The festival is held on the eve of Holi in Jaipur and has several interesting attractions like elephant polo. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The elephants are decorated to the full with bright colours, saddle cloth and heavy jewellery. Female elephant are made to wear anklets and a prize is given for the most well-decorated elephant. Playing Holi on elephant back is one of the major attractions.
» Kaliteej :-
Though Kaliteej is celebrated all over the state, the one in Bundi is different in the sense that it is held on different dates from the rest of the state. The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the imposing Naval Sagar and passes through the main bazaars. The procession comprises decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people. Though the main function is held for only two days, the celebrations continue into Janamashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
» Dusshera :-
Dusshera is celebrated all over the country in different ways as also in Rajasthan. it celebrates the triumph of good over evil the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Lord Rama and Ravana are enacted on stae and it is called Ramlila. On the tenth day of the festival, huge effigies of the tenheaded Ravana and his brother Kumbakaran, stuffed with thousands of fire crackers, are set afire and the people then begin to rejoice.
» Gangaur Fair :-
Geld all over Rajasthan, it is the most important fair of the state and is observed with fervour and devotion. The idols of Issar and gangaur, manifestations of Shiva and Parvati, are worshipped by women, particularly by those who are unmarred and pray for a consort. Women take out procession through the streets carrying images of the divine couple. The festival is especially colorful in Jaipur, Udaipur and Mandawa.
» Mahavir Ji Fair :-
This fair is held at Mahavir Ji between March and April to commemorate Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara of the Jain. The temple is located in an enclosure known as Katala" where devotees come to pay homage.
» Teej Festival :-
Held during the monsoons, July-August Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. Though celebrations are held all over the state, it is particularly colourful in Jaipur where a procesion winds its way for days through the Old City. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.
» Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of every year) :-
AMER FORT - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.
The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukh mandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout the massive fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
The old city of Amer was the seat of power and bustling with life and prosperity. Other worth seeing sites are Jagat Shiromani Temple, Narsinghji temple, the stepwell of Panna Meena and fine carved royal cenotaphs on the road to Delhi. Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hrs. Entry Fee For Indians Rs. 10.00, For Foreigners Rs. 50.00, Phone: 2530293, Elephant ride charge Rs. 400.00 (inclusive of all taxes) Timing : 8.00 to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2530264 (Tourist Office).
The festival is held on the eve of Holi in Jaipur and has several interesting attractions like elephant polo. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The elephants are decorated to the full with bright colours, saddle cloth and heavy jewellery. Female elephant are made to wear anklets and a prize is given for the most well-decorated elephant. Playing Holi on elephant back is one of the major attractions.
Though Kaliteej is celebrated all over the state, the one in Bundi is different in the sense that it is held on different dates from the rest of the state. The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the imposing Naval Sagar and passes through the main bazaars. The procession comprises decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people. Though the main function is held for only two days, the celebrations continue into Janamashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
Dusshera is celebrated all over the country in different ways as also in Rajasthan. it celebrates the triumph of good over evil the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Lord Rama and Ravana are enacted on stae and it is called Ramlila. On the tenth day of the festival, huge effigies of the tenheaded Ravana and his brother Kumbakaran, stuffed with thousands of fire crackers, are set afire and the people then begin to rejoice.
Geld all over Rajasthan, it is the most important fair of the state and is observed with fervour and devotion. The idols of Issar and gangaur, manifestations of Shiva and Parvati, are worshipped by women, particularly by those who are unmarred and pray for a consort. Women take out procession through the streets carrying images of the divine couple. The festival is especially colorful in Jaipur, Udaipur and Mandawa.
This fair is held at Mahavir Ji between March and April to commemorate Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara of the Jain. The temple is located in an enclosure known as Katala" where devotees come to pay homage.
Held during the monsoons, July-August Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. Though celebrations are held all over the state, it is particularly colourful in Jaipur where a procesion winds its way for days through the Old City. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.
AMER FORT - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.