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Festivals In Rajasthan -
The Spirit of Celebration
Rajasthan is the 'Land of Celebration'. The
fairy-tale forts and palaces across its golden
sands conjure up endless fascinating images
of chivalrous kings, beautiful princesses and
lavish darbars. The mark of royalty is all-pervasive
in this desert land and is seen not only on
the vivid frescoes and murals of the palaces
but also in the pomp and pageantry of the brightly
dressed people.
Although vast areas of Rajasthan are tones
of beige and brown, its people dress up most
colourfully, making up for the lack of a colourful
landscape. Not only the multi-hued costumes
of the people, but also the richly carved mansions,
gaily decorated livestock and the bustling bazars
selling fabulous wares all splashes of colour.
In a land where social customs are still governed
by age-old traditions, it is only natural to
see women is swirling skirts who spontaneously
pull the veil or ghunghat over their faces at
the sight of a man. The village women adorn
themselves with heavy silver jewellery around
the ankles, waist, neck and the wrist or dangling
from the ears, nose and hair.
Many of these ethnic ornaments have now become
a craze among the urban elite, both at home
and abroad. The rich heritage of Rajasthan manifests
itself in the latticed havelis, ornate palaces
and intricately carved temples, some of them
dating back to the 7th century. The true-to-life
images and architectural complexity of the buildings
speak volumes about the skill and dexterity
of the artisans. The spirit of romance, valour
and faith is quintessential to Rajasthan and
is delicately yet inseparably blended in its
art, culture and hauntingly addictive music
and dance.
Rajasthan's tradition can be captured at
its festive best at the fairs and festivals,
which are dazzlingly theatrical and lively.
In fact, anytime of the year is festival time
in Rajasthan. The festivities are marked by
folk dances and music played on a variety of
locally made instruments. All the fairs and
festivals are widely attended by people from
all walks of life.
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