Jaipur has always been linked with culture, heritage and art. Over the last few years, Jaipur has witnessed innumerable art festivals that broaden our knowledge about its culture and heritage.
Adding to that Red Earth- an art organization is having a special program featuring Open Studio (art/sarees/design); Inner City Heritage Walks, and a Pink City Feast name RED EARTH x JAIPUR. It’s a 5 day festival that will take you to a journey towards a newer understanding of culture. Let’s have a look at what five-day festival has stored in for you!
Walk: Vastu and Urban Planning (23rd January)
Jaipur exemplifies a practical living model of the ancient Indian architectural doctrine of Vastu-vidya. This walk will explore the scientific and methodical approach underlying the founding of the city, guided equally by ancient Indian architectural / city building Vastu principles, as well as late mediaeval / pre-modern contexts when the city was founded.
Walk: The Hidden Vrindavan (24th January)
Jaipur is often regarded as the “Hidden Vrindavan” because of the benign presence of four important Krishna deities. The walk features a visit to Govind Dev Temple: the most prominent temple of Jaipur, located within the royal precinct; and the other lightmaps of Caitanya tradition: Radha-Damodar, Shri Radha-Gopinath, and Shri Vinodilal – located in varying neighbourhoods within the walled city.
Walk: Night Walk, Chaura Rasta (25th January)
The city at night, a special walk that explores the night-life of Chaura Rasta, one of the main streets of Jaipur. Aimlessly wandering through this beautifully lit up avenue, we revel in architectural delights, sip on street-side Chai, get lost in secret interior alleys, visit temples, and soak in the glowing pink beauty of the city, which takes on a radically different flavour as the day ends, and the night ascends…
A special feast featuring regional and local specials (26th-27th January)
A special vegetarian Sattvik feast, featuring local and regional specials, along with an eclectic mix of pan Indian flavours! This special home-cooked meal (supplemented by some items from specialist outlets), using largely organic ingredients, presents an intimate view of “Rajasthani” cuisine, radically different from the standard Rajasthani platters presented at restaurants.
Explore the unique taste of locally grown vegetables, savour delicate and not so delicate flavours, all together. A humble but special gastronomy experience- to give you a home-style experience of food in the Pink City!
Be a part of this unique and special program to discover one of the least explored facets of the Pink city!
The scent of winter fog, waft from tea stalls, hurried traffic crossing the mild sunshine, the sight of travellers exploring the hilltop Amer fort and locals wandering the narrow streets in traditional Rajasthani attire is a riot of delightful things for the senses at any time of year, but none more so than during the winter months.
We love the rush with which winter arrives and suddenly changes our lives with its aroma, and we never want these winter days to pass.
Winter is the best time to experience Rajasthan’s ‘Pink City’. For the people around, winter is just another season but for a Jaipurite it is a festival in itself.
Festival to indulge in the traditional delicacies, to enjoy gala events, to take pleasure in the legendary Polo game, to celebrate patang baazi, and to participate in the world’s biggest literature festival, the list goes on.
Winter Delicacies
Walk into any part of the city’s bazaars, the one thing that you cannot resist is the tandoori kulhad chai with pakoras.
Samosa, kachori, jalebi, Mirchi-vada and kadhai doodh at night is just the perfect ending note to the day. A true Jaipurite never leaves an opportunity to taste the variety served on its streets. Winters add an extra charm to almost everything we get on the streets and we don’t even miss the outdoors as the city has abundant rooftop bars and cafes.
Not to be missed, the winter chill is best enjoyed at bonfire nights.
Festivals and Events
The World looks up to Jaipur as it hosts some unique events and festivals, which no other city has to offer in winters.
This is the time for Jaipur Winter Polo Season, Children festival, kite festival, Jaipur Art Summit, Jaipur International Film Festival, Rajasthan International Film Festival and the one that needs no introduction- Jaipur Literature Festival and its Music stage. Too much on the platter, yeah?
Watch for Migratory Birds
The time for winged wonders. Gazing at the beautiful migratory birds, that travel from far lands to Mansagar lake, Barkheda and Chandlai lake is one of the kind experiences that we Jaipurites look forward to every year in winters.
Monument Hopping
The list is never complete without the three must-sees being the towering Palace of the Winds, the hilltop, marble-decked Amber Fort and the sprawling City Palace complex. The mild winter sun makes the palace hopping a lot more fun.
