The past still stands bright in its splendor in present day Jaipur, and Shopping can be an interesting experience in Jaipur, as Rajasthan has much to offer by way of handicrafts, textiles and art, and the colorful city bazaars have a timeless appeal.
Rajasthani jewelry is famous for its workmanship in enamel on gold (Kundan work), studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls. Go to the narrow alley called 'Haldion Ka Rasta' in the old city, near the Hawa Mahal to buy precious stones, or if you want semi-precious gems, there is 'Gopalji ka Rasta'.
The other shopping cornucopia includes woolen carpets, cotton rugs, marble statues and objets d’art, miniature paintings on ivory, enameled ware, brass ware, hand-block printed Sanganeri and Bagru Cotton fabrics and light duvets, exotic blue pottery made from crushed quartz, leather footwear and much more
Premier shopping areas are M I Road, where you will can visit the Rajasthan Government’s Handicrafts Emporium, as well as modern shops with branded products. In the old city, which hums with life , the popular markets are Jauhari Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chaupar Stalls.
Indeed, Jaipur has much to offer. Some of India’s leading and finest hotel chains are located here, and there are also many heritage hotels, converted from old palaces, with their splendor restored in contemporary terms. Some privately run small ‘havelis’ or old nobles’ homes have been converted into reasonable budget hotels. Even while all the modern facilities available in the city, you feel the magical romance of history everywhere. It is an intriguing and colorful city, and so conveniently located. You have it all!
During any festive season, the whole city of Jaipur brightens up and there is lot of excitement in the air. If you drop in during any of the festival time, watching or taking part in the festivities can be an interesting experience.
Apart from major Indian festivals like the Holi and Diwali which are celebrated with traditional fervour and joy, there are a few festivals which are celebrated in special Jaipuri style.
Teej
This festival is celebrated around the month of july-august and marks the onset of the monsoon. Women in full festive dresses symbolically play on flower-decorated swings.
Gangaur
Falls some time around March-April is another festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Elephant Festival
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery, it ends with an elephant race.
Rajasthan is the land of desert, the land of palaces, colourful people, the home of warriors. Immensely rich in culture, history and natural beauty it attracts tourists from all parts of the worked. Its a land of contrast with desert and lakes, gardens and hilly regions which are a pleasure to the eye.
The truism that the old order changeth yielding place to the new is reflected in the modern-day city of Jaipur. 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 important, the people. |
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