Top 5 Places to Visit in Rajasthan

The most wanted destination of India, Rajasthan is truly a delight. Blessed with astonishing sand dunes, beautiful Thar Desert, incredible wild life, interesting festivals, impressive forts, crystal clean lakes, Rajasthan houses many remarkable places. Exciting folk cultures, colorful fairs, vivacious costumes and arty handicrafts really distinguish Rajasthan from the other states of the country. There are millions of tourists, who visit Rajasthan, every year to enjoy the colorful ambiance, here. Being one of the popular states of India, Rajasthan offers number of tourist attractions to the visitors. However, amongst them, let us know the top 5 destinations from closer.

Jaipur Holidays : The pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur houses many enthralled palaces and forts, with most of them having striking landscape and stunning interiors. You might be amazed to know that the city is also the proud part of the Golden Triangle tour. A trip to Jaipur will make you understand how the monarchy once existed in all its glory. Also, the city comprises of a lot of marvelous heritage hotels that have been transformed from arresting palaces.

Udaipur Holidays : The enchanting place is filled with many ancient mansions, magnificence gardens, old temples and impressive palaces overlooking fascinating shimmering lakes. Udaipur embraces five amazing palaces, amongst them City Palace is the most famous and noticeable palace. The City Palace will definitely leave you spell bound and enthralled. Further, the construction and architecture of City Palace looks compelling with Mughal and Rajput interior styles.              

Jaisalmer Holidays : The city includes appealing forts and temples because of which Jaisalmer is often refer as the Golden city of India. Some of the famous ancient attractions found here are Golden Fort, eye-catching Jain Temples, Havelis and thrilling Desert National Park. Also, a trip to Jaisalmer will give visitor an opportunity to take part in famous camel safari, which takes you to the distinct regions of the city. If you want to have the most memorable trip of your life then get yourself a Rajasthan trip and enjoy.

Jodhpur Holidays : Proudly known as the blue city, Jodhpur is the second biggest part of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The charming old part of Jodhpur houses gripping Mehrangarh Fort and graceful Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum. Umaid Bhawan Palace, built by celebrated Maharaja Umaid Singh is now owned by Taj Group of hotels. Also, the city organizes Rajasthan International Folk Festival, every year in October, which is an honor to see. Catch the famous attractions of Jodhpur by taking a trip to colorful Rajasthan.

Pushkar Holidays : Pushkar is known for its famous Pushkar festival, which is attended by millions of tourist, every year. Gradually Pushkar fair is gaining recognition, all over the world. The camel fair is really a pleasure to watch. The festival also brings a great opportunity to dig deep into the vibrant culture and tradition of Rajasthan. The festival includes a camel race with the interesting blend of dance and music to follow.

All these places make Rajasthan an incredible place to visit. So, taste these charismatic places to visit in  Rajasthan, availing Rajasthan tours.     

Heritage and Culture of Rajasthan

Travel to sun kissed Thar Desert of Rajasthan that makes it as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. Unravel the exquisiteness of Rajasthan that illustrates the impressive beauty of the splendid land. The heritage hotels, safaris, mystic forts, glorious palaces and various other tourist destinations of Rajasthan surmount the magnificence of the land with immense nobility. The royal land offers unlimited options of experiencing tranquility through several historical forts built in creative architecture. Some of the most famous forts fine examples of art and skills of ancient artisans. The forts and palaces of the land gives the true essence of color and culture and provide opportunity to get an insight into the rich culture, heritage, tradition and the glorious past of the desert state.

Some of the better known heritage cities of Rajasthan Holidays are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Above and beyond you will find plentiful enlightening heartlands in Rajasthan such as Pushkar, the site of world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair; Mandawa with its painted Havelis and frescoes; arts and crafts of the Shekhawati region; and the very unusual Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke, where rats are respected and not treated as pests.

The preferred starting destination is its capital Jaipur which is given the title of pink city because of its pink colored houses. With Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar as its highlights, Jaipur forms the crucial part of any Indian tour, especially golden triangle tour. The upright Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur; and Chittorgarh Fort has its exceptional history. It has seen mysterious glorious battles, and has witnessed self-immolation by thousands of Rajput women to save them from molestation at the hands of rival. Each and every turn of the forts and palaces breathes history, conspiracy, gallantry, steady loyalty, and romance.

