Rajasthan : Festivals of Other Communities for RAS (RTS) Prelims Examination

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  • Holi
  • Diwali
  • Bhai Dooj
  • Rakhi
  • Dushera
  • Muharram
  • Hadoti Festival, Kota
  • Braj Festival, Bharatpur
  • Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
  • Summer Festival, Mt. Abu
  • Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
  • Camel Festival, Bikaner
  • Gangaur Festival, Jaipur
  • Teej Festival, Jaipur
  • Mewar Festival, Udaipur
  • ,

    Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest state in India by area, and the seventh most populous. The state is known for its desert landscape, its forts and palaces, and its vibrant culture.

    Rajasthan is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The majority of the Population is Hindu, but there are also significant Muslim, Sikh, and Christian minorities.

    The state’s festivals reflect the diversity of its people. Some of the most popular festivals in Rajasthan include:

    • Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by Women. It is a time for women to pray for the well-being of their husbands and families. The festival is marked by singing, dancing, and feasting.
    • Gadhimai Mela is a Hindu festival that takes place in Nepal. It is one of the largest animal sacrifice festivals in the world. The festival is held in honor of the goddess Gadhimai, and it is believed that sacrificing animals will bring good luck.
    • Pushkar Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage fair that takes place in the city of Pushkar. It is one of the largest fairs in India, and it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The fair is held in honor of the god Brahma, and it is a time for pilgrims to bathe in the sacred waters of the Pushkar Lake.
    • Rajasthan Day is a public holiday in Rajasthan. It is celebrated on March 30 to commemorate the formation of the state of Rajasthan in 1949. The day is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and parades.
    • Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in the city of Jaisalmer. It is a time for people to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Thar Desert. The festival is marked by camel races, folk dances, and music performances.
    • Rajasthan International Folk Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in the city of Jaipur. It is a time for people to celebrate the Folk Music and dance traditions of Rajasthan. The festival is marked by performances by folk artists from all over the world.
    • Marwar Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in the city of Jodhpur. It is a time for people to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Marwar region. The festival is marked by camel races, folk dances, and music performances.
    • Bikaner Camel Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in the city of Bikaner. It is a time for people to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Bikaner region. The festival is marked by camel races, folk dances, and music performances.
    • Pushkar Camel Fair is a Livestock fair that takes place in the city of Pushkar. It is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. The fair is a time for people to buy and sell camels, and it is also a time for people to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Thar Desert.
    • Nathdwara Festival is a Hindu festival that takes place in the city of Nathdwara. It is a time for people to celebrate the god Krishna. The festival is marked by processions, music performances, and feasting.
    • Gangaur is a Hindu festival that takes place in the city of Jaipur. It is a time for women to celebrate the goddess Parvati. The festival is marked by singing, dancing, and feasting.
    • Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to play with colors and to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
    • Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of Light over darkness. It is a time for people to light lamps and candles, and to exchange gifts and sweets.
    • Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a time for brothers to receive gifts from their sisters, and to promise to protect them.
    • Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of the god Krishna. It is a time for people to fast, pray, and sing songs in praise of Krishna.
    • Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is a time for people to fast, pray, and perform rituals in honor of Durga.
    • Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of the god Ganesha. It is a time for people to install idols of Ganesha in their homes, and to pray to him for good luck.
    • Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for people to feast, pray, and give gifts to each other.

    Rajasthan : Festivals of Other Communities

    The major festivals of Rajasthan are:

    • Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Shravan (August–September). It is a major festival for women, who celebrate it with dance, music, and feasting.
    • Pushkar Mela is a five-day fair held in the town of Pushkar in the month of Kartik (October–November). It is one of the largest cattle fairs in the world, and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India.
    • Desert Festival is a three-day festival held in the city of Jaisalmer in the month of February. It is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the Thar Desert, and features camel races, folk dances, and music performances.
    • Rajasthan Day is a public holiday celebrated on 30 March to commemorate the formation of the state of Rajasthan in 1949. It is a day of festivities and celebrations, with parades, cultural programs, and Sports events.

    • What are the unique features of Rajasthani festivals?

