Rajasthani Dance

Rajasthani Dance

Rajasthani dances are very famous and popular all around the world. There are many dance  in Rajasthan which are mind blowing, skill full, enjoyable which can be perform by any age group. There are many other dances of  Rajasthan’s traditional  forms are very much different and difficult also as only skilled person can do it.

The Ghoomar dance is famous in Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance is famous in Jaisalmer have gained international recognition and competitions also. Chari dance is famous in kisherighar, kathputli dance, kalbelia dance, kachchhighori dance etc.

Now we will discuss about some famous dance of Rajasthan:

Ghoomar Dance:

Ghoomar is also known by the name Jhumar, which  can be enjoyable, joyful  performed by women of any age group. It is special for its special kind of footwork. There is no time limit for this dance. It  may continue for hours or for the whole night.

People who perform Ghoomar dance moves in different directions steps by step and in between performers sometimes hold their hands and even clap their hand. Changing of steps with the beats of the songs is important because of the dance increases, the dancers interest.

Chakri Dance:

It is clear from the name Chakri means ‘Chakkar’ which means circle, rotation in Hindi language. This is one of the most famous folk dance of Kanjar tribe. This  Dance is performed almost in all the marriages and festivals in every part of the Rajasthan. Chakri dance is performed by the women folk of Kanjar tribe.

The people of this district were the first who came up with Chakri dance and now it became popular and moved to various parts of Rajasthan. It is also famous in nearby places of Chhipa Barod etc. Chakri dance also consist of series of fast movements with the beats of the Dhol. Chakri dance is guided by traditional songs where male performers gives robust rhythm on the Dholak.

Fire Dance:

Fire dance is famous in the desert area of Rajasthan where people perform fire dance in a very unique way. This folk dance shows the living style of Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu districts of Rajasthan. Fire dance is a very difficult dance to perform and is carried out by the Banjara society or community. This dance is the example of the lifestyle of the Banjara community and is performed on a large ground. In this dance the Jasnathi boys and men jump on to the fire with drum beats. The dance consist of breathtaking fire stunts where the dancers perform by holding fire rods in their hands and filling up their mouths with kerosene oil which is very dangerous. The fire rods are also moved on their heads and legs by the dancers according to the beats. The performance of fire dance on a large bed of flaming coals of fire is considered as a specialty of this region.

Chari Dance:

The Chari dance is the dance which is very famous in Rajasthan which is performed by the women only. Chari dance shows the art of filling water in a chari or pot by the Rajasthani womens. The woman’s of Rajasthan travels miles to fill water for the families and the joy is reflected through this Chari dance. This folk dance is performed by groups of women dancers. In chari dance woman hold chari or pots on their head and a lighted lamp is then placed in the pot to show this dance. These ladies carry brass pots on their heads by balancing it on their head with the very perfection. These pots are kept in flame with the cotton seeds dipped in oil. These lit pots shows the beautiful effect in the dark night. While doing this dance woman dance with holding brass pots (Chari) on their heads without the support of their hands and move together in a circulation direction and dance on a same sequence which shows the outstanding performance. This dance is also known as a welcome dance in festivals and marriages to the guest and is a significance of goodness.

Gair dance:

Gair dance is also one of the famous dance of Rajasthan. This traditional folk dance is one of the many best dance from all the regions of Rajasthan. In this dance there are few performances where both men and women can dance together. It can also be perform by complex patterns according to the ability and capacity of the dancers. It is normally performed by reciting the name Priyanka. Men perform the dance in a big circle with wood stick in there hands and move in a particular direction.The Gair dance of Rajasthan is performed by groups of dancers by making a big circle and moving in and out a big circle. There are several differences in the performance of men and women in this dance while performing this dance.

