JODHPUR TRAVEL GUIDE
Fairs
& Festivals of Jodhpur 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 Jodhpur. 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 Jodhpur
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.
Places to See
|| Fairs &
Festivals of Jodhpur || How
to Reach Jodhpur || Places
of Worship || Shopping
in Jodhpur || Excursions
|| Eating out in
Jodhpur || Villages
Safari in Jodhpur
