Mahindra Homestays » Jodhpur

The Marwar festival in Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:00:25 +0000

Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan are colourful and lively affairs. Normally mythological in nature the celebrations relate to Gods and Goddesses, while others are celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medieval heroes. The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example.

History of the Marwar Festival
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province. It is a festival devoted to the music and dance of Marwar region. The festival was originally known as “Maand” Festival. During these two days the folk artists bring to life the myths, legend and folklore of the area.

Why Jodhpur is the best location for the Festival
Jodhpur celebrates the die-hard courage of the heroes of the land, the Rajputs, who are the sons of royal houses. The massive Meharangarh fort and the impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace which are symbols of might and valour of the Rajputs, make Jodhpur an ideal location for the festival. The humongous fort is an apt place to enjoy the beauty of the beautiful blue city.

What to expect at the Festival
Bringing to life the legendary folklores of the area, the folk artists do complete justice to it. Listening to the folk musicians singing praises of the bygone heroes may not be completely understood by all but the fierce intensity can be strongly felt in these songs whatever language you speak. Being in the audience to the buoyant and spirited performers of the folk dances is an immerse experience. Watching the folk dancers, who accurately balance the earthen pots on their heads and dance to the rhythm of the songs sung by the singers, leaves the spectators in awe.

The typical Kalbeliya dance has made a mark internationally and you can witness it here in its own land with the true Indian spirit.

Bringing alive the competitive spirit of Rajasthan
Other attractions of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also organized during the festival. Women participate in henna competition, which involves the art of making intricate designs on palms with henna. Rajasthani men take immense pride in their moustache. A turban-tying and moustache competition for men is one of the highlights of the day.

The concept of valour and courage is woven intricately in almost every historical epic of a country. The harshness of the so called fighters is part of their personality. Their stamina to endure any given situation is remarkable. The Rajputs have set a milestone and created a rich history and celebrating these heroic tales allows participants to recognise the toughness of these fighters and the richness of the past.

Souvenirs to bring back home
A small fete is organized by the state tourism and cultural board wherein a number of craftsmen display their skills, you can buy numerous craft items and souvenirs displayed at the stalls set up here, known as “Haats”.

Dates for the Festival
For 2012 the festival is being held on the 28th and 29th of October.In 2013 the festival will take place on the 17th and 18th October

It is only by witnessing a festival such as the Marwar that you can really appreciate the magnificent historical past of Rajasthan!

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:24:39 +0000

Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur is a beautiful monument giving a sneak peek into India’s rich cultural history. Easily one of India’s most beautiful forts, it is tall and imposing in an almost invincible manner. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today it has the distinction of being acknowledged as the finest living example of a Hindu fortress.

Our visitor guide gives you a run down of it’s history and all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

History
The foundation of the majestic Mehrangarh fort was laid down by the Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha in 1459. History has it that at the time of foundation of the fort on the hill named “Bahuchera” there was only one single inhabitant, a loner named Cheeria Nathji. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed the Rajput Ruler “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!”. Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort very near to the cave that the hermit had used for meditation. However even to this date the area suffers from a draught every 3-4 years. Although the Fort was made by King Rao Jodha, it has major contributions by successive rulers of Jodhpur .More information about the history of the fort can be found in books such as “The house of Marwar” by Dhananajaya Singh.

About the Fort
The Mehrangarh Fort has several gates, which had observed the many battles fought in ancient times. One of the gates is “Jayapol”, put up by Maharaja Man Singh to mark his triumphs over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, “Fattehpol”, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a festivity for conquering the Mughals.

The “Lohapol” located near the area where the wives of war martyrs observed ‘Jauhar’, by throwing themselves in the holy fire of their husband’s pyre, and the “Surajpol” which leads to the museum, are some of the attractive gates inside the Mehrangarh Fort.

Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort include beautiful palaces and large open courtyards inside the fort. One of the palaces is the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), which holds the imperial throne, the Sringar Chowki. It is the place where the royal ladies held gatherings. The Phool Mahal was the palace where royal dances took place. The stained glasses not only preserve the glitter of the gold plated ceiling but also enhances the regal beauty of it.

The Sheesh Mahal has intricate mirror-works with dazzling mosaic of mirrors on its walls and ceilings. The palaces inside the Mehrangarh Fort with their undeniable lure, and the fort, with its mighty and imposing structure, is the finest example of the hard work and skills of the Jodhpuri sculptors.

