City Of Jaipur: 2017

Saturday, 28 January 2017

Jal Mahal restoration worth Rs.25 crore Begins to Ruin Again

The beautiful process of restoration of the magnificent monument, Jal Mahal in Jaipur, is one task that many eyes had waited to complete. The magnanimously built Jal Mahal that lies over the Man Sagar Lake offers a splendid view of the alluring sheen of water, covered with Nahargarh hills. The restoration of Jal Mahal was carried out to restore and protect the monument that dates back to the old century.

The restoration of Jal Mahal palace in Jaipur happens to be under the private-public partnership. The graceful and poised heritage of our city was caught up in the slew of petitions and a legal tangle that threatens to derail similar projects across the country. This brought a lot of entangles which catered to the good looking infrastructure of Jal Mahal, Jaipur.

The Jal Mahal we see is because of the Jal Mahal Jaipur restoration project, which takes care of the meticulous protection of the palace as part of the Jal Tarun Project. In 2005, public and private officials joined hands for the first time to revive the heritage site in Rajasthan. This project provides for the best practice blueprint for future projects in India requiring environmental revitalization. The splendid monument restoration of Jal Mahal included restoration of art, architecture, and ambiance. These 3 are important for the revitalization process to go smooth.

Amar Jawan Jyoti in Jaipur

Amar Jawan Jyoti, a monument which was created to give a tribute to all the martyrs and soldiers. It is also known by the name 'Flame of the immortal soldiers'. Situated in Vidyut Nagar, Amar Jawan Jyoti is always lit up with vibrant colors across the magnanimous Vidhan Sabha. It’s a memorial establishment which exuberates a perfect amalgamation of the tribute which was given to the immortal soldiers, the patriotism and a strong belief for the betterment of the nation.

The Architectural Bliss

Amar Jawan Jyoti in Jaipur city has amazing architecture, being constructed with a black marble pedestal, along with an upturned rifle, a warhead covering and four vases whereby each has a perpetual light arriving from CNG blazes. The people are stunned by its architecture and with the gold script, which enlivens the whole environment with the encouraging words of the soldiers who devoted their lives for the nation. The main feature of Amar Jawan Jyoti is its four corners which are always lit up!

Let’s Take a Dip into the History

Amar Jawan Jyoti is a portion of the great India Gate. This signifies a very quintessential position in the historic ambiance of the nation. This whole memorial structure was constructed in the memory of all those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation and for the star of the 'Liberation of Bangladesh' in the year 1971. Amar Jawan Jyoti was installed by then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi in the year 1972. Since then, the patriotism has been raging with Amar Jawan Jyoti which has been considered India's catacomb of numerous soldiers.

At present, Amar Jawan Jyoti is managed by the soldiers of Indian Army. The Wreaths are positioned by the Prime Minister, commanders of Indian Army and other VIPs on the Republic Day at Amar Jawan Jyoti. Also, after the war between India & Pakistan in 1971, Indira Gandhi gave an attainable importance to the in the best interest of the nation on the Republic Day. Later this culture has been followed by both the highest dignitaries of the nation, the prime minister and president to pay respect at Amar Jawan Jyoti on yearly basis.
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Celebrate Indian Republic Day this 26th January in Jaipur

'सरज़मी-ए-हिंदुस्तान'

कुछ नशा तिरंगे की आन का है, कुछ नशा मातृभूमि के मान का है।

हम लहराएंगे हर जगह ये तिरंगा, नशा ये हिंदुस्तान की शान का है।

26th January is celebrated as the Indian Republic Day all across India. This year it has brought us a long weekend to relax as you can club it with the weekend by taking a Friday off. However, a relaxing weekend should never come in the way of participating in flag hoisting and the pleasure of seeing the beautiful tricolor fly free high up in the sky.

Being in Jaipur, here is what you can do to celebrate the Republic Day 2017, the 68th Republic Day of India.

1. Join the Rashtriya Riders for Flag Hoisting

Join the Rashtriya Riders for flag hoisting at Amar Jawan Jyoti, Jan Path, Jaipur.

Gather at the location by: 6 a.m.

