Marwar Festival For Heroes Of Rajputana

The valour of the Rajputs is legendary. Combine this with the folklore, theatrics and some spectacular locations and you have Jodhpur’s Marwar Festival. All things that make the ‘blue city’ so appealing to tourists come together in flamboyant merriment in October. It is no surprise then that places in the city get booked months before the event.

History

Rajputana, as Rajasthan was previously known as, was broken-up into smaller princely states headed by Rajput rulers. This community was revered for its bravery. History is replete with instances where the Rajputs demonstrated their courage in warfare, love and leadership. Even today, when royal pedigree doesn’t have state recognition, the common folk bestow their erstwhile rulers with profound respect. In efforts to keep those glorious fables of heroes alive, the festival was instated. It was originally known as the Maand Festival and takes place during full-moon, in the month of Ashwin.

Highlights

Jodhpur was once the most powerful state in Rajputana, founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha. The Mehrangarh Fort and Mandore Fort attest to this might. The former is located on a hill measuring about 400 feet, and towers over the city. It was built in 15^th century AD.

The forts serve as a worthy backdrop to songs sung in praise of prolific Rajput idols who left their indelible footprints on the sands of time. Performances featuring folk artists are scheduled throughout the festival. Women dancers in traditional bandhej costumes are a hit for the number of earthen-pots they expertly balance while dancing. This is accompanied by typical drumbeats and the rustic music of Rajasthan. The kalbeliya dance is something every Rajasthan tourist looks out for.

A fair organised by the state tourism and cultural board brings together craftspeople from interior regions of the state. At these haats, interesting handicraft items can be bought directly from the artisans. There are several competitions to participate in, including a henna making competition. The most artistic and intricate designs are awarded. Men can participate in a turban-tying and imaginative moustache competition. In Rajasthan a man’s moustache represents his strength of character! Along with this, camel acrobatics and a polo contest are huge crowd pullers.

The majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace, an architectural wonder and star-class heritage hotel, hosts a part of the festival. One section of the Palace houses a museum and in another the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur still reside. It is located on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. The former Maharaja, Gaj Singh, often inaugurates the festival. A spectacular fire dance of desert sands heralds a close to this cultural extravaganza.

Jodhpur is very much on the international jet-setting map with the likes of Madonna, Sting and other Hollywood celebrities having partied here. The city has its own airport and is well-connected on the rail network as well. By road it is about 330 kilometres from Jaipur and 550 kilometres from New Delhi.