Rajasthan, A Colourful And Vibrant State

Bharatpur

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Know More About Bhartpur
Deeg Palace

Iron Fort

Government Museum

Bharatpur Palace

Swamps At Keoladeo National Park

Kingfisher

Central Asian Egret

Coot

Rose Billed Pelicans

Spot Billed Ducks

The region of Bharatpur in Rajasthan is regarded as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is internationally famous for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the top-graded bird Sanctuaries in Asia.
Location:

Bharatpur is located at a distance of 55 kms from Agra, 22 kms from Fatehpur Sikri, 32 kms from Deeg, 39kms from Mathura, 176 kms from Alwar and 184 kms from Jaipur .
Connectivity :

Air: Agra Airport is the nearest airport that has flights for Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi and Lucknow.

Rail: Agra, Bharatpur is also connected to Mathura, Sawai Madhopur and Kota by the main Delhi - Bombay line.

Road: Bharatpur is well connected by road with Agra, Delhi, Mathura and Jaipur. There are regular bus services that operate for all major cities.

History:

Maharaja Suraj Mal founded Bharatpur in 1733 AD and was a well bastioned city. According to a popular legend, Bharatpur derives its name from Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama who was one of the incarnations of Vishnu. Bharatpur was under the dominion of the Jats in the 17th century.
Places to See in Bharatpur :

Lohagarh(Iron) Fort:

The colossal iron edifice was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal. It miraculously withstood the ravages of time and even sustained the numerous British attacks. The fort consists of three palaces namely - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
Government Museum:

This museum is the repository of traditional artefacts, delicately carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions that speak a lot about the region's cultural heritage.
Bharatpur Palace:

The magnificent imperial building reflects the fusion of Mughal and Rajpat architectural styles with majestic apartments and exquisitely designed floor tiles exhibiting fascinating patterns. The ancient exhibits displayed in the museum at the centre of the palace inspire awe of the beholder.
Keoladeo National Park:

The Bharatpur National Park (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) or-as many people prefer to call it-the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi.
While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India; Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a Maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur Lake.
At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world.
The park, with its rich Bio-geographic diversity, is home to more than 380 species of birds - about quarter of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent! It is considered one of the true bird parks of the world. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheat ears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc. The numerous water bodies provide an ideal habitat for Ducks and Waders which are migratory. The park forms a natural crossroad and meeting ground for avian species from high altitude areas, plains and eastern and western regions.
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a rickshaw that are available on hire. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the park management in bird watching and are quite knowledgeable. Boats are also available on hire. A early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur.
Places of Worship:

Ganga Mandir, Laxmi Mandir, Jama Masjid, St.Luke's Church and Gurudwara.

Know More About Bharatpur

Miniature Paintings

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Paper Paintings

Paintings With Mughal Influence

Mewar Style Of Painting

Kishangarh Style Of Painting

Girl Feeding Birds

A Girl With Dog

Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressing than that of Rajasthan. Tradition of painting traces back to the dawn of civilisation. Traces of earth colour drawings on walls and intricate motifs of geometrical and natural designs on clay vessels and potteries have been unearthed in the proto-historic Harappan sites of Kalibangan and Peelibanga in north-western Rajasthan. And these traditions of decorating dwellings and articles are still alive. Rajasthan, is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myth and legend to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from Wall paintings on Palaces to huts, Miniature paintings, Phad and Pichwais. Though many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes. The cost of the painting depends on an artist's workmanship.
Miniature Paintings:

This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting, colourful pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers. The miniature painter did not lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal patrons. The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century. Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court style, yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
Region Wise Description:
Mewar:

One of the largest ateliers in Rajasthan was to be found in Udaipur where progression in miniature art has been rapid. The main theme consisted of traditional texts that ranged from the Krishna Leela to the Ramayana and the Bhagvad Puran (epics of India).The Mewar school is celebrated for its strong colour emphasised along with the accentuated Mughal cross fertilisation .
Marwar :

The Rathore Kingdoms tended to depict similar creative characteristics although they were often at loggerheads, which was rather synonymous to them. With creative expressions they become patrons of some of the greatest collection of Sanskrit and vernacular text and commissioned paintings on a generous scale. The Jodhpur artist merges their works with the traditional figures where the faces were accentuated and the eyes are large and curving (in what have come to be referred to as Jodhpuri eyes). The turbans work high and they portray a sense of vibrant energy. The backgrounds tends to be characteristic with thick rolling clouds. The Paintings do give a peculiar look.
Dhundar (Amer-Jaipur School):

The miniatures of Jaipur managed a very active and formal state of art . Akin to the Mughals in its use of background and court settings, the Jaipur styles differed in other subjects like the secular aspects, etc. The highlight of Jaipur School was its use of understated colours and the depiction of natural scenic views that were exceptional.

