<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Blue City:<\/strong> Jodhpur is called the Blue City because of the indigo-painted houses around Mehrangarh Fort. The view from the top of the fort, thousands of blue houses spreading across the hillside. It is one of the most photographed sights in India. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRajput Heritage:<\/strong> Marwar is Rajput country. The palaces, the forts, the stories of bravery. This whole region is shaped by the warrior culture of the Rajputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFolk Music:<\/strong> The Langas and Manganiyars are two musician communities from Marwar whose music is now known worldwide. Hearing them perform live at the festival is a completely different experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFood: <\/strong>The recipes of Marwari food show that they were made for desert life. Most of the dishes here are made of besan flour, lentils, dried vegetables, ghee and spices. You will find dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri and Bajre Ki Roti everywhere in Marwar and once you try them, you will know why people love this food so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTextiles and Handicrafts:<\/strong> Bandhani, block printing, leheriya and lac bangles are what Marwar is known for. You will spot these in markets across India but buying them here, straight from the people who make them have a different experience altogether. The craft has been passed down through families for generations and the quality shows in every piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What Happens at the Marwar Festival?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Marwar Festival Celebrations<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>Folk Music and Dance Performances<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is the soul of the whole festival. Local artists perform Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, and Fire Dance with full energy every evening. The Langas and Manganiyars play through the night around Mehrangarh Fort. If you only attend one event during the two days, make it one of these evening performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Camel Tattoo Show and Horse Parade<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDecorated camels and horses parade in front of the crowd with colorful costumes and accessories. Riders show off their skills and formations. The horse parade happens, which is called Ashwa Pratirodh<\/strong>. It is a tribute to the warriors of Marwar and draws a big crowd every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Traditional Competitions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTurban Tying (Pagdi Bandhai)<\/strong>: Men from different parts of Rajasthan tie the traditional Rajasthani turban in their own regional style. Very interesting to watch and very fun to photograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMoustache Competition<\/strong>: Rajasthani men take their moustaches seriously and this competition proves it. The entries range from thick and curled to ones that stretch well beyond belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMiss Marwar<\/strong>: A competition for women dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire, judged on grace, appearance and knowledge of local culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTug of War: <\/strong>Village teams compete in this classic contest of strength. The moment the rope goes tight, the crowd gets loud and everyone around you picks a side. Simple event, great energy and easily the loudest part of the festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHeritage Walk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA guided walk through the old lanes of Jodhpur, which show the grand havelis, ancient temples, spice markets and streets that have barely changed in centuries. Best done early in the morning when the city is quiet and the light is just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Things to Buy at the Marwar Festival<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Local Things At Marwar Festival<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>Rajasthani Textiles and Bandhani<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRajasthan is known for its Bandhani, the tie-dye fabric. “Bandhani” means “to tie. It comes in different colors and patterns, such as boond, kodi, ekdali, trikunti, chaubandi and dungar shahi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Handicrafts and Wooden Furniture<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFestival stalls present handmade wooden articles, camel bone items and lac work. Boxes and picture frames are small, easy to bring back, and make great gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n