Thursday 21 August 2014

Udaipur The Venice of the East

Udaipur, acclaimed as the most romantic & heritage city in the world, is settled in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is built around and on the Aravalli hills. Many lakes of the city add to the beauty of the historical city. These lakes were mainly created, to meet the needs of drinking water and irrigation, by building dams.

Historically, Udaipur was the capital of the former kingdom of Mewar. It was founded in 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh II. The land of Udaipur is drenched in history, and its culture floats in the air.
Festivals . Udaipur hosts fairs and festivals which are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The most important of them are Ganguar festival, Mewar festival and Shilpgram fair.

Udaipur, City Palace

Gangaur is another important festival which is celebrated by women with great zeal and devotion. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by unmarried women to find good husbands, on the other hand, married women worship her for total well-being and long life of their husbands, and a joyous married life. Mewar Festival is held during spring (March – April) to welcome the season of spring. It is marked by Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, fireworks. Its celebration coincides with the festival of Gangaur.

Shilpgram fair is held annually during the month of November/December as winter is considered as the most appropriate time to visit Udaipur. This fair is organized to promote the art and craft of Rajasthan and goes for 10 days. It gives a platform to the local arts to get recognition and the local artisans have a market where they can show off their works. There are also various musicians and dancers who entertain you while you go through various rustic artifacts, thereby making the atmosphere colorful and lively.

Other fascinating festivals which form an integral part of the vibrant culture of Udaipur are Shriji’s Birthday, Ashwa Poojan, Holi, Kartik Poornima, and Hariyali Amavasya.

People - The traditional attires and accessories of the people are bright and colorful, and are usually worn by them during festivals and at certain ceremonies. The people of rural areas still wear the traditional colorful folk dresses and jewelry.

The music and dance of Rajasthan are so popular that they are one of the symbols of Rajasthan and its rich culture. The dance forms like Ghoomar, Gait Ghoomar and Chari in which the dancer places a pot on his/her head, and then a lamp is placed above it; can be recognized as typical of Rajasthan.

Most Popular places to visit in Udaipur :

Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes of Rajasthan. It is located at the heart of the city and holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest lakes of Udaipur. Lake Pichola is an artificial fresh water Lake which was created in the year 1362 AD, and was named after the Picholi village, which is nearby it.

In Lake Pichola there are four islands, all consists of palaces (ranging from small to big). Lake Palace is the most beautiful and famous palace built on the Lake. It has now been converted into a luxury hotel. One of the islands on the lake, called Arsi Vilas, has been turned into a bird sanctuary.

City Palace is a large palace which is situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola. It encompasses many palaces within itself. It’s a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architecture. Being built on the top of a hill, it gives a bird’s-eye view of the incredible city.

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