Marwar Festival Jodhpur

The most popular Jodhpur festival is the Jodhpur Marwar Festival. It is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. Marwar Festival of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was originally known as the Maand Festival. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin. Ashwin is a Hindu month between September-October. The Marwar festival in Jodhpur, India is celebrated during the full moon of Sharad Poornima. It goes on for two days.

The main attraction of this festival is the folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. The music and dance of the Marwar region is the main theme of this festival. The folk dancers and singers assemble at the festival and provide lively entertainment. These folk artists give others a peek into the days of yore, of battles and of the heroes who still live on through their songs.
Among other attractions at the festival, is the camel tattoo show and polo. The venue of this festival includes the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort.

History
Once the capital of the Marwar state , it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of Ramayana.The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.

Major Attractions of Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

1. Breathtaking Folk Performances
Marwar festival is an opportunity to capture the essence of Rajasthan and its culture through its folk dances which are performed on folk songs sung by local artists, in vernacular languages with local musical instruments. At the festival, you can witness dance forms like Dandi Gair, which is a popular folk dance that is performed with sticks, Kalbelia, a dance form that is performed by the snake charmer community, Bhavai Chari, the dance form where women balance brass utensils on their head depicting the struggle of women in search of water in dessert, and Ghoomar, a folk dance performed by ladies on pious occasions across the state.

2. Games and Competitions
Besides the cultural connection, the festival has a high adventure quotient as well. Here, you can witness/indulge in various fun activities such as camel tattoo show, tattooing, magic shows, puppet shows, and horse ride or may take part in competitions such as the best traditional dress competition, turban tying, Matka race, tug of war, and more.

Jodhpur Tourism

Jodhpur Tourism Popularly known as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur has a bluish landscape and is noted for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Jodhpur and is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Encircled with seven strong gates, Mehrangarh Fort showcases an antique collection of paintings, armours, palanquins, treasure, turbans and folk musical instruments. Jaswant Thada is another delight in Jodhpur. This white-marbled marvel is a memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, built by his son in 1899. Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers and is also a notable architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Another epitome of inspiring architecture is Umaid Bhavan Palace, which has now turned into a five-star hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels and Resorts. Balsamand Lake and Kaylana Lake are amongst the most relaxing spots of the city, bestowed with awe-inspiring views and serenity. Gangaur Festival is an important festival of Udaipur, which is celebrated by women for a blissful marital life. If you want to know more about Jodhpur, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Jodhpur travel guide.