Kishangarh:

For sheer lyricism and romance, there is nothing that matches the sheer brilliance of the Kishangarh artist. Being a Rathore Kingdom the works were more or less similar to the house of Marwar. Under the patronage of Savant Singh the art developed a more advanced style. The image of Krishna and Radha took over a prominent style that later on become the most exceptionally attractive figures of miniature painting in the world. The famous Bani Thani was basically inspired by the Krishna- Radha images. The background shares the elaborate styling of Mughal paintings. The use of fine colours on the canvas contributed in ranking it among the finest expressions of work.
Hadoti(Bundi & Kota School):

One of the most eminent styles in the forms of miniature painting, these two ateliers developed their own identity in portraying hunting scenes, the landscapes and the forest scape along with the women leading to colourful works etc. These paintings were marked by a particular green tint and were creatively handled .There is a lyrical expression of love that permeates the paintings.
Bikaner:

One of the finest schools of miniature developed in this dessert state. Though Bikaner artist was more expressive but a mark of Mughal influence adding luxuriant foliage as the highlight made them attractive to compliment the desert conditions.

Phads And Pichwais

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Some Of The Beautiful Phad Paintings

Vase Painted With Phad Painting

Pichwai Painting

The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives in Rajasthan as Phad. A typical Phad is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life and heroic exploits of the two popular folks heroes Pabuji and Dev Narain. It displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Painted by the Joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara based on subjects like Bhagavad purana or other popular folk stories.
The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué form.

Folk Painting

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The Beautiful Folk Paintings Of Rajasthan

Folk art painting has been an integral part of Indian civilization and Indian Folk Painting continues to be a living tradition. Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony and other festivals in Rajasthan. This tradition is found in villages and rural areas practiced by various tribes. Folk art painting has been an integral part of Indian civilization and Indian Folk Painting continues to be a living tradition.

Rajasthani Ornaments

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Rajasthani Tribal Jewellery

Kundan Work

Rajasthani Silver Jewellery

Each area has its own unique style that follows the age-old traditions. Be it the regal and classic forms of jewellery adorned by the Royals, Aristocrats and Nobles done in real Gold, Platinum with precious stones embedded to lend glamour or the rural who prefer the reasonable, chunky Silver or the cheap metal with coloured glass cuts to give it an effect.
Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centre for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.
Rajasthan is known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears. A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its Lac bangles, Kundan and Minakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Chittaur popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are Rakhdi (head ornament), Tussi (necklace), Baju Bandh (armlet), Adah (special neclace worn by Rajputs), Gokhrus (bracelets), Pajebs (anklets), etc.
Kundan,the art of setting stones in gold famous in Bikaner and Jodhpur.
Minakari is the Art of enamelling in gold and silver for other metal (meenakari can be done in precious, semi precious gems or the cheaper coloured glass also. it is made in Jaipur, Nathdwara and Pratapgarh.
Regal and exquisite Ornaments: Made in precious and semi precious gems. (Ex. Ruby, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire. It is made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jaipur market holds the monopoly in the jewellery houses all over India and in the global arena too. This colourful market is popular as the name of JOHARI BAZAAR which ranks among the most exclusive jewellery markets in the world.The variety of ranges is beyond compare and not only does it cater for the elites or the high socialites but a vast collection of semi-precious and silver creations are at display in reasonable prices too. An exclusive Rajasthani traditional work of art is of setting precious stones (diamond chips, precious gems, ) in solid 22-carat gold, the design and workmanship is beyond compare. It is famous of Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Lac Work

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Pink Bangle Set

Multi Coloured Bangle Set

Lac Kadha

Bangles are most exclusive and auspicious for a Rajasthani women. Lac work bangles are a sign of good omen. Made in astonishing design and variety, using flat colours, some marbled while others flash a white shining reflection from shine stone or tiny mirrors( with intricate cuts). Glass Bangles in astonishing colours are a delight with the Indian women. Although accessible in most of the parts of Rajasthan, its collection is exclusive in Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Blue Pottery

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Some Of The Beautiful Articles Of Blue Pottery

Diyas

Ash Tray

Candle Stand

Flower Vase

Pot

Surahi

An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji was first introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of differentshapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.

