The
rich heritage of Rajasthan manifests itself in its unique art and
culture. The latticed havelis, ornate palaces and intricately carved
temples, the architectural beauty of forts and palaces symbolize the
skills of its artists. On the other hand, its colourful fairs &
festivals with traditional dance and music represent a unique culture of
this vibrant state.It is a land of exotic art & crafts and festivals which will fascinate every traveller. Every fair and festival is a reflection of its rich art and craft in terms of bazaars, music, dance, cuisine, sport events, which provides an opportunity to gain an insight view of the life & culture of Rajasthan. Its art can be seen in terms of handicraft items made of stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, glass, silver, gold, brass and textiles.Each region of Rajasthan has a different and diverse form of art & culture to present its visitors.
Folk Dance
Every
region of Rajasthan has its own form of dance which display the art and
culture of the state. Several tribal groups have their own old dance
forms. Ghoomer is one of them performed by women on special occasions.
Other well known folk dances of Rajasthan are Gair, Chari, Drum Dance,
Fire Dance, Kachhi Ghodi, Kathputli etc.
Painting
Various
forms of painting is also a major part in Rajasthani Art. The
Rajasthani School of Painting mainly include murals and miniature that
flourish during 16th and 18th century. Paintings with the use of strong
colours reflect the Rajput culture. The earlier paintings were generally
based on the subjects related to royal life style, religious and
secular. Most of the paintings have the theme of Krishna Leela and other
Hindu religious subjects.
The miniature painting of Rajasthan is the most characteristic paintings of Rajasthan generally executed in paper, marble, ivory, wood & cloth. The most important schools related to this category are the Bundi School, the Kishangarh School, Mewar School, Amber School and the Marwar School.
The phad and the Pichwais are two forms of cloth paintings in Rajasthhan. These were generally associated with the legends of Krishna and historic themes. These were generally done in colours obtained from natural minerals & vegetable, with red and yellow predominating.
The miniature painting of Rajasthan is the most characteristic paintings of Rajasthan generally executed in paper, marble, ivory, wood & cloth. The most important schools related to this category are the Bundi School, the Kishangarh School, Mewar School, Amber School and the Marwar School.
The phad and the Pichwais are two forms of cloth paintings in Rajasthhan. These were generally associated with the legends of Krishna and historic themes. These were generally done in colours obtained from natural minerals & vegetable, with red and yellow predominating.
Sculpture & Stonework
Rajasthan
is also famous for its sculpture and stonework especially carvings on
marble and sandstone. It can be seen in most of its palaces, forts,
temples, stepwells and havelis. This art was used in carving images of
the deities from the stone block.
Cuisine
Each region of Rajasthan has its own traditional dishes and specialties with unique flavour. Due to the scarcity of water, areas like Bikaner and Jaisalmer use milk in most of their food items. The cuisine of Rajasthan is also influenced by Mughal and Europeans with spicy flavours. Bikaner's sweets and snacks, the Makhaniya Lassi of Jodhpur, Bharatpur's milk sweets, Malpuas of Pushkar, Mawa of Alwar and Sohan Halwa of Ajmer are some of the popular food items of different regions.
Fairs & Festivals
Numerous
fairs and festivals of all religions are a major part of Rajasthan's
culture. The fairs offers a chance to know about the life of Rajasthan.
Some of the well known festivals of the state include the Pushkar Fair,
Desert Festival, Gangaur Festival, Marwar Festival, Camel Festival,
Summer Festival & Teej.
Music
is a prime part of Rajasthani culture, which displays all aspects of
Rajasthan culture. Rajasthani music and songs talk about its rich past
by many religious and devotional songs and dramas. Various traditional
musical instruments like dholak, ektara, matas, nagada, chang,
kamayacha, sarangi, sitar are commonly used in all types of music.Rajasthani Music
Religion
Rajasthan
is inhabited by people of all religions. Hinduism is the dominant
religion of Rajasthan. Numerous Hindu temples, tombs, Jain Temples,
several catholic and protestant churches reflects the diversity of
religions.