Incredeble India ..

FORT & MONUMENTS

This is a traffic round about In Jaipur. The Statue Circle is not only the most famed circle but the most swarmly situated too. Almost half the Jaipur passes by it. It is the favorite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of statue circle after its figurine rather than the grand Sawai Jai Singh the founder of modern day Jaipur. His statue stands in full imperial symbols of staff and Jai Singh is made out to be holding out astrological diagrams to exemplify his proclivity for astrology. The memorial is be fitting to the great sovereign, builder and futurist. The lighting and the colorful fountains cheer up the roundabout and its surrounds.
 

In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. From There on remained as a private property of the ruling family. In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata Gaytri Devi and her estranged son Jagat Singh. The mere view of this castle is exotic enough. The highlight of this place is the famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh, which is frequently visited by almost whole of Jaipur and people from outside.
 

Poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is the most easily recalled landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. Located in the city Palace it is best viewed from the outside for the palace is really a facade. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its pink delicately honeycombed 953 sandstone windows known as 'Jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.
 
Most people come here to get a view of the facade but they can also climb to the top for a wonderful view from the latticed windows. There is also a small archaeological museum there.

TEMPLES

A vital part of the city Palace complex, this Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI(an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan. Housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).
 

Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. The Birlas (industrialists who have also built several temples in India) built this temple. The temple has been constructed in white marble and has three domes, each portraying the different approaches to religion. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of the Hindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is built is white in marble and exterior has carved sculptures of various mythological themes and images of saints. The interior has large panel in marble of mythological proceedings. The images of the deities are placed in the sanctum sanctorum. Built on raised ground, it is surrounded by large lush green gardens.
 

In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. From There on remained as a private property of the ruling family. In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata Gaytri Devi and her estranged son Jagat Singh. The mere view of this castle is exotic enough. The highlight of this place is the famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh, which is frequently visited by almost whole of Jaipur and people from outside.

From royal splendour to riotous egalitarianism , 14 January is celebrated in India as Makar Sankranti - heralding the transition of the sun into the Northern hemisphere.

In Jaipur Kites virtually blot out the sky. Everyone joins in this riotous celebration and shouts of " Woh Kata Hai !" reverberate from rooftops to the accompaniment of drums as adversary's kites are cut down. And everyone's an adversary! Any kite in the sky is fair game !

Its been five years that this Desert Kite Festival is held. Kite makers flaunt kites sized as big as 1.5km of various shapes and Designs. Some carrying messages, some depicting social issues, some as caricatures of politicians. Its been the most popular event recently, even tourists can take part in various kite flying competitions. The colours that flaunt in the blue sky mesmerises the viewers.

6-9 August 2005

This year the Department of Tourism is celebrating four days long Saawan-Teej Festival from 6th to 9th August 2005. A Craft Bazar & Food Court is being setup in the lawns of Tourist Hotel, M.I. Road besides these Kids Zone, Swings, Mehndi (henna) applying and performances of folk artists are some of the other attractions in this ‘Saawan Mela’ which will last for four days from 6th to 9th August this year from 2pm to 10 pm daily.

A ‘Teej Fair’ will be organised at Hotel Khasa Kothi on 8th and 9th August from 12 noon to 4 pm daily. In this fair performance of folk artists, decorated Swings for entertainment, shops of handicraft items, camel & elephant rides, mouth-watering shops of Ghewar (a round sweetmeat) are main attraction for tourists. Many entertaining competitions like mehandi, bangles, turban tying, lehariya competitions etc are also organized. Foreign and domestic tourists equally enjoy this fair, which is held at Hotel Khasa Kothi for two days on i.e. 6th and 9th August this year. Entries for various events may be sent to Tourist Reception Centre, Government Hostel, M.I.Road Phone 0141-5110598.

In the evening the traditional procession of Goddess Teej is brought out amid royal paraphernalia which comprises of caparisoned elephants, dancing folk artists, royal palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, from the City Palace (The residence of earstwhile king of Jaipur), winding its way through Tripolia Bazzar and Chhoti Chaupar on two consecutive day this year on i. e. 8th and 9th August.

Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month of Sawan (August). The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil rises into the air. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion which is watched by people in large numbers. The teej idol is richly decorated with ornaments and gaudy dresses. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.