Flag off time: 6:30 a.m. (sharp)

2. Join the ICSI family for Republic Day 2017 celebrations

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India is celebrating the 68th Republic Day in Jaipur, which you all can join from 10 a.m. onwards. The program includes flag hoisting followed by National Anthem. An art exhibition ‘Kaarigiri’, poetry recitals and a quiz competition have also been organized by the members.

Time: 10 a.m. onwards

Venue: Jaipur Chapter, A-5/A, ICSI House, Institutional Area, Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur

Jaipur on Republic Day 2017: Monuments lit beautifully in Patriotic Colours

This 26th January, India celebrated its 68th Republic Day and we have some exclusive pictures of Jaipur on Republic Day 2017. The most popular Jaipur monuments were beautifully lit in patriotic tri-colours for the Republic Day 2017 India. And Jaipurites took a lot of selfies with the gorgeous looking

Like every year, Jaipur monuments lit up in tricolours to mark Republic Day. And what better way to showcase patriotism than clicking a selfie with these buildings in the background? So Jaipurites flocked to these spots to enjoy an evening with their families and friends

1. Albert Hall

Image credit: Shalini Maheshwari

2. Statue Circle

3. Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha

Wednesday, 18 January 2017

London Newspapers called Jaipur’s Maharaja Madho Singh a ‘Religion Devoted King’

Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur, who reigned from 1880 to 1922, was a great devotee of Ganga ji and Radha-Krishna. He also had immense love for Haridwar and used to visit the city by train and stay there for a month every year. His queens, servants and chefs used to travel with him. He also built the Ganga ji temple in 1914, which costed 35,000 and the stones for its construction were brought from Karauli.

But why did the London newspapers call him a ‘religion devoted king’? Read this interesting story of Jaipur’s Madho Singh’s visit to England and get to know the reason yourself!

It was in the year 1902 that Madho Singh had to go to England for the crowning of the British king. The Ganga ji devotee Maharaja of Jaipur got special huge urns prepared especially for his England visit. He used them to carry water of River Ganga with him on the trip. These huge urns are still kept displayed at the City Palace.

One of the huge Silver Urns displayed at the City Palace

All through his trip, the Maharaja’s food was prepared using the holy water of Ganga and he used the same for drinking as well.

The maharaja left for Bombay via train and carried his Radha-Krishna along with him through a huge procession till the train.

Gaming Zones, Adventure Zones or Amusement Parks: Jaipur has it all!

Jaipur becoming a gaming hub and an adventure zone

Jaipur is seen to evolve as a gaming hub. Earlier in the city games and gaming zones were developed merely at one or two places, but drastically has time changed! The figure from one or two games has changed to different sports and games being played by the youth of the city. The number has gone up to 500. Gaming hubs have also developed which offer a mix of different sports under one roof to the people for their enjoyment. People do not have to go to different places for playing different games; it’s all under a roof in the gaming hubs.

Preferred choice of gaming in Jaipur: Pellet guns

Pellet gun (air gun) is a form of sport that’s gaining splendor and making a rock amongst the residents of the Jaipur city. This game has become the first choice amongst the youngsters of the city. It is much in the news as a controversy that the use of pellet guns is causing a chaos and unrest in Kashmir, but, the youth of Jaipur is absolutely going crazy for it.

Paintball uses pellet guns

The pellet guns are being used in a sporty fashion for the game of Paintball. Along with the fever of Paintball taking a high in the city, other games with a newer concept are also becoming a favourite amongst the people at various locations in the Jaipur city.

Maharajas of Jaipur - At a Glance

Royal Family - Kings of Jaipur

The city of Jaipur has witnessed a glorious royal past with a number of valiant rulers from the Kachawas clan of Rajputs. Here is the list of all Maharajas of Jaipur till date.

1. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the first Maharaja of Jaipur

He reigned from 1700 to 1743. Jai Singh II decided to move the capital of the Kacchawas rulers from Amer and established the Jaipur city. Jaipur has got its name from its founder and the first Maharaja of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. During his reign, the Maharajas of Jaipur were bestowed with the title of ‘Sawai’ by Emperor Muhi ud-din Muhammad Aurangzeb, who awarded it to the young Raja Jai Singh II.

