People of Rajasthan not only know how to celebrate life, they actually put in a lot of heart in their festivals which makes the charm of their celebrations distinct. It is for this reason that Holi has a special meaning in Rajasthan and it the way it is celebrated draws a lot of attraction and excitement with the locals and tourists from India and across the world.
Preparation for Holi start days before the actual festival and people brace themselves up to indulge in various rituals and customs. In contrast to the way the festival is celebrated across India and around the globe, Holi in Rajasthan is celebrated differently with lots of other aspects and rituals involved which makes the festival look much more colorful and impressive.
Braj Mahotsav
The festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Krishna, and falls few days before Holi. The festival is celebrated for three days in the Braj region, which is situated in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The area in and around the Braj is believed to be the region where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, playing pranks and showing many aspects of His transcendental activities. Local people don multi-colored, vibrant attires and celebrate by singing and dancing and emulating Raslila, depicting the divine love between Radha and Krishna.
The energy identified with festival can be seen manifesting the entireBharatpur region in the form of songs and dance and locals splashing colors on each other. People can be seen everywhere in high spirits and festive mood and all set to welcome Holi.
Dhulandi Festival
Dhulandi is celebrated across India on the day after Holika Dahan (the traditional bonfire) to mark the onset of spring. Everyone, including the young and the old, can be seen indulging in gaiety and celebration and throwing and smearing colors on each other. The celebration can last till late in the evening. However, the festival acquires a special charm in the way it the celebrated in the capital city of Jaipur.
The department of tourism organizes an exclusive event in the lawns of Khasa Kothi Hotel for international guests where they can take part in and enjoy the culture, food and spirit of India, besides relishing the traditional Rajasthani folk songs as well as music.
Mali Holi
The Mali Holi is celebrated in a distinctive fashion and draws a lot of charm, excitement and curiosity. Following the age-old traditions, the men of the Mali community throw the colors on their women who then respond by hitting them with sticks or else by a long piece of cloth. The spectacle is worth seeing and generates a lot of enthusiasm. This special way of celebrating Holi, brings the people in the local community together in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
Gair at Godaji
Celebrated few days after Holi, this occasion is marked with the gathering of men from 12 distinct villages in the Godaji Village, located near theAjmer, to play Gair. Each village presents itself with their own drummers and troupes.
Surrounded by picturesque sights all over, the occasion is attended by thousands of audience and onlookers, who revel in the celebration with lots of excitement and passion. The eagerly awaited event is celebrated each year with great energy and verve and brings in a lot of joy and happiness to the local community.
Dolchi Holi at Bikaner
Dolchi Holi is again a slightly different form of Holi celebrated primarily by the Harsh and Vyas communities of Rajasthan. The celebration involves people throwing water on each other in a specially made vessel called Dolchi, manufactured from the camel skin. Celebrating Holi in such a way is a part of the tradition which has been sustained for 300 years.
However, the water is thrown only on the back of the individual and not front. Nevertheless, what is surprising is that colors are not used in this Holi and it is played by men of the communities only, while women and children look over. It is said that the tradition of this Holi was started when the two communities had a dispute over food. In order to bury the hatchet, the men of the communities started throwing water on each other, which subsequently got converted into a tradition.
Celebrations by Royals
The erstwhile Royal community of Rajasthan have their own way to celebrate Holi with the locals. On this day, members of the royal family come out in their most dazzling attires and mingle with the commoners. Previously, the occasion was marked by the grand display of the equestrian skills by the royal princes.
Even to this day men of the royal family emerge out on their steeds and throw colors on each other as well as get drenched in water themselves. The general mood of festivity and gala surrounds everywhere and hold the entire city in its grips.
Elephant Festival in Jaipur
Another attraction which cannot be afforded to be missed during the occasion of Holi is the famous Elephant Festival. The occasion is characterized by a wonderful procession, carried off by elephants decorated with diverse and attractive embellishments like scarves, velvet pastorals, embroidered head-plates, anklets, gold embroidered rugs and ear danglers.
Since ancient times elephants make up an important part of the Indian Society and play an important role in the business of life of ordinary countrymen as well as royalty. The exquisitely decorated elephants are all taken through the lanes of Jaipur and their mahouts too avail this opportunity to dress themselves up in fine clothes and royal turbans.
The festival is organized by Rajasthan Tourism and draws a lot of roar and cheer from the locals as well as tourists. Various competitions like Elephant Race, Elephant Polo, tug of war between the elephant and 19 men and women are especially popular. In addition to the elephant procession, a parade of chariots, camels, palanquins and lancers on horses is also organized which keeps the audience indulgent and entertained.
The land of Maharajas, the fabled arena of legendary warriors and a haven of majestic forts, palaces and havelis, Rajasthan is a territory blessed with great history, amazing geography and an astonishing culture.
Come get drenched in the myriad colors of Holi this year in Rajasthan and meet an India that you have always heard about in great stories and imagined in your thoughts with vigorous fecundity with these amazingRajasthan Tour Packages, designed and drafted by experts. Enjoy the incredible historical and cultural ambience of Jaipur or move around the state to visit Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore or Pushkar to truly understand and experience this breathtaking place.
