Rajasthan's Culture dates back to the years of Kings where it was previously called Rajputana. The culture of Rajasthan includes many artistic traditions that reflect the ancient Indian way of life. Rajasthan is also called "Land of Kings".[1] It has many tourist attractions and facilities for tourists. This historical state of India attracts tourists and vacationers with its rich culture, tradition, heritage, and monuments. It also has some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Rajasthan, in spite of being a desert, has been endowed with such beautiful sites that include various palaces, forts and pilgrim centres that define what Rajasthan is.
Rajasthani culture and tradition have attracted people to explore the beautiful state, not just from India, but abroad as well.
Vibrant, opulent, and mesmerisingly beautiful are what spell out Rajasthani culture. Rajasthan, which means “the abode of kings”, gets its name from the many Rajput kings who ruled the state before British rule. Over centuries, Rajasthan has been ruled by various Rajput, Maratha, and even Muslim rulers, which has led to its diverse culture. The state is home to a colourful bouquet of awe-inspiring monuments, expansive forts, magical palaces, lively folk dances, alluring handicrafts, and some delectable delicacies that are unique only to Rajasthan.
Often called the cultural capital of India, Rajasthan’s culture, food, and dress (to name a few) have fascinated people from India and the rest of the world alike. “Its hospitality is known around the world and Rajasthani art and culture, along with other aspects, set it apart from the rest of the Indian states. Rajasthan tour packages cover majority of main cities and you can have an incredible experience.
Read on to know more about the Culture of Rajasthan that makes it one of the most tourist-oriented states in India:
1. Attithi Devo Bhavo
'Attithi Devo bhavo' means to treat your guests like as you would treat God. This principle is a part of the Rajasthani Culture. They treat their guests well and make them want to visit again. Most of the people in Rajasthan are involved in tourism-related jobs and hence take this principle very seriously as they earn their revenue due to the tourists and have pledged to serve them. A popular folk song 'Padharo Mhare Desh' literary means 'Welcome to my country'. Rajasthan Hospitality is famous all over the world.
2. Food and Cuisine of Rajasthan
As a tourist, there are some foods that you need to try. Rajasthani food is known for its various spices and also its sweetness. Rajasthan is most famous for dalbati - A dish comprising of dal and wheat flour kneaded with yoghurt and dressed in ghee. It is also famous for kachori - the kachori in Rajasthan are of two types - sweet and spicy. The spicy kachori is called the pyaaz or onion kachori, and the sweet kachori called the mawa kachori. Both these kachoris are easily available in any food stalls in Rajasthan. Ghewar and gheriya are some delectable sweet dishes originating from Mewar, available in most restaurants at Rajasthan. Most of the Rajasthani dishes are made in ghee. More than 70% of people in Rajasthan are Lacto vegetarian making it one of the most vegetarian states in India. However, non-vegetarian dished like Lal Maas and Mohan Maas are delicacies in Rajasthani cuisine.
3. Folk Music And Dance
Since many rulers ruled Rajasthan, each region has its own folk culture. The folk music and dance of Rajasthan are similar due to their geographical confinement, but each differs in their unique style. Manganiyars and Langas are two prominent groups that contributed to the Rajasthan folk music. They perform 'ragas' (songs) for different purposes. Like during the pre-monsoon time, they would perform ragas to call forth the rains. Other famous groups are Banjaras, Mirasis, Jogis, and much more.
4. Architecture
The architectural style in Rajasthan is as diverse as its people. You get to evidence some of the exemplary sites of Islamic, Hindu, colonial and even modern architecture. Rajasthan should be your next place to visit if you are a lover of architecture and appreciate monumental buildings, heritage sites and different styles of design.
5. Rajasthani Attire
Attire is an important aspect of Rajasthani culture which reflects the opulent heritage of the Rajasthani people.
Traditional Attire For Rajasthani Women
Women usually wear a ghagra, choli, and odhni. The ghagra is a full-length embroidered skirt that comes in a variety of colours, prints and fabrics. Leheria, bandhej, and chundhri are some of most well-known ghagra prints. The choli is the blouse worn with the ghagra. It is often embellished with mirror-work, sequins, shells, and beads. The whole outfit is complete with the odhni, a long piece of a cloth/scarf is used to cover the head as a veil. It’s beautifully embroidered with embellished borders; one of the most famous techniques being gota-patti (a type of embroidery which uses the applique technique with gold or silver ribbons). This type of embroidery originated in Rajasthan.
Traditional Attire For Rajasthani Men
Men traditionally wear a dhoti and angarkha or kurta with pyjamas. The dhoti is a long piece of cloth tied around the waist and wrapped around the legs. The angarkha and kurta are upper-body wear. The angarkha was traditionally only worn by the elite class—the upper garment is characterised by an asymmetric opening which is knotted with thread ties. The kurta is a loose-fitted shirt and pyjamas are similar to loose track pants.
Footwear
Rajasthan is famous for its leather shoes, known as jootis. These are made of camel, sheep, or goat skin. The shoes are embellished with beautiful embroidery. While traditional jootis are brown or black, today they’re found in multiple colours and fashionable styles.
A Colour Coordinated State
Rajasthan is known for having beautifully colour coordinated cities. No wonder it’s considered as one of the most vibrant colourful states of India. And each colour coordinated city has small piece of fascinating history attached to it:
Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City worldwide. In 1876, the city was painted terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. Subsequently, the ruler passed a law stating that all the buildings and houses in the city must be painted in pink, which is still followed.
Jodhpur – The Blue City
The city is filled with beautiful blue-hued houses that remind one of the sea. Initially, it was a trend started by the elite class of Jodhpur. However, now it is a common trend followed by all. It is also said that painting the houses blue works as an insect repellent.
Udaipur – The White City
The first thing you notice in Udaipur is the plethora of beautiful lakes. The city is also full of pristine white buildings that reflect on the lakes’ surfaces beautifully. Back in the day, kings would build their palaces with white marble and so, most of the prime buildings in Udaipur are white.
Forts Of Rajasthan
When one thinks of Rajasthan, it is impossible not to associate it with the magnificent forts that reside in the state. With over a hundred fortifications on hills, six hill forts of Rajasthan have been clustered and given the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site status. The Six Hill Forts of Rajasthan are Chittor Fort at Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur, Gagron Fort at Jhalawar, Amer Fort at Jaipur, and Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer.
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