Metal Craft

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Some Of The Beautiful Metal Works Of Rajasthan

Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage, than traditional.

Wooden Artefacts

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Wooden Candle Stand

Wooden Jewellery Box

Wooden Table

Wood-sometimes plain often painted- is used to make everything from furniture to artefacts.While the furniture ranges from the made-as old that is such a range all over the world, its contemporary variants include chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets. Artefacts include a range of animal -horses ,elephants, parrots- that are beautifully painted as well as boxes, chests snuff boxes and other interesting paraphernalia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the doors.

Leather Ware

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Rajasthani Jooties

Leather Hand Bags

The hides of dead animals is used by skilled cobblers for Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jooties reflect the unique style of every district they belong to. It is amazing how the leather is beaten, tanned and dyed and put to the best use. The leather is punched and gouged to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered with woolen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer is famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli), stringed instruments (Kamayacha) made out of leather. Bikaner is best known for painted Lampshades, shields, vases, Mojharies made out of camel hide. Hard Bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.

Stone Carving

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Stone Carved Statue Of Goddess Saraswati

Old Stone Carving At Alwar

Religious themes are carved in stone all over Rajasthan. The images are life- like and are skillfully sculptured in different varieties of stone.Statues of gods & goddesses, animals and human figures are carved out of while marble in Jaipur.
The soft, Pink sandstone, Tamara stone and the soft Chlorite of Dungrapur are the other varities of stones that are used for making icons, utility items, figures etc. White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything is used to make elegant statuary, idols,figurines, carved panels, even elaborate jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.

Rajasthani Cuisine

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Lip Smacking Cuisine

Baati With Dal And Shrikhand

Land of Princes, as Rajasthan is called, shows off, many a fine gastronomic both within the palaces and outside. The royal kitchens of Rajasthan, the preparation of food was a very complex matter and was raised to the levels of an art form. Thus the 'Khansamas' (the royal cooks) worked in the stately palaces and kept their most enigmatic recipes to themselves. Some recipes were passed on to their descendants and the rest were passed on as skills to the chefs of semi states and the branded hotel companies.
Rajasthani cooking was inclined to the war-like lifestyle of the medieval Rajasthan and the availability of ingredients of the region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have had their effect on cooking.
In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use a minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. A distinct feature of the Maheshwari cooking is the use of mango powder, a suitable substitute for tomatoes, scarce in the desert, and asafoetida, to enhance the taste in the absence of garlic and onions.
Generally, Rajasthani curries are a brilliant red but they are not as spicy as they look. Most Rajasthani cuisine uses pure ghee (clarified butter) as the medium of cooking. A favourite sweet dish called lapsi is prepared with broken wheat (dalia) sautéed in ghee and sweetened.
Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma(dal is lentils;bati is baked wheat ball; and churma is powdered sweetened cereal), but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. Besides, each region is distinguished by its popular sweet - Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur to name a few.
Contrary to popular belief, people of Rajasthan are not all vegetarians.The unique creation of the Maharaja of Salwar is the Junglee maas. Junglee maas was a great favourite among the Maharajas and due to the paucity of exotic ingredients in the camp kitchen, the game brought in from the hunt was simply cooked in pure ghee, salt and plenty of red chillies. However, now this dish has been adapted to the less controversial ingredients like kid/lamb, pork or poultry.
The personal recipes of the royal KHANSAMA still rotates around their generations and are the highlights of regal gatherings. Each state of Rajasthan had their own style of the recipes, and are continued in the Rajput households. It was mainly the men folks of the family that prepared the non-veg. Some of the Maharajas apart from being great hunters relished the passion of cooking the SHIKARS themselves for their chosen guests and the trend continues among the generation.