The luxurious camel safari voyages on vast sand dunes of Thar Desert in Jaisalmer and Bikaner take you to the thrilling ride. On the way one can participate in cultural shows that display mesmerizing performances from the folk artists of Rajasthan, which may include music, dances, puppet shows, plays, and mythical narration of folklores.

Wildlife too forms great legacy of the royal land. Get indulge in wildlife explorations that used to be the leisure activity of kings of rich emperors. Some of the most popular sanctuaries and wildlife in Rajasthan are Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Sariska National Park, Desert National Park, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Tal Chapper Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Among these wildlife sanctuary, Bharatpur, Rathambhore and the Sariska National Park are the most visited wildlife parks and sanctuaries in Rajasthan.one can witness distinct variety of species of animals among which the most commonly found are leopard, Chitals, the park houses tigers, Indian Gallezes, sloth bear and the many other species of birds.

Exotic spicy cuisine, colorful fairs and festivals, exquisite handicrafts, textiles, costumes, rich wildlife, exotic scenic desert, heritage forts and palaces form the rich heritage places to visit in Rajasthan and add royal touch to one’s Rajasthan tour. Rajasthan tour leaves you with the eternal impression of the rich heritage of the royal kingdom of departed era. Palaces, havelis, forts, gardens, monuments, and temples that once belonged to royal families are now turned onto heritage places and now open to tourist both to explore and stay. The stately forts, eye-catching palaces, skillfully tinted and engraved havelis, heritage monuments, refreshing gardens, museums, fairs and festivals, handicrafts and cuisine superbly reflects Rajasthan Heritage.

Ancient Crafts and Arts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is among the richest states in the country in the field of arts and crafts. Rajasthan's art and crafts in the most brilliant forms evokes the rich traditions of its glorious past and makes for unmatched conversation pieces.

Jewelry of Rajasthan is world famous for its own unique style. Some of the traditional designs are rakhri, bala, bajuband, gajra, gokhru, jod, etc. worn by women. Men’s ornaments are chockers and earrings. Jaipur is famous expert centre for precious and semi-precious gem stones. Rajasthan excels in a wide range of ornaments-using Emerald, Diamond, Pearls, Garnet, Agate, etc. made especially in Jaipur and Jodhpur. The art of enamellings on gold or silver (Meenakari) is also done here using the raised-field style. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. With large variety of bangles and all varieties of stones can be purchased in Rajasthan.

Rajasthani tradition lies in its textile art. From attractive ranges of hand - block prints, tie and dye to embroidered fabrics with mirror work and the art of Khari is practiced over here. Both Jaipur and Jodhpur are major centres of laheriya, art of tie and dye. Rajasthan has a long and distinguished tradition of printing with finely carved wooden blocks and thus termed as Block Printing which is widely practiced at Sanganer and Bagru. Embroidered torans, odhnis, shawls, ghagras (long, flowing skirt) and blouses in sparkling colors with the shining of tiny mirrors or shishas, portrays creativity of needle work.

Leather craft and industry of Rajasthan has a long history. Leather shoes known as jootis or mojdis are made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Embroidery known as kashida is done on the jootis mainly by the women. The distinctive feature of these shoes is that they have neither a left nor a right foot. Forming sizeable export market is the Rajasthani exquisite carpets in traditional and contemporary designs, displaying superb workmanship.

Miniature Paintings and marble and ivory carvings of Rajasthan are world famous for their creative designing. Paintings of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nathwara and Kishangarh continue to paint fine works of art on handmade paper. The ancient tradition of scroll paintings in the form of Phads and Pichwais in bold vigorous lines and bright primary colors display much of the ancient Indian tradition. Miniature paintings are even done on marble. Marble from Rajasthan has been used for construction of famous monuments like Taj Mahal. White marble is painted, sometime with real gold. Even. Jaipur is the main centre for exquisite marble objects. For ivory carving Udaipur, Bharatpur and Jaipur are well known and ivory carvers from these places are generally favored by royal courts. The Bikaner Palace is equally prominent for its artistic ivory inlaid doors and one can take away carved ivory artifacts but the export of ivory in any form from India is strictly prohibited.

Jaipur is known for its regal blue-glazed pottery which can be easily spotted in the old city of Jaipur. An array of terracotta articles are produced in Rajasthan namely paper-thin pottery, painted pottery, white and red clay articles and terracotta wall plaques. The decorative, fragrant and aesthetic key chains in sandalwood carvings serve as souvenir of Rajasthan.