Get closer to nature
This is the best time to enjoy Safari at Jhalana and enjoy the wilderness from close corners. You never know when you stumble upon a black panther.
Kite Flying
For a true Jaipurite, kite flying is not a game but a religion. When hundreds of kites dance in the sky and people dance on their terrace is a sight to behold. This is one of the most favorite and zealous festivals in Jaipur. And every Jaipurite has beautiful memories of Makar Sankranti. So if you ever plan to visit Jaipur during winter, make sure you don’t miss the intoxicatingly enthusiastic vibe of Makar Sankranti!
As we have entered a whole new decade which brings new hopes, new resolutions, new start to everything and off course new events. We may have celebrated on NYE but we are for sure that January brings with it a lot of reasons to celebrate. Brace yourself because this month is going to be even more exciting!
Festivities are around the corner and, you are all anchored with your plans. Jaipur is also one step ahead in making your August plan more exciting and power-packed with new endeavours. The festival of Teej, Rakhi, Independence day, World Photography day and what not is already in store.
Jaipur and Jaipurites are already excited as one could plan for festivals, comedy gig, and a variety of exhibitions and workshops that are happening this August. With a list of events below, prepare and plan wisely to have a blast this month-
Festivals-
Teej and Rakhi are the most important festivals of this season and, which is something you cannot miss. The colourful Teej processions, splendid exhibitions, delicious savouries will give you a perfect festival vibe.
Jaipur’s Royal Teej Celebration
Teej Festival though is fêted all over the state but celebrated at its colourful best in Jaipur. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati a royal procession is held every year during Shrawan month. On the occasion women, girls dress up in their colourful best leheriyas, adorn lac bangles, sing devotional songs, put up mehndi, eat delicious savouries. The mesmerizing procession of Goddess Parvati winds magnificently through the Old City of Jaipur via Tripoliya Gate (City Palace) Tripoliya Bazar and Gangauri Bazar with chariots, decorated camels, dancing folk artists, brass bands and royal palanquins for two days. Get your cameras ready to capture the real flavour of Jaipur!
Date: 3rd-4th August 2019
JAIPUR TEEJ TOUR by Red Earth India
The tour is particularly curated for the tourists who can observe the glorious festival of Teej in the Walled City in addition to the culture and traditions of Jaipur by visiting the old Bazaars and temples. If you want to experience the grand procession of Teej in the Pink City and revel in the city’s bazaars and shop for Jaipur specials; let’s take a walk through the 18th c. the walled city of Jaipur. Explore some lesser-known Vaishnava temples of Jaipur, relish special festival food and Rajasthani delicacies and uncover the crafts & design heritage of the city with RedEarth India.
Exhibitions and Workshops-
Check out the most exciting exhibitions and workshops
Rakhi Malhaar by Anantaya Decor
Raksha Bandhan is a festival of irreplaceable bonds and promising vows. To celebrate this sibling spirit, Anantaya Decor brings to you the gift launch exhibition where you could choose from a range of products starting from eco-friendly rakhis, upcycled makhmal bags, handmade pottery, Kathhaa wearable jewellery and many more. Visit to buy the ideal gift for your sibling.
Rakhi Exhibition by Sumayaa
Sumayaa Exhibitions is the biggest shopping platform for today’s lifestyle needs and this season they are organizing rakhi exhibition in the city with the best of exhibitors and their products.
Rakhi Workshop at Art Forte
Join a Creative workshop at Art Forte on this Rakhi tie a handmade rakhi on your brother’s hand.
House of Masaba – Jaipur Pop Up
House of Masaba bringing their array of silhouettes and prints to Jaipur. The show is presenting the latest collection by houseofmasaba at Grand Uniara Hotel.
BrushPen Calligraphy Workshop by Royal Letters
Looking for some artful lessons on calligraphy to create beautiful designs? Brushpen Calligraphy by Royal Letters is in town this August to give you a complete workshop on this for 2 days. Join this workshop and bring the creator in you.
StoryTelling Documentary Workshop-TOSS
This documentary workshop by TOSS can be a golden opportunity for the amateur or the budding filmmakers as acknowledged personalities like Nilotpal Majumdar and, Surpriyo Sen will be the part of the mentor panel. It will focus on in-depth discussions on multiple genres and new ways of expressions. Register yourself to experience learning with professionals.
