Jodhpur – A city of Ecstasy

[Sara Hasan]

The state of Rajputs, now known as Rajasthan, has always been a preferred location for the visitors to India coz of its national monuments, culture and behavior of people. The state has got a lot of things to mesmerize anyone. It has got a lot of ancient cities like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota etc. The land is also known as the land of warriors. Out of these cities, Jodhpur is one of the cities which attract people coz of various reasons.This is one of the cities close to the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan. They say that it is an oasis in the gigantic desert. The state has been a capital to the old Marwar state founded in 1459 AD. Rajasthani people are well known for their hospitality and so are the people of Jodhpur. Jodhpur’s culture includes the variety of nutritious food, traditional costumes and food, dance etc. Rajasthannis love to wear jewelry. One can find jewelry on almost any part of a women’s body as it is a part of the traditional wear. The costume for women include a jacket which covers the front and back with sleeves covering more than half of it, a long skirt, known as Lehanga and heads always covered with Chunri. For men, a long shirt and a trouser which look like one of the horse riders' trousers. Men also wear a turban which is unique because of its various colors.The city, has a ten meter long wall with eight gates on it, is also known for its palaces and forts. One of the most magnificent forts is Mehrangarh fort which is a live example of the tremendous work by sculptors. The fort is situated on a hill of more than 150m height and has a few palaces and temples inside it. It is magnificent to say that one has to cross seven gates to reach this fort and every gate has a unique name related to glorious victories over different armies. Umaid Bhavan palace is one of the 20th century palaces part of which is now a museum and a hotel. Another palace inside the fort is known as Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace which has the Royal Thorne of Jodhpur.The fairs and festivals of Jodhpur show the royalty of culture and traditions of Rajasthan. Marwar festival, Nagaur fair and the International Kite Festival of Jodhpur are amongst to name a few. Nagaur Fair is amongst the biggest fairs in India. The kite festival is a three day festival which mostly starts on 14th January every year as it Makar Sankranti.Another factor because of which the city is famous for is its cuisines. Makhaniya lassi, Mawa Kachori, Maakahn Vade, Hot and Spicy Mirchy Vada, Pyaaz Kachori are amongst the delicacies of the traditional cuisines of Jodhpur. No visitor to Jodhpur misses out on the Kachori served with chutney.There is another factor, which is in blood, is the worship. Chamundi Temple, Achal Nath Shivalaya, Rasik Bihari temple, Siddhant Shiv Temple, Baba Ramdeo Temple and Raj Ranchhodji Temple are amongst the temples in the city.Any visitor can never go back with-out shopping in Jodhpur. The antique jewelry, footwear, lehangas, Tie and Dye Sarees, embroidery are easily available in various markets.Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and Tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on Rajasthan Tours, Rajasthan Tour Packages and other destinations of India. Explore- http://www.india-tours.net