The Mehrangarh Fort also has a museum. This museum exhibits fine galleries and exquisite rooms with a wide display of lavish royal elephant carriages, palanquins, small canons, thrones, paintings, and even a giant tent. It also has an enthralling but very lethal weapons gallery.

Best Time to visit
The best time to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is between October and March when the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures going down to 12 degrees Celsius.

Mehrangarh Fort Timings
The Mehrangarh Fort is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open to the public all 365 days of the year.

Mehrangarh Fort Entry Fees
Ticket costs are Rs. 220 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners including admission, camera and audio guide. Please check the rates before entering as they may be subject to change. Taking the audio tour or hiring a guide is highly recommended to make the most of this experience. For further details visit www.mehrangarh.org

While you are visiting …
When in Jodhpur you should also visit the Balsammand Palace which was the summer pavilion of Maharaja Sur Singh of Jodhpur. Another interesting stop would be Mandore a town 9kms from Jodhpur. It used to be the ancient capital of the Mewar and makes for a good excursion.

Temples of Osian, Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:06:37 +0000

The Jain centric temple town of Osian (Osiyan) is located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan, situated about 60 kms from Jodhpur. An oasis in the Thar Desert, the town is celebrated for its Brahamanical and Jain temples from the 8th to 11th century.

Despite getting a steady supply of tourists through the year the temple town is not on the usual travel circuitbut is an easy detour from Jodhpur.

The cluster of 16 temples is an impressive one, some are particularly exquisite in architecture and grandeur; Sun Temple, Kali Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir.

Largely a pilgrim centre for Jains, you can also see other visitors interested in the history. The main Mahavir temple dates back to 783 A.D. This temple is dedicated to the last Jain prophets. The exterior carvings on the temple wall are a little uncharacteristic from the otherwise austere Jain architecture. The rest of the sand-stone structure comprises of ornate pillars, mandapa and balconied windows.

The Sachiya Mata temple is reached by traversing large arches which are intensely carved. It is said that the shrine was constructed in 1178 A.D. There are two more temples in the complex: Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir.

The third most important temple is the Surya temple, dedicated to the Sun God. The inner complex houses statues of Ganesh and Durga as well.

The 9th century Pippala Devi temple and the Vishnu temple also present great workmanship and devotion. Look out for the meaningful stories displayed in the carvings as you see all the temples. It’s recommended to get a guide for better understanding and contextualisation of visual presentations.

The fact that this little hamlet is such a hot-spot for history makes it a great addition to the itinerary. You can see the evolution of the temples over the centuries. The golden sand dunes provide a particularly dramatic backdrop to the temples of Osian.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Entry: Free
Opening times: Dawn to Dusk
How to get there: Osian is just off the highway from Jodhpur to Bikaner. It also has easy access from Jaisalmer and Khimsar.
Where to stay: There is very little accommodation in Osian itself and most visitors choose to stay in Jodhpur and visit as part of a day trip. See accommodation in Jodhpur.
When to go: Due to the heat of the summer November to March is the most comfortable time to visit Osian
While you are there: Take a camel safari into the desert

What to see in Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:02:31 +0000

Whether it’s the scenic view of the sprawling blue city scape from the fort or the busting markets of Jodhpur, the erstwhile royal city of Marwar in Rajasthan still has it’s grandeur intact. Couple your stay in a majestic ‘haveli’ with a robust sightseeing itinerary to absorb the culture and history of Jodhpur. Here are some suggestions of what to see in Jodhpur

1. Mehrangarh Fort – An imposing landmark that can be seen from the entire city and is one of the most popular sights to see in Jodhpur. The Mehrangarh Fort is situated on a hill outside the city. It was built by the 15th century King, Rao Jodha but the construction was completed in the 17th century by one of his successors. A mammoth cannon peeps down from the high walls of the Fort from where you can view the city. The Fort also has a cafe and a zip-line adventure.
Opening Times: The Fort is open from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m
Entry Fee: Rs 250/- (Recommended to check for latest updates before going)

