Fairs and festivals add much needed zing to our life and give us an opportunity to forget all our tensions and make merry. Fairs and festivals in Jaipur epitomize this very idea of living life to the hilt.
Teej, the carnival of swings tributes the initiation of torrential rain month of Shravan (in the month of August). The torrential rain falls on the scorched land of Rajasthan and the lovely aroma of the wet soil mounts in the air. People hang the swings from trees and ladies would dress up in bright green clothes. They sing songs merrily thereby welcoming the monsoon. It is also a good time to shop for the Rajasthani ‘tie and dye’ fabrics, saris as well as trendy accessories from the decorated markets. Teej festival is devoted to the deity Parvati to tribute her unification with mighty God Shiva.
Owing to the enjoyable ambiance of the neighbouring foliage, all women enjoy carefree swings. Hence, the key reason behind Teej festival is to make a woman of the house happy thus making the whole family to prosper.
Starting from the Tripolia Gate of the City Palace at 06.00 pm and ending at Chaugun, the traditional royal procession would be led through the Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on August 09 and 10, this year. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, bedecked elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dances all form a part of this grand procession. The Palanquin of Goddess Paravati is carried by eight men dressed in red colour. This kilometre long parade travels through the embedded lanes of the old city. People come out in their traditional best to participate, witness and enjoy.
Teej is also an excellent time to enjoy Rajasthani delicacies like ‘Ghewar’ and ‘Feeni’ and ‘Malpuas’.