    Rajasthani festivals are known for their vibrant colors, lively music, and delicious food. They are also a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. Some of the unique features of Rajasthani festivals include:

    • The use of bright colors. Rajasthani festivals are known for their use of bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow. This is a reflection of the state’s rich culture and heritage.
    • The use of music and dance. Rajasthani festivals are always accompanied by music and dance. This is a way for people to express their joy and happiness.
    • The use of food. Rajasthani festivals are also a time for people to enjoy delicious food. Some of the popular dishes served at Rajasthani festivals include kachori, ghughra, and jalebi.

    • What are the social and economic impacts of Rajasthani festivals?

    Rajasthani festivals have a significant social and economic impact on the state. They are a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. They also provide a boost to the local economy, as people travel to the state to attend the festivals. Some of the social and economic impacts of Rajasthani festivals include:

    • They promote social cohesion. Rajasthani festivals are a time for people from different communities to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. This helps to promote social cohesion and understanding.
    • They boost the local economy. Rajasthani festivals attract tourists from all over India and the world. This helps to boost the local economy, as people spend Money on accommodation, food, and souvenirs.
    • They provide EMPLOYMENT opportunities. Rajasthani festivals create employment opportunities for people in the state. This includes people working in the hospitality Industry, as well as those involved in the production of goods and Services for the festivals.

    • What are the challenges faced by Rajasthani festivals?

    Rajasthani festivals face a number of challenges, including:

    • The increasing cost of organizing festivals. The cost of organizing Rajasthani festivals has increased in recent years. This is due to factors such as Inflation, the rising cost of raw materials, and the increasing demand for goods and services for the festivals.
    • The lack of government support. The government does not provide adequate support for Rajasthani festivals. This is a major challenge, as it makes it difficult for organizers to raise funds and organize the festivals.
    • The problem of overcrowding. Rajasthani festivals are often overcrowded, which can lead to problems such as traffic congestion, sanitation issues, and crime.
    • The problem of pollution. Rajasthani festivals can also lead to pollution, as they often involve the use of firecrackers and other polluting materials.

    Despite the challenges, Rajasthani festivals remain an important part of the state’s culture and heritage. They are a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. They also provide a boost to the local economy, as people travel to the state to attend the festivals.

    1. Which of the following is not a festival celebrated in Rajasthan?
      (A) Teej
      (B) Gangaur
      (C) Holi
      (D) Makar Sankranti

    2. The main deity worshipped during Teej is:
      (A) Goddess Parvati
      (B) Goddess Lakshmi
      (C) Goddess Saraswati
      (D) Goddess Durga

    3. Gangaur is a festival celebrated in Rajasthan to mark the:
      (A) Marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini
      (B) Marriage of Lord Rama and Sita
      (C) Marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati
      (D) Marriage of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi

    4. Holi is a festival celebrated in Rajasthan to mark the:
      (A) Arrival of spring
      (B) End of winter
      (C) Beginning of monsoon
      (D) End of monsoon

    5. Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in Rajasthan to mark the:
      (A) Arrival of spring
      (B) End of winter
      (C) Beginning of monsoon
      (D) End of monsoon

    6. The main deity worshipped during Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Lord Vishnu
      (B) Lord Shiva
      (C) Lord Brahma
      (D) Lord Ganesha

    7. The main food item eaten during Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Khichdi
      (B) Puri
      (C) Roti
      (D) Chaat

    8. The main dance form performed during Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Ghoomar
      (B) Kalbelia
      (C) Teratali
      (D) Dandiya Raas

    9. The main musical instrument played during Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Sarangi
      (B) Sitar
      (C) Tabla
      (D) Dholak

    10. The main dress worn during Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Ghagra choli
      (B) Lehenga choli
      (C) Sari
      (D) Kurti pajama

    11. The main color associated with Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Yellow
      (B) Red
      (C) Green
      (D) Blue

    12. The main animal associated with Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Cow
      (B) Horse
      (C) Camel
      (D) Elephant

    13. The main bird associated with Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Peacock
      (B) Parrot
      (C) Crane
      (D) Swan

    14. The main flower associated with Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Marigold
      (B) Rose
      (C) Lotus
      (D) Jasmine

    15. The main fruit associated with Makar Sankranti is:
      (A) Mango
      (B) Banana
      (C) Apple
      (D) Grapes