NEELIMASTHAN
Rajasthan through eyes of Neelima
NEELIMA VALLANGI | August 5
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Teej Mata
During Teej, a procession of Teej Mata (Goddess Parvati) is marches twice on the streets of Jaipur, and the entire city comes out to watch the spectacle. Before the goddess is paraded on a palanquin, folk artists, performers, bands, caparisoned elephants, horses and camels enthrall the audience packed on the rooftops and by the roadside along the entire route. It is as much fun to watch the performances as it is to observe the colorful people watching the highly revered procession.
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Swings
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the festival are the swings that are tied to tall trees in the temple and public gardens. As part of the long-standing tradition, women take turns swinging on them with great joy. The customs of fasting, singing Teej songs and receiving gifts might be out of bounds for us to experience as a tourist, but this is one of the easiest (and most fun) of the festival traditions we can partake in.
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Swings
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the festival are the swings that are tied to tall trees in the temple and public gardens. As part of the long-standing tradition, women take turns swinging on them with great joy. The customs of fasting, singing Teej songs and receiving gifts might be out of bounds for us to experience as a tourist, but this is one of the easiest (and most fun) of the festival traditions we can partake in.
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Ghevar
A famous delicacy that’s supposed to taste best only in monsoons (something to do with the moisture in the air that keeps the disc-shaped sweet crisp and airy), ghevar is an integral part of Teej celebrations. Sweet shops are stocked with various kinds of ghevar, and the small lanes of Jaipur are packed with stalls preparing the sinful, deep-fried dessert. In fact, ghevar preparation and Teej celebrations go hand in hand. Locals do not think twice before indulging in this delicious treat during the months of monsoon, and neither should we.
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Jaipur Monsoon
It may sound unusual but it rains in the desert too, and Teej is traditionally a ‘Sawan’ (monsoon) festival. I could see the desert lands gaining a new lease of life after the first showers of the season, bringing much joy to the farmers and a sweet relief from the sweltering summer. A serendipitous advantage of visiting Jaipur during Teej was seeing a city in the desert covered in lush greenery with dark storm clouds hovering above –a sight I would cherish for life!
Chris Lee
(2331 days ago)
Awesome place to visit