His official title goes as – ‘Saramad-i-Raja-i-Hindustan, Raj Rajeshwar Shri Rajadhiraj Maharaj Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’.

2. Maharaja Sawai Shri Ishwari Singh Bahadur, the second Maharaja of Jaipur

He reigned from 1743 to 1750. During his short reign, Shri Ishwari Singh Bahadur of Jaipur patronized several literary and artistic works and also supervised the construction of his father’s marble cenotaph at Gaitore.

His official title goes as – ‘Saramad-i-Raja-i-Hindustan, Raj Rajeshwar Shri Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Sawai Shri Ishwari Singh Bahadur’.

3. Maharaja Sawai Shri Madho Singh, the third Maharaja of Jaipur

He reigned from 1751 to 1768.

His official title goes as – ‘Saramad-i-Raja-i-Hindustan, Raj Rajeshwar Shri Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Sawai Shri Madho Singh’.

Brigadier H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur

Brigadier H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh was the titular Maharaja of Jaipur from June 24, 1970 to December 28, 1971. He served the Indian Army from 1951-1972 and received the prestigious award of Mahavir Chakra. He was bestowed with the rank of the Brigadier after his voluntary retirement from the Army. He was one of the richest Maharajas of India after post-independence. He died on April 17, 2011 in a private hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana due to multi-organ failure.

Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh’s Birth

He was born to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his first wife, Maharani Marudhar Kanwar Devi Sahiba, daughter of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, on October 22, 1931. His birth was a very much celebrated affair in Jaipur as it was for the first time in many generations that a male heir was born to a reigning Maharaja of Jaipur. All other Maharajas of Jaipur, including his own father were adopted. It is said that during the celebration of his birth, a lot of champagne flowed because of which, he was nicknamed ‘Bubbles’.

Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh’s Education

He received his early education at Sheshbagh School, Srinagar and The Doon School, Dehradun. He was later sent to Harrow School in the United Kingdom.

Sawai Bhawani Singh Ascended the Throne

Sawai Bhawani Singh ascended the throne of Jaipur on June 24, 1970 after the untimely and accidental death of his father, His Highness Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. He held the title of the Maharaja until 1971, when all titles and privileges associated to the princely states were abolished by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India.

His official title was as follows: ‘Brigadier His Highness Saramad-i-Rajaha-i-Hindustan Raj Rajendra Shri Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sawai Shri Bhawani Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Jaipur’.

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Ravindra Rang Manch: A State of The Art Theatre Center With a Vibrant Past But Uncertain Future

Ravindra Rang Manch holds a distinct lace as the renowned cultural center of Jaipur. Counted among the 17 most important cultural centers envisioned by the great visionary of last century the first prime minister Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Ravindra Manch has kept its promise to promote the arts and cultural events till date. The place is renowned for staging various dramas, dance performances and culture shows that enthralls the citizens and tourists alike. It also helps the budding artist to present their skills while the accomplished artisans use this powerful platform to reach their audiences. The theatre precincts have a perfuming art theater and a modern art gallery. The theater has both in house and open air galleries. The open air theater has a capacity of as many as 500 people.

What is the Ravindra Manch Famous for?

This sprawling cultural center has a unit simple ambiance offers a welcome contrast to the luxurious ambiance of Jawahar Kala Kendra the other art gallery and cultural center of Jaipur. The place frequently stages various local artists' performances, dramas, cultural programmers and It was established in 1961 as a part if the 17 major cultural centers of India by the first Indian Prime minister Jawahsar Lal Nehru'

Dance Festivals, Painting Exhibition and various Dramas are regularly staged on Ravindra Manch.

Jaigarh: The Beautiful fort with sturdy walls

This sturdy, sprawling fort was built in 1726 by Mahraja Jaisingh II when the Jaipur was made capital of the state. The 3 Km long fort had a distinct identity as the best foundry of the country and many high-end canons were cast in the compounds of its canon foundry. Using the highly advanced techniques and distinct crafting skills the local Rajputs built the canons that proved their mettle in the battlefields and impressed many mighty Mughals who were loyal admirers of these massive machines. The fort houses several palaces and museum that are delight to the eyes. So why to wait and waste time, let’s take a look:

Warehouse of Weapons

One of the major places that effortlessly captivate the attention is Munitions' Store in its compound. A wide array of massive and lethal weapons is a sight to behold: Right from Medieval weapons that required massive physical strength, to European weapons that employed smart, mechanical force and a greater accuracy.

