Rajasthan is a land of many festivals. We enjoy our festivals with great pomp and fervor. As the state is all about colors, there is no wonder that it becomes even more vivid during festivals. Rajasthanis have a special place for Saawan in their hearts as the whole month is full of festivities. Saawan can be touted as the longest festival as every day is a celebration in this month. Besides sprinkles of rain, here are more reasons why we Rajasthanis go crazy about Saawan-
1.Lehariya
Saawan is the time when the lovely ladies of Rajasthan can show their love for lehariya every single day. Women adore this traditional print but cannot wear it all the time as no one wants to commit the fashion faux pas of repetition. Saawan is the perfect excuse to flaunt vibrant Lehariya prints every day.
2.Jhoola
This month brings back Jhoola on trees. All of us love to swing high on the jhoolas and our inner child becomes really happy in Saawan. Swinging on decorated Jhoolas with friends makes this rainy month special.
3.Mehendi and Bangles
The custom of henna comes back in Saawan. Hands adorned with fragrant orange colors look just beautiful. Every lady loves the jingling sound of bangles but hardly anyone wears them in today’s times. In Saawan, women get to indulge in their love for colorful bangles without having to worry about dress codes.
4.Picnics
The weather turns cooler and there is greenery everywhere. This makes for the perfect setup for picnics with family and friends. So many well maintained, lush gardens in Rajasthan make picnics marvelous.
5.Ghewar
Ghewar is a delicacy that makes Rajasthanis wait one whole year before they can gorge on it again. We love to gorge on the decadent flavors of this sweet every day in Saawan month.
6.Saawan Ke Geet
Dancing on the tunes of Saawan Aayo Re is always fun in this rainy month. Songs related to Hindola (swings), teej, Sawan Ke Jhoole Pade flow in the air of the state throughout Saawan. Ladies sing these folk songs while enjoying rides on a swing.
7.Teej
Teej brings all elements of Saawan together. The festival which pays tribute to Nature is all about women enjoying themselves. They dress up in lehariya, apply henna, bedeck themselves with jewellery and sing while swinging on beautiful jhoolas. Then there is teej procession which splashes cities with many more colors. The dances and other folk performances in teej procession lure not just Rajasthanis but people from every corner of the world.
What’s not to love about Saawan!
Jaipur Beat 