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Jaipur General Information |
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Jaipur General Information
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Area :
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64.75 sq km, Pink City 9.8 km |
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Altitude |
431 meters |
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Temperature : |
Summer :Max 45° C Min 25.8° C |
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Winter : Max 22° C Min 8.3° C |
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Languages : |
Rajasthani, English, Hindi |
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Introduction
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Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as
the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its
old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid
landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and
crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place
of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur
has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several
influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's
strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The
city is a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate
looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar -
an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments,
the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on
both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the
colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the
architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
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jaipur History
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The city of Jaipur is the prime example of the culture and
traditions of this region. . In this land, towering forts were
built as much for ostentation as for intimidating the enemy; and
desperate battles were fought by rulers who were great patrons
of the arts. Among all the states of erstwhile princelyIndia,
Rajputana is undoubtedly the one with the most martial record -
warring factions locked in deadly warfare, thousands of royal
ladies consigning themselves to flames preferring death to
dishonor. The royal city of Jaipur owes its name to the founder
of the city. It was Great Warrior King Sawai Jai Singh II
(1693-1743) who laid the foundation of the city in 1627. He was
one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details
and a very good scientific temper. Being capital to the northern
Indian state of Rajasthan, the city is mirror to every thing
that Rajasthan signifies, be its culture, tradition, society,
and most importantly people. |
Mewar Festival
This 18-day festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of
spring and coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur. It
is significant for the women of the state as it is time for them
to dress in their best. The women gather to dress the images of
Issar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession
through different parts of the city. The procession ends up at
Pichhola Lake where the images are transferred to special boats
amidst singing and festivity. Cu1tura events are held at the end
of the festivities and they include songs, dances and a display
of fireworks.
Gangaur
This spring festival is held in honour of Gauri, the consort of
Lord Shiva, the goddess of abundance. During the festival young
girls dress up in their finest wardrobe and pray for grooms of
their choice and the married women do the same for the
well-being of their husbands. Though celebrated throughout
Rajasthan, in Jaipur it has its own charm and attraction. Girls
worship the goddess throughout the preceding fortnight.
Colourful images of Gauri are taken out in procession with the
town band.
Teej Festival
Teej is especially celebrated in Jaipur, the capital city of
Rajasthan. However, people of Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh
also consider this festival an auspicious one. Though the
revelry and public participation is absent here, Lord Shiva and
his wife Parvati are worshipped by married women who keep a
24-hour fast for the long life of their husband. The fast is a
strict one during which the women are not allowed to have even a
sip of water. An offering of traditional sweets and fruits is
made and women pray for the long life and prosperity of their
husband.
Elephant Festival
A festival celebrated around Holi, great occasions for the
visitor, to watch several elephant sports and enjoy the festival
of colours. A magnificent spectacle, it unveils the majesty and
grandeur of elephants. A royal procession of sixty elephants in
their best finery, a match of elephant polo and an elephant race
are main events of the festival.
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Best Season to visit Jaipur is in the month of October to March. |
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