CULTURE OF THE THAR DESERT

In spite of technological advancement and also penetration of worldly influences Jaisalmer residents have sustained their original norms and cultural practices. Culture of Jaisalner is multifarious.  Delicious culinary dishes, people`s lifestyle, fairs and festivals, bear proof of this enriching cultural influence of Jaisalmer district. Fairs and festivals also form integral part culture of Jaisalmer district, which also adds to its prosperity and splendor.

 

Located amidst the beautiful Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city is popularly referred to as the golden city for when the sunrays fall on the yellow sands and the stunning Jaisalmer fort, the whole city glows like gold. The Thar Desert renders the city an Arabian Nights look especially with the presence of the ship of the Desert Camel in the region. The city of Jaisalmer has many interesting legends behind its origin. It is believed that Lord Krishna had prophesized that in the future a man from his clan would establish a city on the Trikuta hill where the Jaisalmer city today stands. The city was founded by a Bhati Rajput Raja Rawal Jaisal in 1156, who belonged to the Yadava clan. The Desert city derives its name Jaisalmer from its founder. Jaisalmer being strategically located though amassed huge wealth owing to its proximity to Persia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Arabia, Africa and the west; it had to bear several invasion attempts and was devastated many times.

  

Jaisalmer district also has a heritage of architecture, art works, melodious songs which easily draw the attention of myriads of tourists both from the locality and also from foreign countries.

  

In the musical bonanza of Jaisalmer district influences of the lifestyle of people of the desert region are prevalent. In other  words, Jaisalmers`s desi music actually reaches its zenith with the blending of concepts of classical musical form. Thus fervor of local customs along with the richness of classical form creates a spell in the minds of its listeners.

  

Culture of Jaisalmer district also can be identified by studying its cuisine as well. `Bajara` and `Gawar` are the staples of Jaisalmer people. The people of Jaisalmer love to savor dishes like chappatis made from Bajra, milk and its varied products and also curds. Also fruits, buds are consumed as vegetables and that too in abundance. They are grown in trees and scrubs of the desert region

  

Hero-Worship Fairs are landmarks of the state of Rajasthan. In Jaisalmer also one such festival is organized in great jubilance. The  culture of Jaisalmer is quite superb which is evident from this fair. It is a perfect example of blending spirituality and cultural ethnicity. It is called  Ramdeoji Fair which is feted in memory of the famous saint of 15th century. He is called Shri Ramdeoji. During the months of August-September annually this fair is held and it continued for 10 days.