2. Umaid Bhavan – One of the few living palaces of the country, a part of Umaid Bhavan is retained by the now King, Jai Sigh Ji and part of it has been converted into a luxury hotel. The palace reflects the taste of grandeur that the royalty was so fond of. You can visit here to see the extensive gardens and coffee shop, if you are not staying here.
Opening Times: 09.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m, Closed on Gazetted Holidays.
Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals Rs 50/-, Indian Nationals – Rs 15/- (Recommended to check for latest updates before going)

3. Jaswant Thada – Four kilometres from the city, on the way to the Mehrangarh Fort, a cenotaph in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, is an architectural marvel. Visit here for the excellence in architecture and a good example of preserving history.
Opening Times: 09.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m
Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals Rs 20/-, Indian Nationals – Rs 10/-. Additional charges for cameras. (Recommended to check for latest updates before going)

4. Zanana Deodi – The women’s building close to the Mehrangarh Fort is was said to be guarded by eunuchs and where the Queens spent most of their time.
Opening Times: 09.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m
Entry Fee: Rs 250/- Inclusive of camera charge and an audio guide. (Recommended to check for latest updates before going)

5. Balsamand Lake – An artificial lake built as a reservoir for the city now serves as a picnic spot in Jodhpur. Though it might be too hot to spread out a picnic basket, visit the nearby Balsamand Lake Palace for a quiet dinner in the gardens. Also try the ‘kesar’ liquor, indigenous to the city.

6. Mandore Gardens and the Million Gods’ Shrine – Only 10 kilometres away from the city, visit the shrine dedicated to a large amount of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Probably one of the few places in India where one can orient themselves towards the colossal variety of divine presence in the country.
Opening Times: 09.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m
Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals Rs 20/-, Indian Nationals – Rs 10/-. Additional charges for cameras. (Recommended to check for latest updates before going)

7. Markets of Jodhpur – Textiles, silver jewellery, cotton filled blankets & local shoes are some of the popular souvenirs you can find for sale. Explore the bustling markets of Clock Tower, Sojati Gate, Tripolia Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar. Lac bangles and leather goods are also make light and interesting gifts for folks back home. Apart from the thrill of bargain filled shopping, these are also great places to photograph and see local life at an intimate perspective.

Homestays are a great place from which to explore the city and your hosts can advise you with further details on what to see in Jodhpur. Check out our Jodhpur homestay collection. If you would like to visit Jodhpur contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Jodhpur Folk Festival – Enjoy It With Us

luke — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:41:57 +0000

It’s not long now till the acclaimed and popular Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival).

The event takes place between 1 and 5 October, which means there’s just enough time to book your accommodation with us and enjoy the festival by basing yourself in one of our beautiful Jodhpur homestays.

The RIFF is a five day showcase of quality arts and entertainment acts from across Rajasthan, celebrating the region’s colour and traditions.

The Guardian (UK) describes it as delivering “spectacular performance spaces and some of the wildest and most exciting music on the planet”.

This Jodhpur folk festival counts rock legend Mick Jagger among its biggest fans.

We currently have two properties in Jodhpur, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation with warm and friendly locals. While there, check out our other recommended things to do in Jodhpur.

Whet your interest further with these lovely photos of Jodhpur and this video from 2007′s Jodhpur RIFF:

Charming Jodhpur: 9 Things To Do In Rajasthan’s Sun City

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:41:22 +0000

With its colourful history, imposing fort and sun drenched streets, Jodhpur pulls you in. Once there you find a fascinating city that mesmerises as quickly as a snakecharmer tames his snake.

These are our favourite things to do in Jodhpur. What are yours? Add your memories and recommendations below.

1. Explore Mehrangarh Fort

Give yourself a whole day to wander around what many say is India’s most impressive fort. Looming over Jodhpur and soaked in legend, Mehrangarh is an almost intimidating presence. It was built in the mid 15^th century under the orders of clan ruler Rao Jodha who wanted a safer alternative to his ancient base in Mandore. Inside its deep walls are seven ornate palaces and courtyards. The museum here is highly recommended.

2. …then see the place that Rao Jodha abandoned

Later Mandore resident Shri Sher Singh Ji Gehlot

To add some back-story to your fort trip, why not take a journey just five miles north to Mandore. This was the original Rathore (Rajput clan) capital until Rao Jodha moved everyone south. You’ll now find a fort in ruins – but wow, these are some beautiful ruins, and the trip is made worthwhile by the genteel atmosphere of the green surrounds.

