India Cultural Tours: Discover Jaipur!

If tourism experts have to name only one city in India that is teeming with culture and vibrancy, it will without a doubt be the city of Jaipur. Located in the western state of Rajasthan, Jaipur, or the Pink City as it is famously known,is one of the premier tourist destinations in India. Replete with forts, palaces, monuments, bazaars, lakes and parks, this city is a traveler’s paradise come true. From the Amber fort, the Jaigarh Fort and the City Palace Jaipur to the Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, the opportunities for sightseeing are endless. Apart from all the places to visit and sights to see, there is the lure of the rich culture of Jaipur. If you are interested in signing up for India cultural tours, Jaipur is a fantastic option.

One of the best ways to absorb the culture of Jaipur is by signing up for India cultural tours and attending the various events organized in Jaipur, visiting the historically and culturally rich places and spending time around the city. One of the best ways to gain an understanding of the city’s culture is to attend the various festivals that are organized here. Jaipur is famous for the year round festivals. The Kite Festival, Elephant Festival, Teej Festival and Gangaur Festival are some of the most popular ones. These events are full of festivity, celebration, color and gaiety. Each of these festivals has its own past and tradition. By attending these tourists can make merry with the locals and learn more about the background of culture in Jaipur.

One of the most prominent aspects of culture within the city can be observed in the local people’s manner of dressing. Since Rajasthan is a desert state, the cities are dry, barren, dusty and often warm. Given the subdued and earthy hues of the surroundings, it has become a tradition amongst the folk to wear bright and cheery colored clothes. So, in Jaipur the women wear the traditional dress of ghagra-choli (a long flowy skirt-like garment complemented by a shorter blouse) in bright colors like orange, purple, red, yellow and green. These festive hues are complemented by gota (gilded fabric), silver or gold zari embroidery work and small glasswork on the garments. The men complement the simple kurta-pyjama (a simple tunic and pants) with brightly colored turbans in the bandhej prints (tie and dye). Jewelry is very popular amongst the people, and women wear multi-colored glass bangles all the way till their elbows and chunky silver earrings and anklets. Wearing earrings is also common amongst the men.

The folk dance and music traditions are an integral part of the culture of Jaipur. The “Ghoomar” dance is the prominent folk dance form of Jaipur, known for the bright costumes worn by the women. Where music is concerned, the Morchang, Sarangi, Tanpura and Naad are popular instruments.

Where the culture of language is concerned, Rajasthani is the prominent language of the city. However, tourists will find it easy to get around andrncommunicate with the locals as Hindi and English are also understood and spoken in the city, along with Marwari.