Daijiworld Magazine, Vol.12, Issue 4, September 2020

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DAIJIWORLD Magazine | September 2020
formed by both men and women
and this forms as one of the chief
attractions of the festival.
Costumes are an integral
part of the performance, where
women are adorned in their Rajasthani
bright coloured skirts,
blouses, and long dupattas. Men
on the other hand wear striking
red tunics that flow out into flaring
skirts, creating a unique effect
during the circular dance moves.
This is coupled with red traditional
churidar pants and large saffron-coloured
turbans.
• Kalbelia: While at the
Marwar Festival, do not miss the
Kalbelia dance, which is traditionally
performed by the snake
charmer community of the region.
The women dance while
pretending to be charmed by the
snake charmer men and emulate
snake-like movements celebrating
their unique livelihood.
Women are draped in their
traditional lehenga cholis in black
color base, which also includes
a number of striking embellishments
in bright red, yellow, and
green, which helps add a unique
shimmer to them.
There are other glittering embellishments
that create a mirror
effect, with decorated ‘gota patti’
work. The women also adorn
themselves in a number of silver
jewellery and enamel bangles.
The men usually wear long shirts
that go below the waist, coupled
with traditional dhoti bottoms.
• Ghoomar: One of the
main attractions of the Marwar
Festival, Ghoomar, is the most
popular dance form of Rajasthan,
and is often depicted on the silver
screen. The word itself describes
what the dance form depicts;
ghoomar means ‘to spin’. While
seemingly simple being a dance
form that comprises of stepping
in repeated circular patterns, the
main beauty of the dance is in
the flair of the large and colourful
skirts of women that shimmers
when light falls on the shining
embroidery. Additionally, women
wear colourful glass bangles that
form an important part of the festival.
• Chari: This form of dance
depicts the lifestyle of Rajasthani
women who travel a long
way each day in search of water.
Here, women perform this dance
with brass pots balanced on their
heads, wearing colourful lehenga
cholis that shimmer and shine at
each step. The cholis and dupattas
are beautifully hued along with
being exquisitely embroidered.
Churas or Churlas also known as
armlets are worn by the women
to accessorize the costume.
SHOPPING AT THE MARWAR
FAIR
Apart from the folk music
and dance, the Marwar festival
is home to one of the largest fairs
in Rajasthan that goes on till the
full span of the festival. Here, you
can find unique gems, traditional
jewellery, colourful kurtas, sarees,
suits, and much more.
MUST TRY DELICACIES
Marwar Festival is a heaven
for foodies. Jodhpur is famous for
its local delicacies and sweets, and
while here, do care to try out some
of their best dishes:
• Pyaz Kachori - fried pastry
filled with spicy onion filling
• Hot and spicy Mirchi bada
- a spicy snack consisting of chili
and potato or cauliflower stuffing,
served hot with tomato sauce
• Mava Kachori - Indian
hand pies filled with mawa/
khoya and mixed with nuts, deep
fried, and dipped in sugar syrup
Now that I have provoked
you with the beauty and colour
of Marwar festival now, it’s for
you to make up your mind to visit
the place and add Marwar to your
travel bucket list. u