Dussehra, which translates to “the tenth day,” is a Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour throughout India. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. This day marks the end of Navaratri, the “nine-night” period also dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga and her nine forms. In the Deogarh region, near Rajsamand in …
Nestled at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains in the peaceful Pali district, the village of Ghanerao is an invitation to travel back in time. Once a powerful princely “thikana,” located on the strategic border of Mewar and Marwar, this little-known corner of Rajasthan offers a peaceful escape off the beaten track. It’s the perfect …
Among the architectural treasures of Shekhawati, the Goenka Double Haveli in Mandawa stands out as a must-see. This historic house, with its walls richly adorned with detailed frescoes, is a vibrant canvas that tells the story of a bygone era, when trade flourished in the region, driven by the ingenuity of Marwari merchants. A visit …
In the vibrant heart of Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli stands as if born from an ancient dream of bygone splendor. This golden sandstone masterpiece, like a chiseled poem, lets each sculpture sing the city’s sumptuous history. It is a living treasure of Rajasthan, where the souls of builders and merchants continue to soar.
Rajasthan is not just about the imposing forts of Chittorgarh, Mehrangarh, or Jaisalmer. Beyond these giants, one discovers a multitude of more intimate structures, such as the Rawlas. These ancient residential forts of the Thakurs (local lords) are true hidden gems. Often nestled in the peaceful countryside of Rajasthan, they reveal a unique and authentic …
Located in Nagda, just 20 kilometers northeast of Udaipur (Rajasthan), the Sas-Bahu temple complex is a true architectural gem that never fails to amaze me. Each visit is a new opportunity to contemplate and rediscover these remarkable buildings. These temples are an eloquent testament to medieval Indian architecture and sculpture, reflecting the distinctive architectural style …
In an India undergoing constant transformation, where ancestral traditions are gradually giving way to rampant modernity, the village of Salawas, nestled on the outskirts of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, embodies a silent resistance. Here, dhurries, flat hand-woven rugs, are much more than simple decorative objects: they are the living reflection of ancestral know-how passed down from …
The last time I attended a Rabari ceremony was with the Vagadiya of Kutch, Gujarat. The atmosphere of their rituals was so immersive that it made me feel as if I were traveling to another space and time. The Raika of Rajasthan share this same art of ceremony. We find there this force of attraction …
From the 8th century onwards, Jainism established itself as a powerful cultural force under the patronage of Rajput rulers. In Jaisalmer, it was under the rule of the Bhattis that the Jain faith flourished. Due to its location along ancient trade routes, Jaisalmer provided a favorable environment for the economic development of wealthy Jain merchants …
Lohargal, located 30 km from Nawalgarh, is one of the major pilgrimage sites in the Shekhawati region (Rajasthan). Nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, among century-old banyan and mango trees, the village is home to a temple dedicated to Surya and a sacred pool that attracts large crowds of pilgrims; it is said …
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might know that Shekhawati is one of my favourite regions in Rajasthan. It’s a surprisingly under-visited destination despite its exceptional cultural richness. Of all the cities in Shekhawati, Ramgarh particularly caught my attention. Founded in the late 18th century by the famous Poddar family, it …
Nawalgarh is a major city in Shekhawati, a semi-desert region in northern Rajasthan. Founded in the mid-18th century, it became one of India’s most prosperous cities in the following century thanks to the “Marwaris,” merchants who made their fortunes on the Thar Desert trade route and later in various industries based in Mumbai and Kolkata. …
In semi-desert areas like Shekhawati, in northern Rajasthan, water management is vital. Thus, in addition to stepwells and other reservoirs, numerous “kuas” (pronounced kooa) have sprung up throughout the region. With their Persian-style towers adorned with exquisite frescoes, these unique wells reflected the opulence of wealthy Marwari merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. As …
Delwara is a town nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, barely thirty kilometers from Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes of Rajasthan. While Delwara is surprisingly little known, it was once a major spiritual center and a renowned place of learning for the future rulers of Mewar; its thousands of Hindu temples and …
If you have ever visited Nawalgarh, in the Shekhawati region (Rajasthan), it is very likely that you have missed its fort, Bala Kila. Although the latter has lost its former glory, there remains a marvelous hidden room, the Sheesh Mahal, which then served as a lodge for the Maharanis.
Since the battle of Sirohi, the close ties that have been established between the Rajputs and the Raïka Rabaris are no longer in doubt. The latter, simple camel breeders at the base, have repeatedly sacrificed their lives fighting alongside the Maharajas. It is therefore not surprising that this pastoral community is highly respected by the …
Harshnath, located on the Aravalli hill of Harshagiri, 900 meters above sea level, is the beautiful archaeological surprise of Sikar district (Rajasthan). This group of temples, the oldest of which dates back to the 10th century AD, is still little known to travelers.
It’s no longer a secret, the Shekhawati region is one of my absolute favorites in Rajasthan. Not only is it the native land of my in-laws, but above all it is an inexhaustible treasure trove of architectural jewels. The Khemka Shani temple located in the city of Ramgarh, two hours from Jaipur, is one of …
The indigenous people of India (adivasi) are guardians of many ancient traditions expressed during festivals that can transport us to other worlds. Simultaneously, these traditional activities can evoke something somehow familiar, perhaps common roots echoing within us. Gavari is one of these festivals. This mystical folk-theatre of the Bhil people of Rajasthan is expressed through several …
Charbhuja Garhbor is one of the four major Hindu shrines in the Mewar region of Rajasthan along with Shrinathji, Shri Eklingji and Kesariyaji. Located in the charming village of Garhbor about 30 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh Fort, this shrine, cared for by the Gurjar community, has a long history dating back to Vedic times over 5,000 …