Adorning palaces and Havelis is the intricately designed and carved furniture of Rajasthan. The painted furniture and delicately carved wooden doors stands out with the fine embroidery work on it. Jodhpur wooden furniture is designed with typically ethnic color combinations with rich carved borders adding antique charm to them.

Creative work on stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles forms the rich traditional Rajasthan crafts and arts and thus it reflects the culturally rich Rajasthan with its vibrant colors. The artistic creativity with Holidays to Rajasthan purely reflects the ancient Indian way of life.

Rajasthan Forts and Palaces

Wonder what made Rajasthan famous all over the world? Why is it called Royal Rajasthan when it is only just a state in the northwestern part of India? Why it is time and again referred to as the land of royalty and grandeur? And here again I am saying it is truly a majestic land. Travelers, there is a magical charm in Rajasthan that made the land attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year from all parts of the world.  If no longer want to remain wonder but want to know this magical charm and want to enjoy the charisma of royalty, come and Explore Majestic Rajasthan with Rajasthan Forts and Palaces where this magical charm and royalty of the land lies.

Spectacularly set, surrounded by rugged hills, the whole of Rajasthan is dotted with majestic forts and stunning palaces, gloriously standing depicting the symbol of Royal Rajasthan. Stunningly built on high hilltops, amidst shimmering desert and on the islands of breathtaking lakes, these forts and palaces speaks volume the enduring legacies of the royal past. They stand as reminders of the rich history and royal lifestyle of this majestic land. Built in different architectural styles, these heritage beauties have unique charm and charisma and they have their own distinct place in the cultural heritage of majestic Rajasthan. These whimsical architectural structures beautify not only the cities and towns of Rajasthan but the entire landscape of the country. They are the prime magical charms that capture tourist’s hearts from both far and near. Rajasthan is truly a tourist paradise with incredible charms. Travelers from all across the world are welcomed to come and explore the incredibly beautiful Rajasthan with its forts and palaces where its majesty and grandeur lies.

Rajasthan is often also referred to as the land of forts and palaces. It is because every city and town of Rajasthan has at least either a fort or a palace giving a distinct identity to the state. Some of the famous forts and palaces of Rajasthan that draw maximum tourists and that one must never miss when on a tour or holiday in Rajasthan are Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Chittorgarh Fort in Chittorgarh, Sonar Qila in Jaisalmer, Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Taragarh Fort in Bundi and many more. These forts and palaces and many others that are not mentioned are the eloquent of the bygone royal era and its stunning architectural designs and decorations are the testimonials of the past great craftsmanship.

Travelers visiting the forts and palaces of Rajasthan can find distinct architectural tastes and touches of the Mughals and the Rajputs. These priceless architectural beauties are made of different materials. While some are made of white marble, others black marble, and others of sandstones and granites bedazzled in gems and jewels. The exceptional form of art especially the interior and exterior decorations are simply unmentionable. These imposing man made architectural beauties made the land one of the most feted tourist destinations in India. Today, visitors can not only enjoy its picturesque beauty but can stay in one of them and share the joy of royalty. Many of these forts and palaces are today converted into luxury heritage hotels and resorts opening its doors to visitors to experience the ecstasy of royalty and grandeur.

Whoever comes to Rajasthan for whatever reasons are said to have left with in possession of a piece of history and grandeur. If so, come and Explore Majestic Rajasthan with Rajasthan Forts and Palaces and walk away with a piece of this rich history and grandeur. The majesty and splendor of Rajasthan are hidden in its splendid impregnable forts and palaces.

Cultural Heritages with Rajasthan

Experience the rich Indian cultural heritages with Rajasthan holidays

Rajasthan holidays are not only providing the leisure and pleasure to the tourists but also give some of the wonderful information regarding the India’s rich cultural and historical account. There are many cultural heritages that are performed by people which truly showcase the cultures of pasts.

Most of the people may not know that India is the largest multicultural country; it can be proved with the fact that this country is having 28 states and 7 union territories. People living in each state have different lifestyles, cultures, customs, traditions and even differ in their body structures as well.

Among these states Rajasthan is the biggest one in terms of landmass. It is true that this single state is a live example showcasing the India’s multi cultural feature. The availability of Rajasthan holidays has promulgated this identity of the state to many people from different parts of the world. Today, thousands of tourists visit India for the sole purpose of visiting to the land of Kings and Maharajas.