Forts And Palaces

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Moti Dungari

Jaigarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort

Amber Fort

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Mehrangarh Fort

City Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace

Sajjangarh Palace

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

Cloud Palace At Junagarh Fort

Gajner Palace

Taragarh Fort

Man Mahal

Jaisalmer Fort

Sukh Niwas Palace

Taragarh Fort

The architecture is basically secular and draws a lot on stimulation from the Mughals, while later day architecture also embraces European interiors. These structures encompass mahals (palaces), zenanas (women’s quarters), diwan-I-aam (public audiences), diwan-I-khas (private audiences), sils (galleries), mandir (temples), bagh (garden) chatris and ramparts for display and parades.
Jaipur:

.Moti Dungari

.Jaigarh Fort

.Nahargarh Fort

.AmberCity Palace

Jodhpur:

.Umaid Bhawan Palace

.Mehrangarh Fort

Udaipur:

.City Palace

.Fateh Prakash Palace

.Sajjangarh

.Kumbhalgarh Fort

.Chittorgarh Fort

Bikaner:

.Junagarh Fort

.Lal Garh Palace

.Gajner palace

Ajmer:

.Taragarh Fort

.Man Mahal

Jaisalmer:

.Jaisalmer Fort

Bundi:

.Sukh Niwas Palaces

.Taragarh fort

Mount Abu:

.Achalgarh

Temples

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Temples At Chittorgarh

Carved Ceiling Of The Temple

Kalika Mata Temple In The Chittorgarh Fort

Temples At Kiradu

Dilwara Temple At Mount Abu

Carved Pillars Of The Temple

Ranakpur Temple Near Udaipur

Beautifully Carved Ceilings Of The Temple

Pillared Walls Of The Temple

Wall Details

The great architectural movement which swept Rajasthan from the 8th to the 11th century was really a later flowering of the virile development inspired by the Guptas during the 4th, 5th and 6th centuries. The 8th and 9th century also saw new styles of temples emerging from the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from Mandore. Temples built around this time also include temples at Chittorgarh and Osiyan in western Rajasthan. The familiar feature of these temples is single sikhara or spire and intricately carved outer chamber called the mandup before the inner sanctum. In many temples the main temple would be surrounded by series of small and finely carved temples. A good example of these are Kalika Mata Temple and Kumbha Shyam temples in the Chittorgarh fort. Temples at Kiradu in western Barmer known as Solanki style are known for sculptured frescos. The best example in this is the Someshvara Temple, which has fine sculptured fresco, and a multi tiered spire.
The 10th century saw the constructions of many splendid Jain Temple, notable amongst them are the Dilwara Temples at Mt Abu, Mahavira Temple at Ghanerao in southern Rajasthan and Ranakpur near Udaipur. At Ranakpur the Chomukha meaning four faced is the finest. It features a series of mandupas decorated with intricate carving giving a breath taking symmetry. A group of Jain Temples at Jaisalmer are also noteworthy.
A great deal of this fine architecture, however, was destroyed during the earlier Muslim invasions.

Havelis

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The Merchants of Rajasthan built sumptuously decorated mansions as residences known as havelis. The merchants had commissioned artisans to ensure that they construct and decorate the havelis in a manner that befits the prosperity of the owner. Havelis are common everywhere in Rajasthan but havelis at Shekhawati and Jaisalmer are worth visiting.

Shekhawati Havelis

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Beautifully Painted Havelis

Haveli At Night

Painted Walls Of The Haveli

Shekhawati as a region is known for its beautifully painted Havelis, that spreads over Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu districts in north-western Rajasthan. Built by rich Marwari merchants of the region, Shekhawati's magnificent mansions display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the womenfolk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers.
Painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo, the Havelis of Shekhawati have beautiful frescoes that adorn their walls. Earlier wall paintings were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting gods, heroes, epics and local legends; animals, portraits of hunting and wrestling scenes and glimpses of every day life.
The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the British Raj's influence upon the Indian Culture. The paintings continued with the mythological themes, but the new entries included European oleographs, lithographs and photographs. Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of Haveli owners primly dressed were painted profusely.

Jaisalmer Havelis

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Patwon Ki Haveli

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and is still partially lived in.
Salim Singh was the prime minister of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and, it is said that it once had two additional wooden storey, in an attempt to make it as high as the Maharaja's Palace. The Maharaja of Jaisalmer had the upper storey torn down.
The late 19th century Nathmal ki Haveli was also a prime minister's house. The left and right wings of the building were carved by brothers and are very similar but not identical. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building and the front door alone is a work of art.

Music

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Music sung by women is mostly about water and the style is called panihari. It depicts daily chores and is cantered around the well. In arid area like Rajasthan water is of immense significance. Some of the folk songs also talk about chance encounter with their lover. Some even have snipes at the incorrigible mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Music here, also has strong religious flavour and is sung in dedication to various deities. Some religious songs are folk idioms of Saints, Surdas, Kabirdas, Meerabai and others. These songs are mostly heard in nightlong soirées.
Music traditions are kept alive by entertainer like the Langas, Manganniyars, Mirasis and Dholis. The education in music of these groups began early and passed down from generation to generation. The folk musicians are apt in classical tradition. Songs normally began with an alap, which set the tune of the song and then recital of the couplet that is called the dooba. The songs also have the taan, the pitch and the tibias -the triplet, which lends variance to the tune.
Ballad traditions of Rajasthan are also of great attention. Here bards sing heroic tales of folk heroes like Tejaji,Gogaji and Ramdeoji. They sing and narrate heroic tales of battles and even of legendary lovers and their tragedies. To distinctive category in this tradition are the 'Phad' and the puppetry.
The accompanying instruments are of various varieties to repercussion, string and wind and even common use utilities like bells, thali (metal dishes) and earthen pots.

Dance

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Fire Dance

Ghoomar Dance

Chari Dance

Kalbelia Dance

Matka Bhawai Dance

Kathputli Dance(The Puppet Dance)

The Thar Desert of Rajasthan comes alive when its dancers take the center stage. Rajasthan has great variety of dances, which are simple expressions of celebration and festivity. The dancers, the dances and costumes have made Thar the most colorful desert in the world. Each region adding its own form of dance styles and performers. There are dances that follows a lineage of age old traditions, adhere to religious significance, display their daring attitude as well as complimenting various fairs and festivals.

Ghoomar, a community dance for women performed on auspicious occasions. Gair Ghoomar, Raika, Jhoria and Gauri are particularly of Bhil tribe. Gair is performed on Holi but only by the men folk. Chari dance, with pots on the head and a lighted lamp, is popularly performed on marriage occasions or on the birth of a male child. Kalbelia dance is of the kalbelia tribe, the snake charmers. With numerous pots on the head, women excel the balancing act in the Matka-bhawai. Terah taali, is a ritual for Baba Ramdev, a dance with thirteen manjiras. Other dances are Kachhi-Ghodi, Kathputli (the puppet dance), Fire dance, drum dance and various others pertaining to the particular tribes. Kathhak, a popular dance form being imported from Uttar Pradesh have been revived by the rajputana courts, with a style and theme of its own.

Teej Festival

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Young Girls Are Also A Part Of The Festival

A Procession Is Taken Out In Jaipur To Celebrate The Festival

Singing And Dancing During The Festival

Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Festival of Teej is widely celebrated, but its real charm can be found only in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Teej celebrates the arrival of monsoon, after the scorching sun of summers. Teej is celebrated in the month of 'Shravan' (July-August), according to the Hindu calendar.

Gangaur Festival

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Gangaur is a significant festival of Jaipur, especially meant for the women. Gangaur festival is widely acclaimed and celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur is derived from two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which are synonyms of 'Siva' and his consort 'Parvati' respectively.

Elephant Festival

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Festival Commences With A Parade Of Decorated Elephants

Pushkar Fair

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Camel Trading During Pushkar Fair

Giant Wheel At Pushkar Fair

Urs Of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti

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Beautifully Lighted Dargah During Urs

Rush During Urs

A Region Of Unending Fairs And Festivals

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Rajasthan has an unending cycle of fairs and festivals throughout the year. They are perhaps the most colourful and spectacular in the whole of India. Besides the festivals born out of age old traditions, there are others which celebrate seasons, cattle marts which turn out to be enthralling fairs, craft fairs that highlights the crafts of the different regions and so on. Rajasthani festivals give an insight to the colourful life style of the Rajasthani people and are mesmerizing with their folk dances, music, drama and animal races. Some of the main Fairs and festivals of the region are:
Festivals:
.Teej Festival
.Gangaur Festival
.Elephant Festival
.Desert Festival
.Mewar Spring Festival
.Bikaner festival
.Brij Festival
.Marwar Festival
.Summer Festival
.Winter Festival
.Sheetala Ashtami
.Alwar Festival

Fairs:
. Pushkar Fair
.Sheetla Mata Fair
.Karni Mata Fair
.Kapil Muni fair
.Banganga Fair
.Jambheswar fair
.Sitabari fair
.Veerpuri fair
.Jeen Mata and Annakoot fair
.Ramdeora fair
.Mallinath fair
.Hero-Worship Fair
.Kaila Devi Fair
.Adivasi fair
.Rani Sati fair
.Gogaji fair
.Galiyakot Urs
.Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti