Khamma Ghani
While Rajasthan may not be the official cultural capital of India, Rajasthani culture is definitely worth experiencing. It is the culture and heritage of the state that truly brings out its soul. Every aspect of Rajasthani culture is colourful, vibrant, and packed with loads of zeal.
Overview
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Vibrant, opulent, and mesmerisingly beautiful are what spell out Rajasthani culture. Rajasthan, which means “the abode of kings”, gets its name from the many Rajput kings who ruled the state before British rule. Over centuries, Rajasthan has been ruled by various Rajput, Maratha, and even Muslim rulers, which has led to its diverse culture. The state is home to a colourful bouquet of awe-inspiring monuments, expansive forts, magical palaces, lively folk dances, alluring handicrafts, and some delectable delicacies that are unique only to Rajasthan. |
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MandSimilar to Thumri or Gazal, Mand singers are the most sophisticated artists of folk music and are the most exclusive contribution to the classical music of India. One of the most famous Rajasthani Mand singers is Allah Jilai Bai of the Bikaner Gharana. |
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PanihariTrue to the environmental realities of Rajasthan, overworked women created melodious numbers that spoke of flowing rivers and the splashing waves. Most songs often had water and rains as their theme. Soon Panihari songs became famous and common. This is the more celebrated form of music famous among the drier parts of Rajasthan. |
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Pabulji Ki PhachThe melancholy period of the Bhopas explore the townships of Rajasthan and entertain the bystanders with their performance related to the Pabuji Ki Phach Folk Music with descriptions of the beautiful architecture and culture of the Bhopas. It is performed in the commemoration of about a 14th century folk hero who is the most honored protagonist of the Bhopa community. |
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GhoomarMade famous by the beautiful Rani Padmavati of Chittorgarh, you must have seen Deepika Padukone perform it effortlessly on many occasions. A community dance form of the Rajputs, it is performed by the women of the house using swaying movements in circles to convey the joyousness and celebrate the spirit of any auspicious occasion. |
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Bhavai DanceBhavai is a skillful and wonderful dance performance by the women balancing 6 to 7 brass or earthen pots on the head. To perform this traditional dance form needs great effort and hard work. Apart from balancing the pots, they will dance by placing their feet on a plate or on the edge of a weapon. Just think, balancing the pots and dancing within a plate, it's really mind-blowing dance performance. |
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Terah TaalTerah Taal is the most ancient art of Rajasthan which is very important and skilled dance form. The main part of this dance form is thirteen Manjeeras means small brass discs. These thirteen brass discs will be attached to the different parts of the body. When the dancer moves these discs makes rhythmical sounds. Along with these, dancer balances a sword in their mouth and pots on the head. |
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GairGair is another famous folk dance form by the Bhil community and this dance performance mostly taken place during the festivals like Holi and Janmashtami. Both men and women perform this dance form in colorful traditional attires. Men attires look attractive in long skirts and also they handle sticks for rhythmic beats. The dance formations in clockwise and anti-clockwise moves according to the music beats attracts everyone. |
The word “Rajasthan” itself makes us think of royalty, culture, heritage, and, vibrant colors. The spirit of incredible India comes majorly from Rajasthan. If you want to explore this state to a great extent then you should attend the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is famed all over the world for its colourful fairs and festivals, held throughout the year. It seems that every month hosts some exciting event, such as the International Kite Festival (Jan), the Desert Festival (Feb), the Elephant Fair (Mar), the Teej Festival (August), Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Oct), the Pushkar Fair (Nov), and the Magnetic Fields Festival (Dec). These are of course separate from the many religious festivals, such as Holi.
One cannot speak about Rajasthani culture without speaking of Rajasthan's joyous and colourful festivals. They are as popular as their art, handicrafts, and architecture and are celebrated in full swing every year. Some are of religious importance, others celebrate ethnicity, some display the state and its heritage, and some are solely cultural events.
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Brij Holi, BharatpurHoli is the most loved festival of India which is celebrated in Bharatpur in a grand style. Since Lord Krishna is worshiped in this festival, the love story of Radha & Krishna is showcased in form of the “Raslila” dance. |
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Gangaur Festival, JaipurFollowing the day of Holi, the Gangaur festival gets started and celebrated for 18 days by women. A grand procession happens with the idol of Goddess Gauri (Parvati) carried by women all around the city accompanied by elephants, chariots, old royal palanquins, camels, and dancing folk artists. The celebration ends with lighting fireworks in the sky when the idol of Gangaur is immersed in water which indicates the departure of Gauri. |
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Desert Festival, JaisalmerOne must visit Jaisalmer in February when the 3 days event is held by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. Desert festival is celebrated in Sam Dunes of Jaisalmer desert. Delicious food, folk songs & dance, camel race, longest mustache, turban tying, and Mr. Desert competition are the highlights of this festival. |
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TeejTeej is one of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan and is celebrated with grandeur, complete with traditional songs and dances. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Teej and her gold palanquin is taken across the city with decorated elephants, horses, and camels in a grand procession. The sweet dish ghewar is a special delicacy prepared especially for this festival. |
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Pushkar Camel FairThe Pushkar Camel Fair is a traditional festival where thousands of camels are gathered for trade. The festival is one of its kind and is celebrated with music, dance, magic shows, acrobats, snake charmers, and carousel rides—a full blown carnival amid majestic sand dunes. The key attractions include parades and beauty contests of camels who are decorated with various embellishments, hot-air balloon rides, moustache competitions among men with elaborately decorated moustaches, and a handicraft bazaar. |
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Elephant Festival, JaipurThe elephant festival of Jaipur city is a “never seen before” kind of thing that happens during the time of Holi. One can experience groomed and decorated elephants doing catwalks in the Polo ground of Jaipur and playing elephant's polo, elephants' race, or elephants’ tug of war. |
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Mewar FestivalThe Mewar Festival is celebrated to usher in spring and is celebrated in Udaipur with much pomp and show. It's the world's second Living Heritage Festival and one of the most popular fairs in Rajasthan. It is celebrated with folk music, dance, and food. Seminars on the preservation of city monuments are a key feature, along with musical shows, classical dance performances, food stalls hosted by professional chefs, and a magnificent display of fireworks. |
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Summer & Winter Festival, Mount AbuBoth summer (in May) and winter (in December) festivals are celebrated in the only hill station of Rajasthan i.e., Mt Abu. During these festivals, this exotic site draws a lot of tourists. |
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Rajasthani Dress for Men:Pagri (Turban)Pagri is one of the most important parts of men's attire in Rajasthan as it defines their social and economic status. Their colour, cloth, design and shape- everything symbolises individuality. The width of a Pagri is 8 inches and length is about eighty feet. The common man wears a Pagri of a single colour while a rich man wears a designer multicoloured Pagri. Although people wear special Pagris during festivals or events.AngrakhaThe upper garment is called as Angrakha which means protecting the body, Angrakha is made of cotton. On festivals, people wear designer, multicoloured angrakhas. They are designed in two ways; frock style Kamari Angrakha and knee-length Long Angrakha. Printed Angrakhas are more prevalent in the markets of Rajasthan.Dhoti/PyjamasDhotis or Pyjamas are used to cover the lower portion of the body. Mostly white, dhotis are not comfortable to wear and need some practice. But people in Rajasthan wear cotton dhotis on a regular basis. For special events, they prefer a silk one or the one with Zari border or embroidery.Rajasthani Dress for Women:Ghaghara & CholiThis long skirt has a narrow waist and broad base, reaching just above the ankles covering the lower portion of the body. It is short to provide visibility to the foot ornaments. They come in many prints and colours. There are many pleats and studded ornaments in the Ghaghara itself. Like Pagaris, they are also found in cotton and printed in laharia. Mothra and chunari. The blouses or short kurtis which Rajasthani women wear are known as cholis. Also made with cotton or silk depending on the occasion, the reach to the waist depends on the caste, religion and age of women.OdhniOdhni is worn over the blouse, with one end tucked into the skirt and the other end on the head or the shoulders. It is made by a 2.5 to 3 meter long and 1.5 to 2-meter wide cloth, printed in different colours and designs. It varies in different religion and castes. At some places, it is mandatory for women to wear Odhni as a veil, especially in front of the elders as a token of respect.JewelleryRajasthanis have a very peculiar taste when it comes to ornaments and jewellery. Semi-precious stone-studded trinkets are very popular. Even the men wear ear-studs and neckpieces. Gold or pearl chains are common among the rich, and silver hansli (big round bracelet around the neck) is worn by the commoners. Women wear 'jhumkas' in ears; multicoloured bangles, long and short beautiful neckpieces, large anklets, rings, nose rings, etc. These unique designs take inspiration from the sun, moon, leaves and flowers. Every design signifies something sacred and enroots deep meaning. |
