A Glimpse into the Rural Rajasthan

If you want to experience the true essence of Rajasthan you will have to experience the rural part of it. It will be completely different from the city experience but you should see it up-close to understand and appreciate it. Here is what you will get to experience as you venture out:

Cuisine

Rajasthan’s cuisine is a blend of Rajput aristocracy and the Marwari culture and takes into consideration the arid climate. The cuisine involves the best aspects of food from neighboring states (Sindh, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab).

This is why despite the arid climate the food often finds itself on top of India’s culinary lists of delicacies.  Since it is a water-deficient area the food is often cooked in milk or ghee. Due to lack of vegetables in this climatic belt, besan (gram flour) is a staple diet here. Gatte ki sabzi (curried gram flour dumplings) and kadhi (curried gram flour in yoghurt) are two examples of this. Kair sangri (a desert fruit) with mango pickle is a local delicacy and is prepared and then fried in oil, and served with dried dates, chillies, turmeric dried mango, salt, coriander and cumin.

The most famous dish of the Marwari people is dal-bati-churma – whole wheat dough balls baked, dipped into melted ghee and served with a spicy dal. The churma is the sweet dish created as these dough balls are crumbled with nuts and sugar.

Rajput cuisine, due to the warrior culture, is rich in meat preparations. The hunting culture has led to a prevalence of game meat like boar, hare and birds. Safed maas (white meat) and laal maas (red meat) are two famous Rajasthani delicacy that are known for their gravy and the quality of mutton used. Sweet dishes often use sugar, milk, almonds (and other dry fruits) as well as ghee.

Culture

One thing you’ll notice about the culture is that it combines hospitality with color. At any cultural hotspot (for example, Chowkidani) you’ll be welcomed by men with colorful turbans who will politely attend to each of your needs, and you will be entertained by dancers and performing artists.

The ‘Ghoomar’ is one of the most well-known dances of the region, and folk music is also incredibly important to the local heritage. Folk music talks about heroic acts and love stories, as well as devotional music

Work

Artisan work is an important source of revenue for the people here. This includes block printed textiles, mask making, puppetry and other handicrafts. There is a culture of buying directly from the artisans at some of the villages. You will find some interesting leather work (including bags and belts). Interestingly, today puppetry is also being used to talk about issues like literacy, hygiene and education.

Another popular handicraft occupation is making clothes. Rajasthani clothes are known for their ornate details, mirror-work and embroidery, and dresses for both men and women are known to have bright colours like blue, yellow and orange.

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