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Jaipur
Travel Guide
Jaipur Travel Guide
Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravallis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel
in the desert sands of Rajasthan.
Jaipur is as remarkable for
its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit
of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of
culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
With its origin buried deep into the pages of history, the city still exudes
a magical old world charm; an aroma of chivalry and romance is evident,
despit having evolved into a city that is the hub of modern commercial
activity in the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past and regal
splendour of the city lie strewn across with gay abandon.
The
colourful and intricately carved monuments are adequately matched by the
lively spirit of fanfare, festivity and celebration of the people. Even
today, one can find weather beaten faces with huge coloufrul trurbans,
fierce moustaches and lips that spontaneouslya crease into a heart warming
smile.
A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand, is
truly rare. Perhaps this is what makes it an attractive destination for
tourists who flock to Jaipur , year after year.
History
of Jaipur :
The historic city of Jaipur or "The
City of Vicotory" was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler
Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named after him.
The
monarch was not only a great builder, but also a poet and an astronomer.
Under his aegis, the city was designed by his talented architect Vidyadhar,
who gave shape to the creative aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in the form of
the dream city of Jaipur.
The city is rectangular in shape and
divided into nine blocks on the basis of principles laid down inthe"Shilpa
Shastra", the ancient Indian treatise on architecture.
Built on the pattern of a grid, the city has wide straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side at the main
bazar, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris).
The principal monuments of Jaipur are concentrated in the centrally situated
Palace area (Chokri Sarhad ) in and around the city Palace. In course of
time, the sunset-pink tinge of its walls, buildings and temples gave it the
name Pinck City.
Fairs
& Festivals : 
Makar Sankranti The festival is
celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This has now become the
festival of kite-flying which does not spare the soaring spirits of anyone
in Jaipur. The devoted ones, however, take a holy dip in the kund at
Galtaji. The traditional sweet associated with it is Phirni, made in
abundance by the halwais of Jaipur
Gangaur
tYoung girls and newly married women praying for their loved one or husband
respectively, offer prayers to Goddess Parvati in spring (March-April). A
colourful procession follows the silver and gold palanquins of Goddess
Parvati brought out from the City Palace. Ghever, the traditional sweet
associated with this festival is prepared all over the city.
Elephant Festival This festival is held
on the day of Holi, the festival of colours, at the Chaughan stadium.
Beautifully decorated and caparisoned elephants assemble to participate in
the royal procession. Elephant polo, elephant race,elephant tug-of-war with
a few tourist and holi on elephant back are some of the exciting events.
Teej To celebrate the advent of the
monsoon, girls and young women dressed in colourful leharia sarees or
costumes, sing songs and offer puja to goddess parvati, and pray for
conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession comes out of the City
Palace for two consecutive days. Villagers come to watch it in large numbers
and buy knick-knacks from the stalls on the footpaths of the main bazars.
Dussehra Dussehra is
celebrated by staging Ramlila in different parts of the city and cuminating
in the ceremonial burning of the giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and
Meghnath, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King, and victory
of Good over Evil. A mela is organised at Amer and thousands of devotees
visit the templeof Shila Mataji situated there. Special puja is offered by
the former Maharaja in the City Palace amidst traditional fanfare. Durga
Puja is celebrated in several community pandals for four days by the large
Bengali population in the city.
Diwali Celebrated every year in October-
November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. The
origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic
Ramayana, when Lord Rama returend to this kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of
exile. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps ) to celebrate
his return. To date, on Diwali day, houses all over India glow with the
twinkle of innumerable divas, candles and electric lights. The night is
illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic
design against the black canvas of the sky. During the Diwali celebration
decoration and lighting is done throughout the walled Pink City, with every
market competing with the others to pick-up the best decorated market award.
There are special prizes for the best decorated individual buildings as
well. Most people prefer walking through the street to enjoy this dazzling
extravanganza.
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