of species. It is known for diverse flora and fauna. Rajasthan lying in a desert region and having a varied topography is a home to various species. The Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are well known wildlife sanctuaries in this dry- arid region.

6. HAND BLOCK PRINTING & BLUE POTTERY

Rajasthan is famous for its art and craft. Hand block printing, especially Bagru pint with floral and leaf motifs are seen and worn by a large number. Another recognized traditional art is of blue pottery, which has its origins from Rajasthan in India. In it the color blue and its shades are kept as the base color. Lehariya is also a style which originated from the land of Rajasthan.

7. MUSEUMS

Museums are built to showcase the in-depth history of a place and to know about its culture. The museums of Rajasthan throw limelight to its rich heritage and varied, and diversified culture. Rajasthan is known worldwide for 1^st silver museum in the world, situated in Udaipur. Not to forget the oldest museum of the state- Albert Hall, Jaipur is known for its rare articles. The other museums include- Government Museum in Jodhpur & Ajmer, Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur, etc.

Jodhpur Celebrated Medieval Heroes’ Sagas with Marwar Festival

 

Because of various legends that are sung by bards in the folk lore, the heroic sagas of the kings and warriors have become a vital part of the Rajasthani culture. And the Marwar Festival this year once again brought to life the celebrations of the brave deeds of medieval heroes.

The main theme behind the festival like every year was to praise the heroes and martyrs of the medieval era with scintillating dance performances, recitals and musical nights by the local and renowned artists from various fields.

There were unusual competitions like Pitcher “Matka Race” Turban Tying competition and Mustache Competitions in which foreign tourists participated with much enthusiasm and even won many competitions.

During evenings, various performances like  Kalbeliya dance, terah tali and Kachchi Ghodi were held by folk artists through which they narrated stories from the past sagas.

The festival for two days was an ongoing colorful ride of cultural and traditional bonanza during which everyone in the Jodhpur town was smeared with all the colors of Rajasthani folk arts.

The spirited folk dancers assembled at the various venues like Mehrangarh Fort, Clock tower, and the holy town of Osian to perform with gusto and entertained the audience with Rajasthani traditional art forms.

A small fete “Haat” was also organized by the state tourism and cultural board wherein a number of craftsmen displayed their skills in handicraft and tatoo art on their cattle, where one can even buy displayed artifacts and craft items for themselves and their cattle.

The night concluded with a cheer from the delighted crowd who could be seen sinking in the festive spirits of Marwar festival and the fading sand dunes bade a breezy farewell to the Marwar festival to come again next year.

Picture Courtesy: Rajasthan Tourism

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 .

Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

The blue city of Jodhpur would come alive in October on 28^th and 29th with the art and culture of Rajasthan being showcased in all its glory. The imposing Mehrangarh Fort transforms into one big stage where cultural performances and music and dance are the order of the day. This is festive time and the performances take on a romantic and ethereal hue as it is full moon on those days. Marwar Festival displays the art and culture of Jodhpur city and is fully dedicated to songs and dance of the Marwar region. Besides the song and dances that are the hallmarks of the Marwar Festival, the audience is regaled with Rajasthani folklore that keeps the myths and beliefs of yester years alive. Competitions and activities like horse riding and polo complete the scintillating event.

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The Marwar Festival is not only celebrated in Jodhpur but is also celebrated with great enthusiasm at Mandore, located just 8 kilometers at the outskirts of Jodhpur. Mandore is a place of great historical significance and was traditionally the capital of Marwar. Mandore’s most important feature is the Hall of Heroes, where sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities stand in bright colors and are very well organized.

Pack your bags and head to Rajasthan for the bewitching celebrations and festivals.