Entertainment, Entertainment & Entertainment
This August your stomach will hurt so much with all the laughter coming to your way. There are many stand up comedians coming to Jaipur to give you all a good laugh. Choose your favourite artist and have a great time this season, laughing.
Jeeveshu Ahluwalia – Stand-Up Comedian
You’ll be in splits of laughter and bouts of dance all through the same evening at the Grand Launch of Hi Lo (The Underground).
Venue: Hotel De Nada
Date and Time: 2nd August 2019, 8:00 P.M.
Vijay Yadav – Bantering You
Venue: Club Colaba, Jaipur
Date and Time: 4th August 2019; 7:30 P.M.
Sundowner Poll Party – DJ Jhonnie Ernest
Celebrate the bond of friendship from sunny day to starry night at Jaipur’s first real Sundowner & Pool Party.
Venue: Hotel De Nada
Date and Time: 4th August 2019; 3:00 P.M.
Atul Khatri Live
Venue: Fort-Kitchen and Banquet
Date and Time: 18th August 2019; 7:30 P.M.
Not Just Baniya! A stand up comedy solo by Gaurav Gupta
Date & Venue- The Native Bar on Friday, 9 August 2019
The fun has a different connotation for everyone. Some find pleasure in playing with words; some take enthusiasm in writing words or, some, like to dance on the words penned by others. Every concern is taken care of with different programs and workshops.
June, the month of holidays and relaxation (well, for most of the people), is too precious to be wasted by sitting at home in front of your air conditioners and drowning in a puddle of gadgets. Some people might want to sit and watch repeated episodes of their favourite TV series, trying to avoid the heat, while some look for opportunities and events around the city to go out, have fun and beat that heat. So, if you are one of the people looking for a month full of diverse activities, here’s a list of events happening around Jaipur that you might want to explore.
A Night at Stardust
Give it up for Gajendra Verma, making a grand musical appearance in Jaipur, on June 1st, 8 p.m. onwards at Stardust. To get the live experience of having fun with amazing DJ, drinks and food, get your gang to attend this event which will make you have the best weekend of your life.
What can be a better evening for all the bibliophiles than Jaipur Book Lovers Club MeetUp, at Krishnayan- Jawahar Kala Kendra on June 2nd from 5 p.m. onwards. So, mark the date on your calendar for the 100th MeetUp of JBL!
Saanjh Open Stage
An evening full of poetry, music, fun, art and more! Saanjh Open Stage is a charity fundraiser event on June 2nd, atYellow House Global Bistro, Silver Square Mall, M.I. Road. Do not miss as the event will only last from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
If you’re tried clubbing and partying then this is what you can do next. Not Just Baniya is a standup solo by Gaurav Gupta live on Sunday, June 2nd at 7 p.m. organized at Idiot Box. Now you know what are your Sunday evening plans.
Taj Rambagh Palace is commencing half day private tour for 8 hours from June 3rdonwards of the architectural and cultural highlights of Pink City. The tour will last from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Jaipurites, gear yourself up for TEDxTaxilaBusinessSchool, where leading thinkers will be gathered to give you a unique experience inTaxilaBusinessSchool, Mansarovar. Jaipurites witness speakers from multiple vertical like authors, CEOs, entertainment and more on June8th at 9:30 a.m.onwards.
A dawn of poetry, melody and humor. An overwhelming experience, for the budding poets of Jaipur on June14th at DeckedUp by GardenCafé from 4 p.m. onwards.
The workshop of Art of Film Making Chapter II by Harshit Walia is an 8 hour immersive workshop for amateur photographers or filmmakers and for those photos fanatics who want to get the best from the pieces of equipment they own. The event is on June30th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the venue is yet to be decided.
Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Wonder Years, Vaishali nagar is hosting an overnight pyjama party for children from Saturday 1st June, 6 pm to Sunday 2nd June 9 am for the children from 5-10 years. The Activities would include Splash pool, Charades, Fun games, stories, music, dance party, yoga, gazing the stars. Dinner and breakfast would be included
“She sends me to fetch water very early in the morning Oh! Grandfather it is very difficult for me My pot never fills up fully the water is so deep, that my rope hardly reaches it the sun rises and also sets by the time, I return unable to collect even one pot-full of water” – A folk song of Rajasthan tells the story of scarcity of water in Rajasthan and even decades after Independence the issues of potable water is the major faced by thousands of villagers.