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tourist places in rajasthan

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popular food in Rajasthan

5 Popular Rajasthani Food

Rajasthan is the land of Maharajas, which is famous for its rich culture like food, dressing etc, but what makes the state famous and popular is its cuisine and food culture. Rajasthan is love their food and it is evident in their preparations of every dish which they make for special functions. Dal Bati Churma and Laal Maas are the most famous dishes from the Rajasthan. Every food lover must have tasted these famous dishes at least once. Your trip to Rajasthan is incomplete if you haven't experienced or tasted their mouth watering  dishes.

Here are 10 delicious from the land of the Maharajas that you just have to try whenever you visit to Rajasthan.

1.Dal Bati and Churma

 

Dal Bati and Churma is very famous dish of Rajasthan. The equivalent of Dal Bati and Churma is credited to the fact that soldiers during the time of battle needed food that could last longer and also provide a sufficient amount of energy to the soldiers.

Though it started as an rigor dish. This dish pleased the palates of kings and hence common people.

Dal Bati is bread prepared dish from whole wheat flour and fillings of onions and peas. It is commonly served with Dala which is very thick stew made from pulses.

2.Mawa Kachori

Mawa Kachori is a version of kachori, Mawa Kachori is an exotic dessert. Rajasthan is famous for their rich food and culture. Pastry filled with aromatic mixture of mawa and nuts which makes it a very tasty and festive dessert.The Mawa Kachori is filled with dry fruits and khoya, deep fried and then dipped in sugar syrup then freez it.

3.Methi Bajra Poori

The steaming hot Rajasthani snack is a favourite among health concious people. Prepared with small quantity of oil.These finger licking steamy pooris tastey and delicious with chutney, aaloo and raita .

4.Gatte ki Khichdi

For this dish you don’t need any fresh vegetables and that’s its speciality. This curry is made with gram flour dumplings (steamed and lightly fried) and tangy gravy made up of tomato, buttermilk and spices. It’s best enjoyed with rotis (Indian flat bread) and rice.

5.Laal Maas

You cannot talk about Rajasthani dishes without mentioning the crowd favourite, Laal Maas . This spicy dish gets its colour from the fiery red chillies. Best served with bajra rotis , this dish with plain rice won't disappoint you.

6.Mohan Maas

This meal is perfect for the Maharajas and this is a treat for every non-vegetarian people which is very delicious and tasty . The meat is cooked with milk and mild spices which makes it tasty and juicy. The thick gravy of Mohan Maas infused with the flavours of khus-khus, lemon and cardamom brings out the lovely and yummy flavour of the dish.

7.Rajasthani Kadi

All of us have had kadi from Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttarakhand, Haryana . The Rajasthani version of kadi is a pungent and spicy one which will give your taste buds a kick start. This light and healthy dish is a staple diet in the state and goes well with rice.

8.Churma Ladoo

There are number of foods in Rajasthan but no Rajasthani food is complete without Churma Ladoos because Churma Ladoo is made by desi ghee and served after dal bati are the most delicious sweets you could have. These mouthwatering sweet ladoos are a must try once whenever you visit.

9.Badam ka Halwa

Badam ka halwa is one of the most delicious sweet dish especially of rajasthan, if there is a way to revisit your childhood memories then this halwa is it. This hot piping halwa is your best buddy, especially during winters season which is prepared with dry fruits, suji, sugar and ghee, it melts as soon as it lands on your tongue and make you go umm…

10.Gujia

Commonly known as a sweet savored during Holi , the majestic Gujia just had to be from the state of the royals of Rajasthan. The sugar syrup that oozes out of the khoya and dry fruit will instantly give you a much needed sugar rush after eating Gujia.

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Famous Forts of rajasthan

Most Famous Forts Of Rajasthan

1.Jaisalmer Fort

The Sonar Quila like a sparkling crown on Trikuta Hill, the limitless expanses of Thar Desert in each directions. Changing colors with movement of Sun, this yellow and golden sandstone vista is actually a maze of thin and narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, famous eating places, beautiful Hindus and Jain temples from 4 massive gateways. In the mid of 12th century, it is one of the most famous must visit forts in Rajasthan that has been a generous cradle of life.