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DAL BAATI CHURMA'Dal Baati Churma' is a traditional delicacy from the state of Rajasthan. It is associated with the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Diwali in the Dhundhand region. It is also prepared on special occasions like marriage ceremonies and housewarming.Daal is prepared using tuvaar dal, chana dal, mung dal, moth dal, or urad dal. Baati is a hard bread made up of wheat flour commonly known as aata. Wheat flour is kneaded with little bit of salt, dahi (yogurt) and water. Churma is a sweet delicacy made by grinding the fire-baked or fried dough balls and mixing it with ghee, powdered sugar, and dry fruits. |
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LAAL MAASLaal maas or Ratto Maans, as commonly known in Rajasthan, is a meat curry from Rajasthan, India. It is a mutton curry prepared in a sauce of yoghurt and hot spices such as red Mathania chillies. |
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GATTE KI SABJIGatte ki sabji is a popular gravy based dish from the rich, rustic and super flavorful Rajasthani cuisine. Gatta or gatte (plural) are gram flour (besan) roundels which are added to a curd based gravy. It makes for a delicious meal when paired with roti or chapati. |
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BIKANERI BHUJIAThe identity of Bikaneri Bhujia is associated with the name of Bikaner in Rajasthan . It is made by making fine sev and barley of gram floor and frying in edible oil. Apart from gram floor, floor of moong, moth, peas etc. is also mixed in it. Many sambar (spices) are also added along with it. |
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KACHORIKota Kachori from Rajasthan is probably the most famous kachori in the state. The Pyaaj Kachori (onion kachori) is also very popular. Another form of Kachori in Jodhpur is the Mawa Kachori, invented by the late Rawat Deora. It is a sweet dish dipped in sugar syrup. |
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KER SANGRIKer Sangri is a Rajasthani delicacy made using dried Ker berries and Sangri beans. Very simple to make and delicious to eat, it is made in almost all Rajasthani households, especially in the Marwad region of the state. |
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GHEVARGhevar or Ghewar is a Rajasthani cuisine disc-shaped sweet made from ghee, flour, and sugar syrup. It is traditionally associated with the month of Shravan and the Teej and Raksha Bandhan festivals. It is a part of Rajasthani tradition and is gifted to newly married daughter on Sinjara, the day preceding Gangaur and Teej. |
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MALPUAMalpua- Rajasthani Dessert is a soft, fluffy, and yet crisp pancakes soaked in sugar syrup. Rajasthan is famous for many sweets and one of them is 'Malpua' which is delicious and mouthwatering. The inner texture is fluffy and the outside edges are crisp. |
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BAJRA KI ROTI AND LEHSUN CHUTNEYGhevar or Ghewar is a Rajasthani cuisine disc-shaped sweet made from ghee, flour, and sugar syrup. It is traditionally associated with the month of Shravan and the Teej and Raksha Bandhan festivals. It is a part of Rajasthani tradition and is gifted to newly married daughter on Sinjara, the day preceding Gangaur and Teej. |
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KADHIRajasthani Kadhi is a spicy yogurt curry which is usually made in winters in every Rajasthani household. It is served with Bajre Ki Roti, Rajasthani Kaddu Aur Aloo Ki Sabzi and Masala Chaas |
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Rajasthan boasts a rich heritage of art and culture. The Rajput clan particularly has made hefty contributions to Rajasthani art and culture. Rajput paintings flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, where artists would paint elaborate scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. |
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Rajasthani architecture is influenced by the mixed variety of people that have stayed and ruled over the royal state. The architecture is seen to be a regional variant of the style prevalent across northern India. Most of the population in Rajasthan has primarily been Hindu, with a small number of Jains. The blend of these two religions has led to a lot of temples being built here. |
There are numerous religious sites worth visiting in Rajasthan. Exploring them also provides an insight into the state's elaborate history and culture,local customs, beliefs, and traditions.
