PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE OF RAJASTHAN Popular Caste : Rajputs Known For : Traditional Customs Mens Known By : Broad moustaches, Colourful turbans Women Known By : Ghagras and Odhnis

Rajasthani Tribes History of Rajasthan

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Rajasthan Traditional Women

Rajasthan - Where The Land Is Known By Its People

Embraced by the majestic Aravalli mountain ranges and drenched by the Indira Gandi Canal, Rajasthan is the land of legendary Rajput rulers, whose tales of chivalry, fidelity and romance have been woven into ballads and folklore. Welcome to Rajasthan, the land of shifting sand dunes, where people have imbibed the tricks of nature into their life so perfectly, that it, ostensibly, has changed its course. Like the geographical variation of the terrain, the culture of Rajasthan is a wide spectrum of brilliant hues fostered by steps of settlers ranging from ancient Indus Valley urbanites to pastoral Aryan herdsmen, Bhil forest dwellers, Jain merchants, Muslim artisans, and the Rajput warrior clans. Despite a prevalance of apparent poverty among the desert people, they stitch a bond of colourful, happy and proud community with their own way of gregariousness and jubilee. Take a Rajasthan tour to see the culture and lifestyle of the Rajasthani people.

Welcome to the land of conviviality, where elegance is a way of being. A land where the dawn unfolds with a tint of spirituality in Surya Pranam (respect to Sun) and evenings are garnished with layers of merryment. Come to experience the Rajput traditions and culture that the naivete clined in their lifestyles, who serve milk or buttermilk more because of scarcity of water than respect to the visitors. The custom of touching feet of the elders to show respect, which is usually reciprocated with a lovely embrace - stones of love that ultimately make the golden bridge between humans.

The Peerless Fashion Fiesta

Rajasthan People

The red clouds in the horizon and the chill breeze in the evenings might take their sleep away, and replenish them with dreams of drizzle, a fantasy that has long been forgotten. This is one of the dominant factor that designs the lifestyle of Rajasthan people. The women wear long, swirling skirts that stands out in the stark, desolete landscape of their terrain. Adorned in chunky silver jewellery, they cover their face with an 'odhni' (veil - not so popular among urbanites) which not only saves their beauty from the covetous eyes of men, but also protects them from harsh sun and sand. The men are tall , dusky and precipitate pride in their long, twirled moustaches - sometimes chaperoned with a beard - with colourful turbans in tie-and-dye-fabric, that adds to their glamour. The varied impetus of the colourful fairs and festivals also affords villagers from remote regions to meet and mingle, marriage alliances to be made, livestocks deals to be stuck and rural issues to be discussed. The people and lifestyle of RAjasthan is influenced by a celebration for every religious occasion, every change of season and every harvest, all invariably a reflection of the genius of their arts and crafts and their ascetic refinement.

The Colourful Interiors

Rajasthan also houses a divergent colony of traditional tribes who share common characteristics - which seem to articulate their past together - but it is the singularity in their costumes and jewellery, fairs and festivals that set them apart from one another. The historical Rajput traditions and culture is so popular that the government of Rajasthan is taking initiatives to promote the archaic culture and traditions of the tribal community, which has preserved the old vigor for years. Experience Rajasthan with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) which conducts holiday tours including meeting and mixing with the tribes, knowing their discreet lifestyles, customs and traditions.