3. Capture the blues

Keen photographers will be inspired by Jodhpur. The strong sunlight and rich palette of colours offer great potential for dazzling images. A trip around the old town is a must. Houses here are mainly painted in shades of blue. Strangely, no-one really knows why. Some say it is a way that members of the Brahmin caste have traditionally distinguished themselves; others say it’s all about protecting buildings from irritating insects. What’s certain is that it creates an impressive visual effect. This is also a great place to be nosey – homeowners often leave their doors open, providing the curious traveller with some sneaky views of Rajasthan family life (though if you are staying in a homestay, you’ll get a brilliant insight anyway).

4. Set out on a desert safari

Jodhpur is the starting point for the well-regarded Bishnoi village safari, an alternative trip through the sands of Rajasthan to the settlements of the Bishnoi community. These are people who treasure nature and live in isolated hut villages. Though founded in the 1400s, their aged principles seem pertinent to modern times: they forbid the destruction of the natural environment, including the felling of trees, and champion good health. Smoking is frowned upon. The journey there takes in wildlife such as black bucks, foxes, partridges and nilgai (known as blue bulls).

5. Enjoy a sugary high

Jodhpur is renowned for its sweets. It’s common in this city to begin a meal with a ‘sweetmeat’ dish, a tradition known as ‘mithi manuhar’. And the Jodhpur streets are blessed with countless sweet shops, often packed with sweet-toothed customers. The local speciality foods to ask for are Mave ki Kachori, Besan ki Chaaki and Maakhan Vade. Some dishes even include unusual desert roots that are believed to have medicinal properties.

6. Browse the buzzing bazaars

Shopping is a favourite pastime for many Jodhpur visitors, mainly because of the sheer quality and range of handicrafts found here. Fabrics, carpets, jewellery, leatherware, art and, famously, antiques are all in abundance. Sardar Market is a whirlwind of trade that centres on the city’s clocktower, but you will no doubt stumble upon smaller bazaars as you walk the streets. Kapra is popular for fabrics.

7. Get royally pampered

This one is for homestay guests only. Your homestay host will be able to arrange for Jodhpur’s best beauticians, hairdressers, masseurs and henna artists to call in at your convenience and deliver an indulgent treatment session of your own design. Speak to them about your requirements. Other unique experiences you can get staying in a homestay include bespoke cooking lessons and personal guided tours.

8. See the gypsy snake dance

Kalbeliya is an entrancing Rajasthan folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbeliya gypsy community. Where once they were on hand to entertain the Maharajah, now they are commonly found in hotels and at festivities, where they mesmerise to a percussive beat. Known as the ‘snakecharmer tribe’, the story of these proud nomadic people is fascinating and troubled. Take a chance to see their Flamenco-esque twirls while you are in Jodhpur; in other spots in Rajasthan, including Pushkar, they have been moved on by authorities.

9. Follow in Lord Mountbatten’s hoof tracks

It’s not something many of us get to see on a regular basis. But as Jodhpur is home to a popular polo ground and gave its name to those infamous riding trousers, what better way to end your trip then with some horseplay? The season has a narrow timeframe, taking place in December only. Your homestay host will be able to advise on attending a match. But if you know how to ride a horse, it’s even possible to take a short course and play the game yourself at most other times of the year.

Is Jodhpur drawing you in? Get the most from your trip by staying with a friendly Rajasthan family in one of our Jodhpur homestays. Take a look and book easily online with Mahindra Homestays

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: 5 Photos That Burst With Its Colour

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:00:09 +0000

Been to India’s ‘Sun City’? We’re currently collecting Jodhpur tips and highlights in preparation for another of our popular things to do articles. We’d love to know what you rate as the best sights and activities in this popular Rajasthani city. Please leave your comments below.

In the meantime we’ve been trawling Flickr for images that show off the vibrant colours that Rajasthan is famous for. Below we’ve handpicked our favourites.

Although Jodhpur is known especially for its dominant blues, the city is washed in brightness and startling contrasts. As these photos illustrate.

A Western visitor takes a Jodhpur baby onto her lap

The city rooftops

The Sadar Bazaar in Jodhpur is one of the oldest markets in India

Mehrangarh Fort

Smiling locals

Need a colourful holiday? See our Jodhpur homestays.