‘रंगीलो म्हारो राजस्थान’ (My colourful Rajasthan), that’s what we say here. It is truly one of the most colourful, vibrant and tourist friendly states in India. It is distinctly known for its culture, history, forts, food, hospitality and lot more. Despite being a Rajasthani, I always found it very fascinating to travel to interiors of the state. Every time you will find something new and interesting. Here are some captures from one such visit-
All images here are from a trip to Shekhawati region, precisely from Churu & Sikar districts. Bangles women here wear normally are made of lac or lakh (लाख). Lac bangles are although a big sector in the state, but a lot of work is also done in the household set-ups like this one. Very interesting to watch, and what a precision these hands require!
Villages economies are still very much labour-intensive, and people of all ages enjoy their share of labour in the household. Besides there are many family occupations, which are finding it tough to change hands and pass the baton to the next generation!
Patriarchy will take time to leave, more so from the villages, which still follow the age-old social traditions, like these veils (घूंघट). When in public, some rules are the must for the women folk (sic).
See the difference- two addresses by the two community leaders in public-
And a same community leader in and out (in the centre, in second image), who is in-charge of a tourist guesthouse facility to promote rural tourism-
Villagers still have their beliefs and mechanisms (यंत्र) to call the rain, like this one (would you believe that?)-
Studs like this are popular but for the ones on the higher social strata-
Most colourful are the nights when the traditional dance and music flows, a Kalbeliya (कालबेलिया) dance and a melancholy sound of this Ravanhatha (रावणहत्था) are so charming-