Location: Jaisalmer

How to Reach: Jodhpur has the closest airport (282 km.). Jaisalmer has excellent road and direct rail connectivity.

2.Amber Fort

Amber Fort is among the wounderful hill forts of Rajasthan that find places among all over the World Heritage Sites. The 10th century fort, the military architectural defense of Rajputs and overlooks beautiful lakes, water tanks, gardens and forested hills of Aravalli Range. Constructed in marble and red sandstone, it hosts grand palaces, halls and temples and without disturbing breathes in the cool hilly wind. An elephant ride to the fort is simply breathtaking and gives the very good ride.

Location: Amer Town near Jaipur

How to Reach: Jaipur Airport is just 25 km. away. The city also has a railway station and road connections with top destinations near the fort.

3.Mehrangarh Fort

 

The Dark Knight Rises, Mehrangarh Fort the international limelight as one of the beautiful and best fort to visit in Rajasthan. The beautifully decorated palaces and the most visit museum featuring royal palanquins,painting turbans, armory and howdahs are the highlights of the fort which boasts of seven massive gateways. This 15th century fort seems to enjoy the mesmerizing sights of blue-painted houses.

Location: Jodhpur

How to Reach: Well-connected by road, rail and air (via Jodhpur Airport).

4.Ranthambore Fort

The fort was constructed in the early 11th century and remained invincible for a long time. Though in the state of, the fort has not lost its charm and is counted among Rajasthan famous forts. Palaces and temples especially ‘Ganesha Temple’ are the top important, while the passion of being in the tiger country is beyond any description of the each and everything related to the fort.

Location: Near Sawai Madhopur Town

How to Reach: While Sawai Madhopur is accessible by road and rail, the closest airport is at Jaipur (139 km.).

5.Kumbhalgarh Fort

The Kumbhalgarh fort is the 2nd largest fort in the state and having the world’s 2nd largest wall.The Kumbhalgarh fort is a true powerful and strong defense architecture. Home to massive ramparts and gates, amazing palaces and temples and well designed gardens with flowers, plants and trees the fort offers incredible views of deep lavish forests.

Location: About 102 km. from Udaipur

How to Reach: The airport is very closest to the Udaipur while  Falna Railway Station is about 68 km. away.  Direct buses and taxis are available from Udaipur.

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Hawa Mahal

History

The renowned 'Palace Of The Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is one of the outstanding tourist attractions in Jaipur city. It is located in the heart of Jaipur, beautiful five-storey palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty. It is made of red and pink sandstone and was built by Lal Chand Ustad. This palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna. The attraction of Mahal is its pyramid shape and  953 windows (Jharokhas) which are decorated with beautiful designs. The main motive behind the creation of Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never carry in public.

History

It was in 1799, the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur.Sawai Pratap Singh's devotion to Lord Krishna is conspicuous in the palace's construction as it resemble the lord's crown. Many reasons behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main reason. During those days, Rajput royal women did not came in public or in front of crowed or strangers because of fear. They were follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets of every city. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was constructed so that nobody can harm them, they complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.

Architecture

Hawa Mahal is constructed as a beehive castle with many small windows, which has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately 50 feet high, has walls less than a foot thick from the ground. Construction of red and pink sand stones by Lal Chand Ustad, Hawa Mahal is well known for its windows or (Jharokhas) which enable free rotation of air. Its entrance is a door which is spacious courtyard surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides of every portion.The top three storeys have a single room while the bottom storeys have courtyards. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper floors, the storeys are connected with slopes. At the top of Hawa Mahal, you have an beautiful view of the city.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

The various attractive and beautiful, well decorated places around Hawa Mahal like the Govind Devji temple,Jantar Mantar, Ram Niwas Bagh, Amar fort, BM Birla Planetarium, Statue Circle, Sisodia Rani Garden, Jain Temple and so on which are very beautiful and attractive places. This also tells us the various old stories of these places.Hope this article about Hawa Mahal familiarizes you with Hawa Mahal and its historic significance.

