Rajasthan in General
1 . Cuisine of Rajasthan
In this desert climate not much could be grown in the way of crops but you are in for a real treat when it comes to Rajasthani cuisine. The inventive chefs of yesteryears kings have created some mouthwatering delicacies. High on the must-sample list are the dal bati churma, gatta ki sabzi, mangodi, bajra ki roti, mirch pakodi and varoius chutneys and papads. The smoked Rajasthani kebab - sule is bare-be-cued in about a dozen different ways and is a non vegetarian delicacy. Besides, each region is distinguished by its popular sweet - Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur..to name a few.
2. Climate in Rajasthan
Given its varied topography the climate varies throughout Rajasthan. The west is relatively dry and infertile; it includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. In the southwestern part of the state, the land is wetter, hilly and more fertile. On average winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and summer temperatures range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). Rains falls from July through September during the monsoon season. The best time to travel to Rajasthan is during the winter, which extends from December to March. January is the coolest month of the year
3. Customs and Manners
Rajasthan is an ancient land with a diverse culture and many timeless traditions still thrive in its heartland. The aarti, tilak, namaskar and use of garlands is a common welcome for important guests.
Madana the Rajasthani art of decorating courtyards and prayer halls, using coloured powders has also been kept alive.
4. Dress
Clothes in kaleidoscopic colours complemented by ornate jewelery is a trademark of the Rajasthani people.
The common dress of the women constitutes a sari or odhani, choli, ghaghra or lahanga. Besides, the women of high status and ranks wear dupatta and patka.
The use of chappals or sandals or jutees is also common but ladies of high families use coloured sandals studded with gold threads and stars.
Turban, the head dress of Rajasthani men, is a differential pattern, of each geographical region designed to suit terrain and climatic influence. All over Rajasthan, the bandhni, the tie-and-dye sari and turban reign supreme.
5. Dances of Rajasthan
The dances of Rajasthan seem to have originated from the depths of the desert and the hearts of its people. Women dancers pirouette gracefully and their Ghaghras (skirt) flare out in a blaze of color and movement. Regal men in fulsome, gathered white ankle-length skirts and brilliant turbans swirl and execute intricate choreographic patterns. Most popular among these sensuous and riveting dances are Ghoomar, Bhavai, Kachhi Ghodi, Chari, Kalbeliya, Gair, Kathputli and Terahtaali.
6. Music of Rajasthan
The rythms and tunes of Rajasthani folk music seem akin to the songs of its shifting sands. Maand is the original Rajasthani music that flourished in its courts. Among the professional folk musicians the Bhopas (singing priests), Nats, Bhat puppeteers, Kalbelias and Kanjars made some vital contributions to Rajasthani music .
7. Musical instruments of Rajasthan
To this day Rajasthani musicians use many unsophisticated indegenous instruments that produce strangely mesmeric sounds - such as the bankia, flutes called algoza, the hypnotic Jewish harp or morchhang, the stringed instrument with a tinkling cluster of bells called the ravanhatta and the earthen pitcher or matka which is turned in the hands with amazing dexterity and is used as a percussion instrument.
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