When: 15 – 16 October, 2016.
What: Marwar Festival
Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
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The blue city of Jodhpur, also known as Marwar, comes alive in October with the art and culture of Rajasthan being showcased in all its glory. This is a festive time and the performances takes on romantic and ethereal hues with a gorgeous full moon as a backdrop. The Blue city of Jodhpur celebrates the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan every year in the month of Ashwin. Ashwin is a Hindu month that falls between the months of September and October. Marwar festival was originally known as the Maand Festival. 'Maand' is a traditional way of folk music that focuses on the romance and courteousness of the rulers of Rajasthan. Celebrated during the full moon of Sharad Poornima, the Marwar festival of Jodhpur is a two day long festival.
Marwar festival is held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan and the main highlight of the festival is the classical folk dance and music of the Marwar region. During the festive days, the folk dancers and singers will provide lively entertainments for hours based on the glimpses of battles fought by the brave Rajput heroes. Other attractions of Marwar festival include camel tattoo show, horse riding and polo. The venue of Marwar festival includes the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort.
Marwar Festival displays the art and culture of Jodhpur city and is fully dedicated to songs and dance of the Marwar region. The Mehrangarh Fort makes a great impression by transforming into one big stage where cultural programs and music and dance are the order of the day. Folk music, that in particular focuses on the lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers, is the main attraction of the Marwar festival, with the music and dance being the main theme of the festival. The talented folk dancers and singers assemble here, perform with excellence and entertain the audience with Rajasthani legends. These performers sing songs in remembrance of the courageous heroes and bring to life the myth and traditions of the region. The Marwar Festival is not only celebrated in Jodhpur but is also celebrated with great enthusiasm at Mandore, located just 8 kilometers at the outskirts of Jodhpur. Mandore is a place of great historical significance and was traditionally the capital of Marwar. Mandore's most important feature is the Hall of Heroes, where sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities stand in bright colors and are very well organized.
The scheduled program for the festival is as follows:
15 October, 2016
09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon - A procession led by bullock carts and camel carts etc starting from Umaid Stadium to the Old City via Gulab Sagar, Manak Chowk, Clock Tower and back.
03:00 to 05:00 PM - Competitions and activities like tug of war, mustache competition, turban tying, matka race (pot race) etc at Umaid Stadium Jodhpur.
07:00 to 09:30 PM - Cultural evening with folk dance & music at Clock Tower, Jodhpur
16 October, 2016
03:00 to 05:00 PM - Rural Sports activities. Exhibition on Rural life. Camel Ride on Sand Dunes.
07:00 to 09:30 PM - Cultural evening with folk dance & music followed by fire works on the full moon night of 'Sharad purnima' at Sand dunes of Village Osian, Jodhpur.