           

           

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Top 5 Places To Visit In Rajasthan

Rajasthan, known radically by the name Rajputana or the land of the kings, is the biggest state in the republic of India. It covers an area of 342,239 sq km which is 10.4% of India. However despite of its large size it is enclosed by the Great Indian Desert, Thar. The Thar Desert runs equally to the Sutlej-Indus river valley. Being situated at the front of Indian civilization, the state of Rajasthan has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings’. Rajasthan houses an wounderful display of arts and architecture, amenities of it being a princely state. Each person of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse famous places in the world.

1. Jaipur

Visitor Information:

• Famous for: Heritage, Forts, Shopping, Cuisine.
• Major Attractions: City Palace, Amer Fort, Pink City Bazaars.
• Nearby Places: Ajmer, Sawai Madhopur, Pushkar.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days or more

The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the biggest city in the princely state of Rajasthan. It was established in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber. Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the perfect saffron or pink color of the buildings. The construction of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture). The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top most preffering tourist locations.

2. Udaipur

Visitor Information:

• Famous for: Heritage, Forts, Lakes, Weddings.
• Major Attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Lake Palace.
• Nearby Places: Nathdwara, Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

The City of Udaipur is known by its common name, the city of lakes.Udaipur was constructed in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II. The Mewar Rajputs founded the city to relocate their capital from Chittor to a more secure and private location. Today, most of the palaces have been molded into hotels, thus attracting a huge no. of tourist or visitors crowed to this city.Apart from its various palaces, forts, market places, and various temples are also the reason for its popularity of the city. The cities are well planned and builded and the people hospitable, the place is not only famous for its palaces and monuments but for the forts also, the city of Udaipur has a lot to offer its visitors or touristors.

Some of the attractions nearby Udaipur city are Dungarpur, Ghanerao, Banswara, Dungarpur, Rajsamand, Nathdwara, Haldighati,  Kumbhalgarh and Mount Abu.

3. Jodhpur

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Heritage, Forts, Cuisine.
• Major Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan.
• Nearby Places: Osian, Phalodi, Ranakpur.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.

The second biggest City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is also the second most populated city of Rajasthan . The city was constructed in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar. Jodhpur is also famous by the name of Sun City as it enjoys a bright sunny weather all around. It is considered to be the most famous city of  Rajasthan as it lies only at a distance of 250 km from the Indo-Pakistan border.

There are many  hill forts, palaces, hotels and the old walled city are just a handful of attractions from the multitude that this wonderful city has to offers.

Other places nearby Jodhpur are Khimsar, Pali, Nagaur, Ranakpurand Phalodi. These places are a must visit.

4. Jaisalmer

Visitor Information:

• Famous for: Heritage, Thar Desert, Havelis.
• Major Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes.
• Nearby Places: Lodhruva, Barmer.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

The appropriately named 'golden city', which comes from its view during the day, the city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was constructed by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad and it accomplish its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert . This is an important and famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are famous to this region. It shine on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a large no. of tourists from all around the world.

The unique and most important  feature about the city of Jaisalmer is its architecture and construction. It was constructed as a walled city which makes it one of the biggest forts in the world. To get more information about the main tourist spots in Jaisalmer, Other noteworthy places near Jaisalmer that would enhance  your experience are Kuldhara, Khuri, Lodhruva and Barmer.

5. Pushkar

Visitor Information:

• Famous for: Lord Brahma, Hinduism, Camel Safari.
• Major Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple.
• Nearby Places: Ajmer, Jaipur.
• Ideal Visit Time: Half day.

The holy City of Pushkar is often represent as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is situated at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was generated by the tears of Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often lump together with the Hindu mythology. It is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are patronize by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath.

The most importent attraction of Pushkar is the annual camel fair. It is a five day fair held where people buy and sell shorthorns. But that’s not all the fair is home to a large no. of tourist crowd that is attracted by the music, dance, stalls and various events that are held here during the camel fair. Camel races are one of the most interested as well.

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