Jaipur based independent filmmaker and photographer Abhishek Kumawat chose photography as a platform to show how the scarcity of water has eventually led the migration of villagers in Rajasthan.
This exhibition portrays the life and spaces of people who migrated from villages to city because of water scarcity, lack of jobs and identity crisis. Rurban as a word is fusion of rural + urban. It’s important to explore the interactions and conflicts of this amalgamated space. The migratory bird “Demoiselle Crane” in winters, migrates from Central Asia and Siberia to Rajasthan and popularly known as Kurjan in local culture and folk songs – a symbol of migration.
In this exhibition, my interest is to understand the psychological and geographical aspects of this shift, especially shift in their consciousness when they migrate to city/cities for survival and not because of any aspirations.
Medium: Black & White
Exhibition Venue: Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
Dates: 28 April – 4 May
The solo photo exhibition, Rurban Kurjan beginning from Sunday at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
Once again the twelfth edition of Zee Jaipur Literature Festivalhas come to an end. Yet again this year’s festival was an upgraded version of the previous year. Starting off with well-organized things like no on the spot registration for any day thus, resulting in fewer crowds on the weekends and second, putting up the sign boards to guide people with the sessions being held in which area. The rest was the same like dressing up the Palace with colors, Book Store- to buy books that are being launched at the festival, Food Stalls- to munch on your favorite dish and Bazaars- to add more stuff to your closet. Now without further ado let’s talk about the sessions and the speakers and give you a brief summary of what all happened at 2019’s JLF.
Day 1- As per the rituals, this year started off with Shruthi Vishwanath’s Morning Music of a wonderful rendition of spiritual poet Tukaram. The inaugural session opened the Festival’s Session with Sanjoy K. Roy, the Managing Director of Teamwork Arts; accentuated the need to respect the writers in today’s world.
Right after the inaugural session Sachin Pilot was in conversation with Sreenivasan Jain and was asked questions on the recent nature of politics and also shared his views on freedom of expression. Germaine Greer talked about her book On Rape and Nirbhaya case in a session Beyond The Female Eunuch. After the lunch hour, AJ Finn expressed his stirring journey of writing his bestseller The Women in the Window.
Day 2- With the melodious voice of Usha Uthup, the second day of the festival kick-started the power packed sessions. In the session, Adi Shankracharaya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker, Pavan K. Verma spoke about Shankaracharya in the context of understanding the complex form of Hinduism. Egypt’s profound writer and cultural lecturer Ahdaf Soueif in a session The Battle of Egypt: Dispatches from the Revolution, talked about how people protested to end the Governance of President Hosni Mubarak.
Venki Ramakrishnan shared his views about the human side of science and also of his recent book Gene Machine: The Race to Decipher the Secrets of the Ribosome.
Day 3- Saturday morning started with an uplifting performance by Vidya Shah followed by a thought-provoking session where Rajdeep Sardesai discussed the number of issues on journalism and how its nature is changing in India. Moving on to the next session of the bestselling novel Call Me by Your Name, the American Writer Andre Aciman talked about writing and romance.
In a book launch of Every Vote Count: The Story of Elections in India, Navin Chawla stated that why it is a prime concern to take immediate action in increasing the number of women Members of Parliament.
Day 4- Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, in conversation with Jerry Pinto, shared his thought of how he wrote this book in an attempt to understand the curious phenomenon called faith. In a book launch of Ria Sharma’s Make Love Not Scar, she discussed the dreadful phenomena of acid attack with her partner and acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi, who shared her painful story of the attack.
In an inspiring session of Women and Power that brought together, feminists from around the world and each talked about the relation of women with power.
Day 5- The last day of JLF was also packed with powerful sessions. A session on Kumbh: the Greatest Gathering on Earth, where Deshna Mehta said that no other place than Kumbh to understood the importance of life. Nigerian poet and author Ben Okri talked about how reading Rabindranath Tagore changed his life. He also said that the freedom to ask the question and examining reality in depth will make people more aware.
Manisha Koirala shared her views on how people expected her to look beautiful all the time in the session Breaking Free: A New Kind Of Beautiful. There were two or more sessions that talked about politics and the battle between Congress and BJP for the 2019 election.
To sum up this year’s Literary Festival, which was partly heated discussions, inspiring sessions but most importantly to bring together people from all over the world under one roof in the name of Literature.
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