From the ancient periods onwards India has a significant identity which is lying in its history. The reigns of various kings and maharajas from different cultural backgrounds have brought a lot of cultural mingling in the country whose reflections today, of course can be seen or experienced only in Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan holidays leads tourists to the exotic cultural heritages of the country in various forms like Mahals, Palaces, Tombs, Forts and many other monumental forms.

The major attractions of Rajasthan include the famous Hawa Mahal means “Palace of Winds”, City Palace of Udaipur, Jantar Mantar and many forts. The City palace and Hawa Mahal are the true regal expressions with beautifully designed buildings. Each of these architectural marvels indicates certain culture of various kings and Maharajas of the past.

Besides, there are many cultural traditions which reflect the royal cultures in people; for instance, the elephant rides, horse rides followed by camel rides all these are the inherited cultures of the earlier kings. From the ancient to medieval periods it was found that the kings and maharajas that used to go out for hunting always used elephants or horses for every outing. In general, horses and elephants are regarded as the royal assets every where. These cultures have entered so deep in people that at every auspicious occasion one can find these animals coming into play an important role. To make it more vivid, in every marriage ceremony the groom is always taken riding on the horse which is a tradition highly maintained in the northern part of the country. Besides, there are many fairs and festivals in Rajasthan which comprise of certain royal cultural element in them. The elephants’ parade and fight shown in the elephant festivals in Rajasthan can be taken as evidence that these activities have been left by formers kings and Rajas as the cultural legacies.

Today, all these royals’ wonders can easily be accessed due to the revolutionary innovative change came into the transporting world. The tourism of India usually revolves around the Rajasthan tourism which also itself revolves around the basic amenities like the development of transport and accommodation sectors. Now a-days, tourists can have various holiday packages of Rajasthan the availability of time, money and interest.

Luxury Holidays in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the largest state of the country is famously known as the land of Maharajas and kings. It has become an indispensable part of the Indian tourism. The visit to Rajasthan has become a common feature in every leading India tour packages. It is because the state is very rich in culture and history of the India’s glorifying past. 

With so many things to explore and see it became a new hub for tourism and playing an important role in generating various economic activities for people. It has emerged as the destination for tourists visiting from different part of the world. Due to all these attractions the state has acquired most of the people usually enjoy celebrating many Rajasthan holidays.

The development and improvement in various means of transports and communication has also contributed to the increase of tourists’ inflow into the state. Today, tourists who are willing to have the most luxurious tours for Rajasthan can choose the different luxury travels with Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on wheels.

The Rajasthan tourism will introduce the travelers to a new exotic world full of cultural and natural wonders. Today it is easily seen that most of the people who love to go into the cultural depth usually make the frequent tours to Rajasthan. The land of kings and Maharajas comprises of some of the wonderful things to behold and experience that in fact, made the destination colorfully more vibrant and unique from the rest of the destinations.

The major attractions where thousands of people love to visit again and again are the famous Hawa Mahal,     Jantar Mantar, City palace followed by many forts and palaces of Jaipur. Apart from it, there are many cities of Rajasthan where there are many uniquely beautiful things that are very difficult to ignore are Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Bharatpur and Jodhpur. Among these, the best destinations are Jaipur and Udaipur.

Jaipur is famously known as the “Pink city” and became the capital of the Rajasthan. The entire city walls were whitewashed with pink colors as a mark of respect during the time when the British Prince Albert and Elizabeth were visiting to the city. Since then onwards it has transformed into a tradition for people who today also paint the city walls with the same color which has well adorned the entire city. The Hawa Mahal is one of the best cultural expressions of the Rajputs. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh with the help of the famous creative architect, Lal Chand Ustad.

This awesome palace became a special touristy ingredient showing the marvelous culture of the kings that had strongly ruled the state. Major characteristics feature includes its external beauty; it looks like a giant honeybee hive from a far distance. It also resembles the Lord Krishna’s Crown due to the 953 small latticed windows that were created to bring fresh air inside the palace. The main purpose of the palace is believed to be the royal ladies. Those ladies were to be remained inside without being seen and had to watch every proceeding taking place in the city.

Holidays in Rajasthan can never be satisfying until and unless the tourists visit to the famous sand dunes in the India’s greatest Thar Desert. The night spending in the desert has its own charms under the open sky full of beautiful twinkling stars followed by dance and music shows in the evening.

Rajasthan holiday packages have earned a special place in people’s heart; as through these holidays they can reach into the exciting cultural world of India’s rich history.

