The
Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It
coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm
about it. The women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and
then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the
city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola.
Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and
festivity.
Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is
time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through
songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an
impressive fireworks display.
| » History of
Mewar Festival |
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend
associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was
hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the
Lake Pichhola.The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a
palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the
stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains.
Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
| » Activities of
Mewar Festival |
They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry
them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The
procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the
images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.
Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for
cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances
and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks
display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state,
there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame
of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.
| » Places to
Stay in Udaipur |
Udaipur
has accommodation options available for all categories of tourists. The best
options, if one does have enough money to spend, are the heritage hotels,
which are grand, royal, and bring alive the bygone eras.
The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is
pleasant than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and
winters are cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall
is less, around 61 cms annually.
Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Clock
Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its own
Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items to
offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed
textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few.
'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their
vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal
images and chunky silver jewellery.
Air : The City of Lakes is well connected by air
services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail : Railway has trains from all over the country to
destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city
during its eight day package tour.
Road : There
are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.
Mewar Festival
