Padharo Mhare Desh– This is how People welcome you in India’s desert state- once a collection of kingdoms and a place where all the country’s idioms and descriptions come together to create a chromatic burlesque.
Grandiose palaces, rugged forts, enormous deserts, lively towns and the effervescent people form an elaboratedra pery of theology andopulence, beautiful facade, local fairs or a bustling bazaars or mind-blowing architectural wonders- Rajasthan is land of Magical and Royal Fantasies that will leave you mesmerized from the moment you step inside.
Besides the architecture and desert and the royal treatment Rajasthani cuisine is something that is entirely unforgettable. Food is very serious business and sometimes it is raised to the level of an art. Most of the legendary recipes have been lost with time because the cooks kept their recipes a closely guarded secret. Some recipes were passed on to their sons and the rest were lost forever The food was served in gold and silver utensils and the number of dishes at one meal ran into hundreds. It was usually never possible to taste all the delicacies cooked.
Rajasthani cooking was influenced by the lifestyle of its inhabitants due to desert climatic conditions and the availability of ingredients in this region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice – mainly due to scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables ; preference of milk, buttermilk and clarified butter instead of water, Dried lentils and gram flour which is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like khata, gattakisabzi, pakodi, powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad. Bajia and corn is used at! over the state for preparations of rabdi, kheechdi, and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.
Other things that Rajasthan is famous for, are its Arts and Crafts, History, Folk Music and Dance- which incidentally differs from region to region and while visiting the desert belts like Jaisalmer and Bikamer- you can see the trrops dancing their way around in the deserts giving you the visual treat of the desert. Parks & Sanctuaries in Jaipur and famous Puppet shows, Camel, Horse, Elephant, JeepSafaries are something that is not to be missed. RajasthaniHandicrafts , shoes and textiles are quite famous and have a majestic yet charming appearance.
Rajasthan is also quite famous for many of it’s pilgrim destinations like Pushkar, Ajmer.
Visiting Rajasthan truly gives unforgettable memories that you are sure to cherish for ever.
By : Archa Dave