What to see?

Some of the medieval weapons include swords, arrows, bows, javelins and various types of small battle-knives.
The European weapon collection is equally impressive with a wide array of massive guns, revolvers, rifles and bombs.

Jaipur’s Oldest Clock-Towers

The city of Jaipur is home to a variety of architectural marvels from historic times. While the city’s forts and palaces are just too popular, there are some historic landmarks that are equally iconic but go unnoticed many a times. We are talking of the clock towers of Jaipur, which are undoubtedly the oldest time-keepers of the city.

There was a time when nobody owned watches; only these clock towers told people about what time of the day it was. Though most of these clock towers aren’t functional any more but they still fascinate people with their beauty and architectural designs. Do visit the below mentioned clock towers and say them a hello!

Clock Tower, Ram Mandir at Bani Park

The Ram Mandir located at Bani Park, Jaipur has a clock tower. This one was constructed by the famous Poddar family of the city.

Clock Tower, City Palace

City Palace, Jaipur, which is the official residence of the royal family of Jaipur, also holds a clock tower. This clock tower was built in the year 1873 by Sawai Ram Singh. He bought it from Kolkata for Rs.6,000 at that time.

International Flights

Do you want to travel to some international destinations from Jaipur for work or for vacation? Then you are at the right place. The Jaipur International Airport connects Jaipur to 4 different international destinations via direct flights. These 4 destinations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat and Sharjah. And soon this airport will also operate a direct flight to Singapore, which is going to start this October 2016.

Other than these cities which are directly connected to Jaipur International Airport, you can travel to anywhere in the world through the numerous connecting flights from Jaipur via Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, etc.

The major airlines that operate direct flights from Jaipur to international destinations are Etihad, SpiceJet, Air-India Express, Oman Air and Air Arabia. Explore the different flights connecting Jaipur to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah and Bangkok along with their arrival and departure timings below.

Jaipur to Abu Dhabi flights

Flight No.	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Days of Operation
Etihad 207	04:00 a.m.	06:10 a.m.	Daily

Jaipur to Dubai flights

The Jaipur International Airport runs the following flights to Dubai International Airport.

Flight No.	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Days of Operation
SpiceJet 57	09:10 a.m.	11:25 a.m.	Except M, Sat
Air-India Express 19	03:35 p.m.	05:30 p.m.	M, W, F, Sat

12 Bollywood Movies that Happily Flaunted Bandhej, Block Print and other Rajasthani Fabrics!

Rajasthan is well known for its food, dresses, festivals, safaris, and jewellery. The vibrancy of the state lies in the colourful attires and awe-inspiring silver jewellery. The fabrics produced in the state are not only famous inside the borders but these fabrics of bandhej, block print, lehariya, batik print and applique work are also doing wonders in the entire nation, and perhaps the world. Rajasthan, which is one of the favourite spots for cinematography to many directors, is also the most adored place for inspiration to many designers.

An excellent range of Rajasthani colours and Rajasthani designs have been used by many designers of Bollywood to give a vibrant touch to the movie. Some of the movies that carried elegance with Rajasthani fabrics are listed below.

1. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)

The movie received a lot of fame from its very signature dance step in the title track ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. In this movie, Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor) was spotted in a pink lehariya saree. The designer of the movie also used other Rajasthani fabrics in the Rajasthani turban for Anupam Kher and bandhej shirt for supporting role actor.

Image Source – Bollywood Today

2. Ek Paheli Leela (2015)

The reincarnation story released in 2015, Ek Paheli Leela is an entertaining and eye-filling movie. In the movie Leela (Sunny Leone) is shown wearing Rajasthani bandhej in a very seductive way. Not only the dresses of Sunny Leone had Rajasthani touch in them, but the designer also used Rajasthani fabrics to design attires of male actors too.