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LakesWhile Rajasthan may be associated with the dry and arid desert, it is also full of breathtaking lakes. From Lake Pichola in Udaipur with its lavish palace to Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Pushkar Lake in Pushkar, and the scenic oasis of Nakki Laki at Mount Abu, they are the perfect getaway, with temples, ghats, and palaces along their shores. |
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WildlifeNature lovers have much to look forward to in this royal state. Its vast landscape is home to some incredibly varied wildlife. From the tigers at the Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Tiger Reserve, to the endangered river dolphins and rare birds the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and the Keoladeo National Park, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals. |
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FortsA wide array of historical forts and splendid palaces set Rajasthan aside from other Indian states. Built by the many Rajput kings that ruled this land, each has its own unique blend of architecture and design. Ride an elephant up the massive ramps of Amer Fort, marvel at the panoramic views from the ramparts of Jaisalmer Fort and Mehrangarh Fort, or get lost in the splendour of Jaipur's City Palace. And these are just the tip of the architectural iceberg! When one thinks of Rajasthan, it is impossible not to associate it with the magnificent forts that reside in the state. With over a hundred fortifications on hills, six hill forts of Rajasthan have been clustered and given the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site status. The Six Hill Forts of Rajasthan are Chittor Fort at Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur, Gagron Fort at Jhalawar, Amer Fort at Jaipur, and Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer. |
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Colored CitiesRajasthan is one of the most colourful places in the country. Apart from the colourful dress of its people and the red desert sands, it is also home to many vividly coloured cities.From the golden city of Jaisalmer, the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, to the white marble of Ajmer and the calm lakes of Udaipur, each city has something unique to offer. |
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MuseumsJust like its monuments and traditions, the museums of Rajasthan fascinate people cutting across all cross sections of society. These marvellous museums depicting 1000 years old history are worth a visit once in a lifetime. From coins to arms to tanks to garments, the galleries of Rajasthan houses everything. Museums are the store-houses of information and depict the art and culture of a Nation. |
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Bapu BazarBapu Bazar is the best shopping market in Jaipur. If you are looking for leather products, handicraft products, colourful sarees, attar, etc, you should not think twice about this location and consider visiting this place for the ultimate shopping experience. |
Rajasthan is a treasure trove for people who love handicrafts. They are one of the most famous attractions of the state and an accurate reflection of the state's rich cultural heritage. They are known for their exuberance of colour and culture. They also provide a wide variety of choices for taking back as souvenirs. While there is a plethora of handicrafts that Rajasthan offers, some are especially known as being quintessentially Rajasthan and are popular not just in India, but around the world as well.
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Textiles and Fabrics of RajasthanTextiles are intrinsically connected to Rajasthani culture. Colours in unique hues and prints make up the fabrics from Rajasthan. These include different forms of block printing and tie and dye methods. Each place has its own distinct style and design—Sanganeri print from Sanganer has bright colours in floral patterns. Jodhpur and Sikar are famous for their tie and dye techniques. Popular amongst the plethora of beautiful designs are—chunari (dotted), leheriya (wave like diagonal patterns), and mothra (large dots). Bikaner and Jhunjhunu are popularly known for intricate mirror work and other appliqué used to embellish the fabric for Rajasthan's traditional dresses. |
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PuppetsPuppets, also known as kathputli, with wooden heads and stuffed bodies are iconic to the culture of Rajasthan. They are painted with arched eyebrows and moustaches for males while colourful faces with nose rings and large expressive eyes are painted on female puppets. The puppets are dressed in bright and vividly coloured clothes which are usually embellished with dazzling sequins. A popular form of entertainment in Rajasthan is the kathputli show where expert puppeteers put up a show with the puppets dancing to live music. |
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PotteryThe blue pottery of Jaipur is quite famous for reflecting the state's culture and heritage. It is made out of ground quartz stone. The designs on the pottery are usually exquisite floral designs or animal prints. It is a Persian art form which was first introduced in the state by Maharaja Ram Singh. |
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JewelleryRajasthani people are fond of adorning their attire with beautiful gems and so, Rajasthani culture includes beautiful jewellery as well. Each region of the state has its own style of jewellery. Jaipur is popular for gem cutting, silver ornaments, and coloured glass stones. The thewa pendants are made by inlaying gold with semi-precious stones and are famous worldwide. Bikaner is famous for kundan work, a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery which involves setting a gold foil between stones. This is usually done for elaborate necklaces. |