Culture, Weddings and Traditions in Rajasthan

A predominantly agrarian economy with around seventy percent of of its burgeoning one billion plus population relying on agriculture for livelihood, the state of Rajasthan in India is not so privileged to have been blessed with the best agrarian natural inputs. Its the largest Indian federal state, with a large part of its largeness holding earth which has been thirsty for water for ages, whose barren fields have stories of valor and chivalry, where life goes unabated and hardships are nothing but instincts of survival.

Legend has it that once flourishing with agricultural produce augmented by the mighty and noisy river Saraswati, it turned arid and dry because of a curse. Satellite studies have shown it to be flowing under the great Thar Desert, much to the country's delight as holding potentially rich oil and gas reserves. However nature's admonishment failed to dent the spirit, and with livelihoods stolen, the people of this desert state had to reinvent to subscribe to this.

Amongst the many instincts of survival picked up in these harsh conditions of aridness, where women even to this day travel miles a fetch a pale of water, the Rajasthanis who could easily have turned hostile, actually evolved stronger. As their livelihoods of default were snatched, the only vocation they could practice was trade. They mastered the art of trade and developed sharp business acumen and to this day dominate the business scene of this country. Their entrepreneurship is widely debated world over. A point in case being the richest Indian in the world Lakshmi Nivas Mittal, the uncrowned emperor of global steel business, also hails from here.

Ruled by the chivalrous and legendary Rajput rulers, its history is as exciting as its neo evolution. Known as the land of brave rulers who built impregnable forts and amazing palaces, it is the numero uno destination on any visitors' ternary in the Indian landscape. It also mirrors the rich Indian tradition and culture and offers the best explanation of hospitality. Having seen it all, what is most signature like is its huge love for colours. It was probably encouraged by the homogeneity of the desert, that Rajasthan had to marry colours. When nature around chose to keep it devoid of colours, its people unrelented. Colours are central to their life. They choose to wear colours more boldly than anywhere else in the world. The men adorn turbans with splash of rich colours. The women drape ethnic wear in the most communicative colours. Their festivals are full of life, resplendent with a mix of amazing colours.

Their love for colours could be seen in common everyday faculties going as far as constructing an entire city pink in colour known as Jaipur, its capital. Domicile Rajasthanis take pride in their colourful attire, and colourful houses and drapes which is a constant reminder of their willingness to fight adversity. You may not come across a single Rajasthani complaining on its share of arid dryness, lack of vegetation and water, lack of governmental support and infrastructure, because they realize they are destiny's less loved children. They trust their labour and their evolved instincts of survival manifests into success of their enterprise, and they take fond pleasure in the art of wealth creation.

What however cannot escape this writing on the influence of colour in Rajasthan Holidays are their magnum opus colourful wedding carnivals. Nowhere else in India is a wedding such a spectacle spread over a week of cultural and culinary drama. Their weddings comprise of large participation involving long and strenuous customary rituals with embellishments of fun, food, music, dance, and drama. Its an affair which at the end of it all could consume lots of money and energy. The fatigue of a Rajasthani wedding is washed over months and it takes days to settle down after the event.

The joy and vibrancy of this desert state promises to continue for generations ahead, as its people love their land, and despite the adverse and inhospitable living conditions are unwilling to compromise for life's better conveniences, because they know what binds them amongst many things is their common love for colour. They are aware their women and children can lead better lives in other precincts, but they know they may not be able to pride in their love for colour on a different land. They thus remain to be destiny's less loved children in love with themselves, their traditions, and of course their colours.

Rajasthan - Traveler Paradise

Being blessed with rich natural endowments and being home for several wonders of the world including heritage sites and historical monuments mixed with modern world-class hotels and resorts, Rajasthan Tourism is truly a Global Destination of India for tourist across the world. 

The incredible state of India, Rajasthan Holidays, widely known as the ”Land of Wonders” is not just a name called by its people but it is called so because it is so in reality. An exotic land with full of eye catching sites everywhere that nobody will believe unless he/she come and witness by self. It is also known as the land of forts and palaces and is also widely known by the colors of the people and cities. The magic of incredible state Rajasthan that capture tourist’s hearts from across the world is its rich heritage, natural beauties, rich flora and fauna and its fascinating culture. The magnificent and fanciful charm of the impregnable Forts and Palaces, the shimmering Golden Deserts, breathtaking Lakes, Sand Dunes, Camel Safaris, the exotic Wildlife, the lust forests and the colorful lives and culture of the people make Rajasthan Tourism win thousands of hearts making the state an unparallel Global Destination of India for tourist across the world.