Image Source – in.com and rediff.com

3. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya (2014)

Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan starrer film ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya’ has been praised by many people for its beautiful cinematography and fine selection of couture. The film shot at the locations of Ambala and Delhi, has used many fabric designs of Rajasthan to elevate the beauty of wardrobe selection. In the movie, gorgeous Alia Bhatt has been spotted wearing Bandhej Fabric Suit and Pink Lehariya Dupatta in the most famous song of the movie ‘Main Tenu Samjhawaan Ki’. Not only for Alia, the designer also used applique work of rajasthani fabrics to design maroon kurta for Varun Dhawan.

‘Pink Bandhej Suit’

Image Source – All Wide Wallpapers

‘Maroon Applique Work Kurta’

Image Source – Bollywood Life

‘Lehariya Dupatta’

Image Source – Apna TV

4. PK (2014)

Indian satirical science fiction comedy, PK got famous because of the controversies it faced. The film produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani showcased the real fabric of Rajasthan without any add-ons. Actor Amir Khan and Actor Sanjay Dutt both were spotted wearing traditional pagdi (turban), lehariya shirts and Rajasthani dhoti kurta.

Kite Names: Every Kite Design in Jaipur has a Unique Name

Now that you have celebrated the kite festival with such great zeal and enthusiasm, do you know that the kites you flied also have special names? Yes, they have! All the colourful kite designs that you see during the Makar Sankranti season in Jaipur have interesting unique names that make them even more special.

Scroll down to see the different kite names and pictures along with the reasons why they are called so.

1. Dadhiyal

This kite design divides it in 2 equal parts, which have two different colours. Jaipurites call it Dadhiyal.

2. Chaand Dara

When you see a full moon on your kite, it is Chaand Dara. This is one of the most commonly spotted kite names in India.

Sunday, 15 January 2017

The Palace On Wheels – A Royal Experience

Whenever we visit any of the magnificent forts or palaces of Rajasthan, the one thing that we all wonder about is – ‘How Amazing it would be to Live a Royal Life?’. After all, who would not want to experience the splendorous palace lives of Kings and Queens? The best way to make your wish come true and live a life of extreme royal luxury is to set on a journey with the Palace On Wheels.

About Palace On Wheels

The Palace On Wheels is one of the most luxurious trains of India. It was launched by the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation to promote tourism in Rajasthan. The Palace On Wheels offers an enchanting royal journey through the bygone era of Maharajas. You can experience living in complete royal style, the kind only the erstwhile Maharajas could have enjoyed.

The train service was renovated and relaunched in August 2009 with the introduction of a new decor, itinerary and cuisines. Palace On Wheels was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world in 2010. It is rated as the top 10 luxury train journeys in the world.

The train sets you on an exciting week-long trip to splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan. It also takes you to Taj Mahal, Agra, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Palace On Wheels royal journey starts every Wednesday evening at 6PM from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi and ends on the following Wednesday at 7:30AM early morning.

9 Things to Include in your Backpack while visiting Jaipur

Jaipur ranks with other cities of Rajasthan (Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, etc.) as the most exciting and popular destination. Jaipur, which is generally known as the Pink City of Rajasthan is a house to some of the majestic forts and palaces, which makes it the most loved place to travel in Rajasthan for many expatriates and tourists.

Whether you are travelling for a short duration or long, it is always good to have a rundown of items – which you should include in your bag. Here is a checklist of 10 items – you should include in your backpack while traveling to Jaipur.

1. Camera

A tour without a camera would be a dull affair. Going to places and not clicking pictures? Well, you’ll repent not taking camera with you. The city of Jaipur has a lot of majestic forts, magnificent palaces, lush green gardens, awe-inspiring public work of arts – which are worth capturing.

2. Journal

Sharing your travels with a stranger - listening to their story is such a wonderful feeling. The city has a lot of hidden stories – of culture and arts, from palaces to roads. Not only these, but your travel stories too would be amazing here.

Keep a Journal and a pen with you, and scribble your priceless moments and stories which inspired you. Reading through this journal later in your life will not only make you miss Jaipur but also these stories.

3. Toiletries

Toiletries are pesky space – fillers. Keep the count of your toiletries minimum and you’ll have the smooth travel. We recommend you to include soap, paper soap and a sanitiser in your backpack. You can buy other cosmetics and toiletries from Jaipur market.

Top 7 Places to Celebrate Kite Festival 2017 in Jaipur

Makar Sankranti, widely known as the Kite Festival or the International Kite Festival is a highly awaited annual event in Jaipur. The skies of Jaipur make for quite a sight when hundreds of dancing kites of various shapes, sizes and colours dot the skies. Lots of tourists both local and foreign reach Jaipur for being a part of the wonderful festival every year on 14th January.

This year’s Sankranti is more special due to its collision with the weekend. Ask any Jaipurite and they would agree. Plan the coming weekend in Jaipur to enjoy the city’s famous Kite Festival 2017 on 14th January. Watch out the top 5 places to celebrate Kite Festival in Jaipur 2017.

1. City Palace Jaipur

City Palace Jaipur is hosting a 3-day Kite Festival in Jaipur, starting from Thursday, 12th January to Saturday, 14th January, which is one of the best places for a wonderful Makar Sankranti celebration in Jaipur. The International Kite Festival Jaipur 2017 at City palace was inaugurated on 12thJanuary by HH Padmanabh Singh at 10:45 a.m. This festival is organized annually at the roof of Sarvatobhadra Chowk in City Palace to promote the festival and aware both foreign and local visitors of the Indian culture and society.

Tourists will not only get a chance to enjoy kite flying but will also get to participate in a lot of fun competitions during the Kite Festival 2017. They will be offered traditional Makar Sankranti specialties like ‘dal ke pakode’ and ‘til ke laddoo’. Rajasthani folk singers will sing traditional Rajasthani songs. The visitors will also get a chance to see the exhibited kites and charkis belonging to the time of Sawai Ram Singh II (1835-1880 AD).

Days: 12th-14th January 2017

Venue: Sarvatobhadra Chowk, City Palace, Jaleb Chowk, Near Jantar Mantar, Tripolia Bazaar, Jaipur - 302002

Image credit: Gunijankhana: Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Jaipur Museum Society
Tukkal (Kite) & Charkhies of Maharajs Sawai Ram Singh II (1835 - 1880 A.D)

2. Jal Mahal ki Pal

The Rajasthan Tourism Department is organizing Jaipur kite Festival 2017 at Jal Mahal ki Pal on Amer Road, Jaipur. The kite festival program would include an exhibition of kites along with an engaging demonstration of fancy kite flying. Post that, all flyers and even first-time flyers can indulge into kite flying competition. Folk artists will present cultural performances for the entertainment of tourists. Traditional Sankranti cuisines will also be served for free. Other special attractions of this Kite Festival event in Jaipur include free kites and free camel cart ride for tourists.

The Best Kite Markets in Jaipur

If there is one bazaar even demonetization cannot hit, it’s the kite markets of Jaipur all lined up for Makar Sankranti – 14th January. Not just kites but the Sankranti food demand is also high!

Though the date for Makar Sankranti is 14th January but the Kite Flying Festival has already begun in the city of Jaipur. People of Jaipur have started preparations for the festival already, from preparing the special Sankranti food like til ke laddu and rewari to stocking up kites, manjha and charkhis.

Also check out the top places to celebrate kite festival 2017 in Jaipur.

So, where to buy the kite flying stuff, which are essential to enjoy Makar Sankranti to the fullest? Visit the most amazing kite markets in Jaipur, listed below, for kites and stuff.

1. Handipura

When talking about Jaipur kite markets, let’s start the list with Rajasthan’s wholesale market for kites. This famous Handipura kite market in Jaipur is located at Jagannath Shah ka Rasta in Ramganj Bazaar, near Badi Chaupad, Jaipur. It is the epicenter of Rajasthan for both kite makers and sellers.

This interesting kite market in the walled city of Jaipur has a series of shops running on both sides of the narrow lane. What’s more interesting is that these shops are run by Muslim families since years. However, the kites are mostly bought in Jaipur from Moradabad, Aligarh, Bareilly and Rampur in Uttar Pradesh.

Handipura is a paradise for all kite lovers and is famous for its kites and great quality Manjha. You will get all types of kites, manjhas and charkhis here on wholesale prices.

Venue: Handipura, Jagannath Shah ka Rasta, Ramganj Bazaar, Jaipur - 302007

Image Credit – Darter Photography

Image Source – Lonely Planet

2. Kishanpol Bazaar

Situated besides Ajmeri Gate, Kishanpol Bazaar is an easy to access market with lots of shops that sell kites not just for Sankranti but all the year round. Its central location makes it an even popular kite market in Jaipur. The shops here supply kites for various kite competitions that take place across the year.

Thursday, 12 January 2017

Most Popular Festivals of Jaipur

Fairs and festivals play a vital role in showcasing the special traditions and customs of a place. The same holds true for the city of Jaipur as well. The city celebrates a number of festivals at different times of the year. Fairs and festivals in Jaipur are a colourful affair, which allow people from other backgrounds to witness the true cultural opulence of the city of Jaipur.

Gangaur Festival

Gangaur is one of the most enthusiastically celebrated festivals in Jaipur. It is celebrated in the Chaitra month (according to Hindu calendar), which falls somewhere between March and April. Gangaur is mainly rejoiced by women and girls, who pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands/would-be husbands. They carve and worship the clay idols of Issar and Gangaur (manifestations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and pray for a good companion. Processions are carried out within the walled city. The fest is celebrated with utmost devotion and zeal all over Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur

Teej Festival

Teej is held during the monsoons, somewhere between July and August. Like Gangaur, this festival is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Teej is mostly about married women, who fast for the entire day. They worship Goddess Parvati in groups and pray for their husband’s long life. Women break their day-long fast only after seeing the moon.

Swings are adorned with beautiful flowers. Ladies as well as young girls enjoy swinging on them. They also apply mehandi along with wearing colourful Indian attires and jewellery. They perform dances, sing traditional Teej songs and enjoy together. Teej celebrations are carried out in a grand way including processions and other Teej festivities, which are worth watching, especially for tourists.

Kite Festival

Makar Sankranti or the Kite festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year, all across the country. This festival celebrates the transition of the Sun from zodiac sign Sagittarius to Capricorn. People take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga and donate stuff to the needy.

Makar Sakranti: The Kite Festival

Jaipur is the land of various fairs and festivals. Always immersed in colours of vibrant festivals, this place attracts everyone who wants to experience the real beauty and charm of Indian festivals. Festivals of each religion are enjoyed with equal enthusiasm and enjoyment. Every festival has its significance, be it greeting a season, praising the Lord, desiring for good health and long life of spouse, worshipping trees and animals in the form of God or anything. Such festivals are an essential part of the lives of people in Jaipur and they give you a broader insight into the traditions of Rajasthan.

How is Kite Festival Celebrated?

One of the most famous festivals of Rajasthan is the Makar Sankranti or Kite Festival. Definitely, it is a festival which is exclusive in its own way. Multi-coloured kites flying across the sky make it look brighter and colourful. This festival is mostly celebrated in Jaipur and Jodhpur. The lanterns or kites-with-lights flown at night make the festival more beautiful. If anyone likes kite flying, this festival is definitely for them. You should visit Jaipur in January to have a delightful experience of this colourful festival. During this time of the year, the sky looks apparent and the breeze is pleasing, together creating an ecstatic atmosphere. On the auspicious time of Makar Sankranti, bathing in Haridwar, Kashi and other religious sites hold great importance.

Importance of Makar Sakranti or Kite Festival

Kite festival of Jaipur is also known as Uttarayan. It is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This festival celebrates the transition of the sun from zodiac sign Sagittarius (dhanu rashi) to zodiac Capricorn (makar rashi). This day is regarded as an auspicious one since it is believed that Uttarayan or the northward journey of the sun starts on the day of Makar Sankranti. Kites of all shapes and sizes can be observed in the sky and people or groups compete to cut the strings of their nearby kite flyers so as to bring their competitors' kites down. For this objective, people make their strings as sharp as possible, to give strong competition to their rival flyers. The extraordinary kite strings are covered with combination of glass and glue known as 'manjha'.