Jaipur - Culture

semi-precious stones and the best place to buy them is off Johari Bazaar. Miniatures, handicrafts, clothes, jewellery of silver and lac are other items to be bought in Jaipur.

The people of Jaipur like any other part of Rajasthan are known for their colourful attires. Though the patches of modernity are clearly visible in Jaipur, the city is still the commercial centre for most rural regions of Rajasthan. The streets and market places of Jaipur still witnesses scenes of turbaned Rajasthani men, moving around with their women, who are dressed in swirling skirts and flashing Meenakari (enamel) jewellery that bring to life all the colours of the desert.

The cultural prosperity of Rajasthan is evident in its local festivals some of which attract international attention. Jaipur also witnesses some of these; the most important being the Elephant Festival gets underway in the month of Phalgun (March) on the eve of Holi, the festival of colors. It is famous for its procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The sight of mighty jumbos striding majestically is a treat to watch.

Gangaur festival is a unique festival held annually in honor of goddess Gauri, few days after Holi Primarily a festival for women, married women pray for their husbands and unmarried girls pray for getting a good husband. Festive processions are taken out, women draw water from wells, pick flowers, and chant hymns to the goddess Parvati.

Teej is a major event in Jaipur. The festival is celebrated during the months of July/August and dedicated to goddess Parvati. The festival celebrates the beginning of the monsoon.

Other interesting events at the festival include, a polo match, the Elephant race, the tug-of-war between an elephant and nineteen men.

Cultures Of Jaipur

The people of Jaipur like any other part of Rajasthan are known for their colourful attires. Though the patches of modernity are clearly visible in Jaipur, the city is still the commercial centre for most rural regions of Rajasthan. The streets and market places of Jaipur still witnesses scenes of turbaned Rajasthani men, moving around with their women, who are dressed in swirling skirts and flashing Meenakari (enamel) jewellery that bring to life all the colours of the desert.

Jaipur is the commercial centre for most of the rural regions of Rajasthan, so you could come across typical Rajasthani men and women wearing turbans and ghagra-choli respectively during your stroll in the city. The cultural prosperity of Jaipur is visible in its local festivals and fairs. In this article, we have covered the people, cuisine, language, religion, folk dance and music of Jaipur.

People
People of Jaipur are quite rugged in their appearance. However, these desert people are well-built, cheerful and simple rather untouched by the swiftness of modern times. Here, people prefer to wear bright colored clothes, as if they are compensating for the barren landscape. Women of Jaipur like Red, yellow, green and orange colored attire with a dazzling work of gold/ silver zari or gota. Tribal Ladies wear loads of Silver jewelry even men too can be spotted wearing earrings. The men wear turbans or pagadis of bandhej (tie & dye) in bright colors.

Cuisine
Jaipur's cuisine is rich like the royalty of Jaipur. Cuisine of Jaipur offers many delicacies to gratify the appetite of every taste. In Jaipur, lot of ghee and butter is used in cooking the food. Dal-Bati Churma, Dahi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Besan Ka Gatta, Ker Sangri, Pyaaz Ki Kachauri, Chakke Ki Sabji and Jodhpur Ki Rabri are some of the main attractions of Rajasthani cuisine. Rajasthani Food is usually vegetarian, pure and nutritious.

Languages
Language is a crucial medium to communicate. The primary language of Jaipur is Rajasthani. However, Marwari, Hindi and English are also prevalent in the city.

Religion
The main religion which is followed in Jaipur is Hinduism. Other religions include Jainism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity in the decreasing order.

Folk Dance and Music
Dance and Music of Jaipur bring liveliness to the desert lands of Rajasthan. "Ghoomar" is the main folk dance of Jaipur in which the ladies flaunts their huge ghagras or skirts while dancing. Regarding music, the people of Jaipur share the royal interest of Rajputs in Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many others.