1. The royal procession of Goddess Gangaur in Jaipur is a spectacular event that highlights the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan. The murti of Goddess Gangaur is carried on a beautifully decorated palanquin, which is followed by a procession of camels, horses, and elephants.
2. “The term “Shakti” refers to an exclusively feminine principle & is perceived in all phenomena of life. Deprived of Shakti, all creation on the planet will be rendered inept. Numerous Indian texts bear citation of this cosmic power, recognizing its godly form as Parvati, wife of Hindu God, Shiva. Over the ages, Shakti has been synonymous to a myriad of forms & identified under many names, one of which is Gauri.”
3. Kalbelia Dance of Rajasthan. “And as is suggestive by the name, the notable Gangaur festival is observed in honor of this very manifestation of Shakti (Gauri). The term “Gangaur” is comprised of “Gan” and “Gaur” where the prior refers to Shiva & latter to Gauri. The Gangaur festival marks the worship & propitiation of Gauri, by the womenfolk, in various parts of Central and Western India, majorly Rajasthan.”
4. Gangaur procession starts from Zenani Dyodhi of City Palace in Tripolia Bazar,i.e. walled city of Jaipur. And it goes to Choti Chaupar and Chagaun stadium. Caption information provided by Rajasthan Tourism-its website, travel photojournalist Suchit Nanda site and Editor.
5. This is Terah Tali dance and the dancers have manjiras in their hands. Remember the ones used during kirtan. There are 13 manjiras tied on hands and feet of each dancer. Hence, name Terah Tali. Normally, this dance is performed in a sitting position.
6. Tourist at festival. Has Mehendi (henna) on her hands. Rajasthan Tourism organizes very good festivals, seen in Jaisalmer and Pushkar too.
7. Procession of camels coming out of City Palace. Matter in inverted commas is from Rajasthan Tourism site https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/fairs-and-festivals/gangaur-festival.html
8. Drone view of Pink City. To know more about the incredible Kalbelia dance https://www.esamskriti.com/e/CULTURE/KALBELIA-Dance-Rajasthan-1.aspx
9. Procession coming out of City Palace. Suchit Nanda wrote, “Founded by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is famous for its Forts, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace & Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. It is also known for textile block prints, semi precious jewellery and handicraft items.” To know best places to shop and eat https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/India-Travel-Ad-Yatras/Places-to-Eat-and-Shop-in-Jaipur-1.aspx
10. Suchit wrote, “The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is one of Jaipur`s landmarks. This 5 storey building which looks out over the main street of the buzzing old city is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, delicately honeycombed sandstone windows, of which there are 953. It was originally built to enable the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of city and built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.”
11. Cannon Jaivan in Jaigarh Fort. Suchit wrote, “It weighs 50 tons, has an 8m barrel & trajectory of about 20kms. It took 4 elephants to swivel it around on its axis. Despite its awesome firepower, it has a delicate scrollwork of birds, foliage & a roaring elephant at its mouth. Jaivan was test-fired once by Jai Singh in 1720 when the cannon ball landed at Chaksu about 38km away! The impact was enormous. The cannoneer died immediately after the firing, before he could even jump into water.”
12. Close to Jaipur is step-well Chand Baori i.e. a wonder of the world. Pic by Rajasthan Tourism.
To see album https://www.esamskriti.com/a/Rajasthan/Chand-Baori-Stepwell-Jaipur.aspx