Rajasthan Culture Diary!

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The grandeur of Royals, the Desert Safari and the City of Lakes – a single state with all the adventures that you can imagine. It’s time to explore the culture of state of Rajasthan, the Land of Kings.

Costumes of Rajasthan

Visit Rajasthan once and you will amazed that men still wear Pagri (turbans) in day-to-day life. Jodhpuri Saafa and Jaipuriya Pagri are a common sight. The Angarakha, a frock like upper dress which goes till waist is paired over Dhoti or a Pajama. Women wear Ghaagra with a printed or embroided top and a Odhni to cover their heads. Mirror work, Lahirya Print and tie-dye patterns are preferred.

Silver jewellery including bracelets and anklets are worn by women with traditional attire.

Food of Rajasthan

Dal-baati churma, Gatte ki sabzi are mouth-watering dishes that cannot be missed. Desserts to be enjoyed are Ghewar, Jalebi and Rabri. A royal treat was non-vegetarians in summer is Rabbit meat cooked in slowly in a pit with traditional spices.

Dance & Music

Ghoomar Dance is renowned world-wide for its grace. I remember as a kid being mesmerized by a performance of my school teacher with balancing Matkas on her head like a professional. Still get goosebumps watching such performances! Rajasthani Folk musical include Raags performed at all events in lifestyle.

Festivals of Rajasthan

Camel Fairs are organized everywhere in Bikaner for honoring the ship of desert and their owners. Diwali, Gangaur, Teej, and Makar Sankranti are some of the most revered festivals in India’s Desert Capital. Jaipur Literary Festival is also organized annually which is visited by people of India and abroad alike.

Special Mention

The people of Rajasthan celebrate ‘Samskaras‘. They are 16 in number & celebrated at all major turning point in one’s life. Garbandhan (conception), Seemantonayan (ceremony for the expecting mother to keep her spirits high), Namkaran (naming ceremony for a new-born) and many more.

People here follow the tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bavah‘, wherein a guest is treated like a God.

I have visited Rajasthan for a short trip few years back and was impressed by the hospitality I received by people. Have you been to Rajasthan and what did you like the most about it?

This post is written as part of Indian Culture Diary for #AtoZChallenge. Do visit other post in series to learn about culture of different states of India.