Rajasthan is one of the largest states in India in terms of size and many of its cities houses major tourism attractions among other tourist destinations in India. Some of the famous and major tourist attracted cities of Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bikaner, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh and Jaisalmer.  Each of these cities is beautiful and equally significant in their own way. Jaipur, the capital city of the state is called the Pink City where visitors will be taken aback by the pink color of the city everywhere beside magnificent forts and city palaces. Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City of India and Udaipur the city of lakes, where visitors can enjoy the sight of three breathtaking lakes. Chittorgarh is where one will find the still preserved medieval zeal chivalrous Rajputs in forts and palaces. Besides the much talked about forts and palaces, the state have several renowned national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and pilgrimage centers. 

Of the several parks and tours, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserves and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are recommended worth visiting. The Pushkar Temples, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mount Abu Dilwara Jain Temples are some of the renowned pilgrimage centers and sights tourists coming for pilgrimage tours at Rajasthan can enjoy the time of their trip. 

A trip to forts and palaces, a ride on the back of the camels on the golden deserts, a visit to the captivating lakes and parks, a stay in one of the heritage palaces turned luxury hotels and taking part in a fascinating cultural festival with the colorful people can make visitors trip to Rajasthan the most thrilling and unforgettable experience in life. All the above delights and many others make Rajasthan Tourism a truly Global Destination of India. Come whatever the season of the year, the Royal Rajasthan and its people have lots to offer and showcase and the land of wonders never goes out of rewarding its visitors. 

Teej Festival in Rajasthan

The monsoon festival of Teej is celebrated in Rajasthan for two days on the third and fourth days of the month of Shrawan (July-August) in honor of the goddess Parvati. It is a time for song, dancing, telling stories, cooking, wearing new clothes and swinging.

The festival is held in honor of the goddess Parvati who, according to mythology, was reunited with her husband Shiva on this day. In celebration, she decreed that this day was holy and anyone who invoked her on this day will blessed with whatever they desired.

This is a very special festival for married women. On these two days, married women would dress themselves in green, red, or yellow dresses, hands and their feet painted in delicate designs of red (henna) and pray for long and happy marriages and the prosperity of their children. They worship the goddess and sing songs in her honour. Afterwards they amuse themselves by swinging on swings. Devotion to the goddess and decoration of women's bodies are important themes in this festival and both are carried out religiously.

Parents of married daughters often send gifts on these days which can include sweets, henna, new bangles and a new dress. This sending of gifts is known as 'sindhara', which means the decoration of women and their charming beauty. Unmarried women will receive gifts of decoration and a dress as well. Often married daughters will return to their parents' home on this day where their brothers will set up swings for them. Thus, the monsoon festival Teej can be seen as reuniting families, as in accordance to the myth.

Teej is known as a monsoon festival where in India, and especially in the deserts of Rajasthan, good monsoons are known to bring auspicious things, a good harvest and a good life yet to come. The festival expresses happiness and prosperity in the future.

As stated, during this festival married women usually visit their parents' houses. Unfortunately not all are able to do this due to various reasons. There are songs that are sung which express their parents' sadness if they do not visit. "My dear brother! Why are you sleeping?/Your mother's daughter is pining in her in-laws' house/O mother! Other girls are going to swing/To me my mother-in-law has given lots to grind".

The practice of swinging is another important aspect in this festival. Swinging, according to mythology, was something that the Hindu gods did to frolic and to have fun like human beings. According to Hindu mythology, the gods come down to earth for the festival in order to swing. There is also a song which is sung that shows this aspect, "On the branch of the magnolia tree I have put a swing/ Its rope is of silk, I have put a swing/ On the branch of the magnolia tree I have put a swing/ Its plank is of sandal wood, I have put a swing/ To swing on my swing, the Sun and Moon have come/ They have brought their queens to swing on my swing/ While swinging they stopped and said, we like red bangles/ Their mothers will buy them red bangles, I have put a swing ....".

There are other elements which make up the importance of Teej. As a monsoon festival, rain is very important in this area. Rain helps the crops grow and gives life to the desert, so this festival can be seen as a thank you to the gods for blessing the people with rain. It is held after a period of scorching heat and the coming of the rainy season which is vital for the people's livelihoods and survival.

Bibliography:

Bhatnagar, Manju (1988) The Monsoon Festival Teej in Rajasthan, Asian Folklore Studies, Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture.