Introduction
A
land of history and legends, Rajasthan has cities and towns that permeate
valour, romance and beauty every inch. Each city has an identity of its own
and charms in its own way. The state is replete with architecture, tradition
and culture. The city of Jodhpur, the second largest in the state, is one of
those gems that Rajasthan can flaunt and be proud of. The people of the city
are known to be mild and even-tempered. To witness the city in all its
colours and splendour, a trip during September/ October comes as the most
significant. It is the time when the grand event of the Marwar Festival
takes place.
The Marwar Festival is a window to the artistic and cultural brilliance of
Jodhpur and the Marwar region of Rajasthan. The exotic event, that lasts for
two days, commemorates the gallantry and bravado that the Rajput monarchs
are known for. The celebration sets forth a cultural milieu that one likes
to soak in. It is seen as an opportunity for travellers to get to the
quintessence of the Marwar region.
Celebration
Jodhpur, the erstwhile capital of the Marwar province, springs to life
during the Marwar Festival. The occasion falls in the Hindu month of Ashwin
(during September/ October). Folk dancers and musicians from all around the
state leave no stones unturned to grace the event. Myths and legends come
alive as the folk artists sing praises of the gallant rulers of yore. The
soulful music and the ancient dance forms capture the imagination of the
audiences.
Besides cultural performances, the festival also include numerous contests
and competitions. The brave-hearted thus find an opportunity to remind the
sightseers of the opulence of the erstwhile maharajas. They represents great
courage and zeal. Horse riding and horse polo are the major attractions for
travellers. Camel tattoo is also a popular sport during the festivity.
As evening approaches, the festivity picks up heat. Women dancers, attired
in colourful traditional costumes, continue to take rhythmical steps to
match the folk tunes. Folk dance forms like Ghoomar, Chari, Gair, Serpent
dance and Fire dance are big draws for tourists. The backdrop of the
Mehtangarh Fort makes the occasion all the more splendid.
Other Attractions
Your
trip to Jodhpur also includes visits to many famed sites. Forts, palaces,
lakes and havelis dot the landscape from one corner to the other. Take out
time to explore the following tourist attractions.
» Mehrangarh Fort
» Jaswant Thada
» Umaid Bhawan Palace
» Mahamandir
» Mandore
» Osian
» Balsamand Lake & Palace
» Guda Bishnoi Village
» Sardar Samand Lake & Palace
» Baba Ramdeo Temple
Reaching Options
Jodhpur has well established air, road and rail routes. Jodhpur has its own
airport that plies regular flights to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and
Jaipur. The railway station connects the city with places like Delhi,
Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Through road route, Jodhpur is accessible
from places like Delhi (597 km), Udaipur (260 km) and Jaipur (336 km).
