Jaisalmer Culture and Festivals



Jaisalmer People, Culture, Festivals represent the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the bygone era. The vibrant and dynamic lifestyle of the local indigenous inhabitants of Jaislamer is reflected in the various socio-cultural and religious festivities of the place which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.

The cosmopolitan city of Jaisalmer comprises of several religions of Hindus, Jains, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Most of the native population of Jaisalmer follows Hindu religious customs and rituals. The Marwari community of the place observes the Hindu festivals with great religious fervor and zeal. The traditional folk music and dance is an integral part of the social and cultural life of the indigenous inhabitants of Jaisalmer. The Kalbeliya dance of the community of snake charmers portrays the rich artistic caliber and creative imagination of the dancers.

The various forts, palaces and monuments of Jaisalmer bear resemblance to the Indian architectural style. The unique decorative work on the walls, ceilings and pillars of the historical monuments reflect the rich craftsmanship of the local artisans of the ancient times. The crafts of Jaisalmer comprise of unique art and craft works of exquisite designs of silver jewelries, printing work, highly decorative leather products and embroidery works. The several indigenous art and craft work of the region has an internationally acclaimed status that helps the state to earn huge revenues.

The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer provides the local inhabitants and the tourists as well to explore the unique folk traditions of the ancient times. The Desert Festival is unique to Jaisalmer that displays the rich performing arts and unique craft works of the place.

Architecture

The rich architecture of Jaisalmer reflects the old glory and grandeur of the royal city during the ancient past. An important tourist attraction of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer has several forts and palaces that have unique architectural features that bear relics to the rich architectural history and cultural heritage of the bygone era that has penetrated to the modern society.

Representing the glorious past, Jaisalmer has several beautiful architectural monuments that portray the rich artistic skill and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the region. The Rajmahal, Jaisalmer Fort, Chandraprabhu Temple, Parsvanath Jain Temple, Salim Singh-ki- Haveli and Nathmal-ki- Haveli reflect the unique architectural style that were adopted by the imperial Rajput rulers of the bygone era.

The forts, palaces and religious shrines of Jaisalmer are exquisitely ornamented with fine and delicate works. A marvelous creation of the ancient times, the beautiful monuments of Jaisalmer bear an Indian architectural style of constructing the edifices.

The excellent lattice work on the pillars, walls and ceilings of the numerous forts, palaces and religious shrines of the city is a delight for the tourists who are thrilled with the flawless and fine work of the artisans of the traditional times. Many of the traditional forts support brilliant wooden work that portrays the rich artistic caliber of the craftsmen of Jaisalmer.

The several architectural monuments of Jaisalmer attracts many tourists from far and wide who are absolutely awed by the grandeur and exquisite art and craft work of the local artisans of the ancient times. An integral part of Jaisalmer people, culture, festivals, the beautiful architectural monuments are pride of Rajasthan.

Crafts

The crafts of Jaisalmer comprise of exquisite traditional jewelries of silver, delicate and fine embroidery work, stone work, highly decorated leather products and printing work. An essential part of the Jaisalmer people, culture, festivals, the traditional craft works reflect the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the ancient times.

ue feature of the Desert Festival is the camel show. Commonly referred to as the ship of the desert, the camels are decorative with colorful pieces of highly embroidered cloths. The best dressed camel receives an award from the organizers. The camel dance and camel polo are some of the other attractions of the Desert Festival.

Music and Dance

Music & Dance in Jaisalmer is an essential part of the rich social and cultural life of the local indigenous population of the place. The folk songs and folk dance of Jaisalmer bears relics to the unique cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the bygone era that has percolated to the modern times.

Any social and cultural occasion of Jaisalmer is incomplete without the brilliant performance of the highly talented artists of the place. Jaisalmer boasts of several indigenous folk dance styles that enthralls and enchants the spectators by its rhythmic steps and vibrant movements. One of the prominent indigenous dance forms of the local indigenous inhabitants of Jaisalmer is the Kalbeliya dance style. Performed primarily by the community of snake charmers of the place, the dancers move their body in a flexible manner with the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments of drums.

The dancers of Kalbeliya dress in the traditional attire of long skirts that are usually black in color. The fine embroidery in the border of the skirts makes the traditional attire very attractive and colorful. The vibrant dance steps of the dancers of the folk dance display the artistic creativity and zeal of the performers who perform with full dedication.

Some of the other prominent dance forms of Jaislamer are:
  • Ghoomar Dance- The Ghoomar dance is primarily performed by the female folk of Jaisalemr on special festive occasions.

  • Kathputli Dance- Representing the unique cultural traditions of Jaisalmer, the Kathputli dance reflects the artistic imagination of the organizers of the show who creatively arrange a dance drama of puppets for the entertainment of the audience.
A prominent part of Jaisalmer people, culture, festivals, the folk music and dance casts a magical spell on the spectators.

Religions

Religions in Jaisalmer comprise of a vast population of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Christians. Jaisalmer of Rajasthan bears relics to the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacies of the Hindu religious community of the region. Most of the local indigenous inhabitants of Jaisalmer belong to the warrior group of the great Rajputs who follow Hindu rituals and customs.

Jaisalmer has a vast population of Marwaris who strictly adhere to the Hindu religious customs and traditions Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Sun God occupy a prominent position in the religious prayers of the Hindu population of the place. The Marwaris celebrate the Hindu festivals of Karva- Chauth, Diwali, Dusshera, Navratri, Shiv Ratri, and Holi with great religious fervor and enthusiasm.

The city of Jaisalmer wears a special decorative look on the days of festive occasions. The Hindu social structure of the city is divided and sub divided into castes and sub castes. The caste of a particular individual of Jaisalmer can be identified by the color of his turban that is an integral part of hi daily wear. Jains form another dominant religious community of Jaisalmer. The followers of the religion observe their religious and social customs with equal vigor and dedication. Muslims, Sikhs and Christians form a small population of the city. Keeping in tune with the secular identity of the place, the different religious communities of Jaisalmer cohabit together and respect one another's customs and traditions.

An integral part of Jaisalmer people, culture, festivals, the cosmopolitan city of Rajasthan observes the festivals of different religious groups with much enthusiasm and vigor.



Last Updated on 08/22/2013