History of Jaipur
The historic city of Jaipur or " The City of Victory" was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler
Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named after him. The monarch was not only a great
builder, but also a poet and an astronomer. Under his guidance, the city was designed by his talented
architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who gave shape to the creative aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in the
form of the dream city of Jaipur.
The city is rectangular in shape and divided into nine blocks on the basis of principles laid down in
the "Shilpa Shastra", the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Built on the pattern of
a grid, the city has wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either
side at the main bazaar, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors ( Chokris). The principal monuments
of Jaipur are concentrated in the centrally situated Palace area ( Chokri Sarhad) in and around the
City Palace. In course of time, the sunset-pink tinge of its walls, buildings and temples gave it the name
Pink City.
Festivals in Jaipur
Jaipur, the city of fairs and festivals, lights, garlands, special welcome
gates and shobhayaatras forever adorn the city. The year begins with the celebration of the
festival of Makar Sankranti (January 14). Jaipurites are experts in kite flying. On this
day, kites are flown by all, irrespective of age. It is indeed a treat to watch multicolored kites illuminate
the skyline of this pink city. March-April witnesses the advent of Gangaur, dedicated
to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and the consort of Lord Shiva. This festival, which is celebrated
with pomp and gaiety, symbolizes bliss and marital happiness. If you are around to see this festival,
you will see on the 17th day following Holi a grand procession taken out of the City Palace and Goddess
Gauri carried in an elaborate palanquin led by colorfully attired elephants, camels and horses. Dancers, musicians,
drumbeaters, bandsmen, and battle dressed chariots accompany the procession.
Another festival exclusively for women and dedicated
to Goddess Parvati is Teej. Celebrated in August, the women dress in bright
costumes and flock to the swings hung from trees. This festival marks the departure of Parvati
from her parental home to return to her husband Lord Shiva, and is accompanied by elephants,
camels and dancers joining the procession. Another of the main festivals which is celebrated with
great show is the festival of lights, Deepawali, in October-November. The entire city is bathed
in lights and crackers, so much so that the entire city will remind you of a glittering
palace in the sky. |
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One festival you must watch out for is the Elephant Festival in March. The mighty animals stride
majestically, displaying their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants,
camels and horses, followed by folk dancers. The God worshipped on this occasion is Ganesh, the elephant
son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
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