Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. During the British rule in India, Jaipur was the capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Founded on 18 November, 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 6 million. There are various sights, temples are important to visit at Jaipur like the fort of Amber, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, Central Museum, (Albert Hall Museum), Birla Temple also known as Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Govind Dev Ji temple, Moti Doongri Ganesh Ji Temple, Galtaji, Gangaur Festival
is a significant festival of Jaipur. This festival is especially meant for the women. Gangaur festival is widely acclaimed and celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan.
The word Gangaur is derived from two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which are synonyms of 'Siva' and his consort 'Parvati' respectively. Jaipur has been playing host to a literaure fair inviting writers from subcontinent. The Kite Festival is a popular festival of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Kite flying is enjoyed by people of all age-groups. However, 14 January, the day of Makar Sankranti, makes the official day for flying kites in Jaipur. People make most out of the festival by flying kites for the whole day. The Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Festival of Teej is widely celebrated, but its real charm can be found only in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Teej celebrates the arrival of monsoon, after the scorching sun of summers. Teej is celebrated in the month of 'Shravan' (July-August), according to the Hindu calendar.
A large Sheetala Mata fair is held to propitiate the goddess of war whose wrath can be the terrible scrounge of smallpox unless appeased by her followers. Consecrated food on this day consists of stale food left out the previous night. The fair is held in and around the temple dedicated to the goddess in Amber, Jaipur. The Chaksu Fair is a gathering of people from Jaipur's rural pockets collects here in almost all forms of transport - laden into tractor trolleys and jeeps - at what must be one of the most colourful events on the Rajasthani fair calendar. Elephant Festival is celebrated on the eve of Holi, in the month of March, this festival features Elephant Polo and Elephant Dance. The Elephant Festival begins with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The owners proudly embellish their elephants with vibrant colors, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. It is quite a treat to see female elephants wearing anklets, which tinkle as they walk. One can see people sprinkling 'gulaal' (colored powder) perched on top of the elephant. The most beautifully decorated elephant is awarded. Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and women are the featured events of the festival.
