Desert Festival and Omelette of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. This state borders Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. The main geographic features of Rajasthan are the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range. The Thar covers almost 70% of the state ( the districts of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner). This northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry. While, the Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. Rajasthan has a mainly Rajasthani population. Hindus account for 88.8% of the population. Muslims make up 8.5%, Sikhs 1.4% and Jains 1.2% of the population. Rajasthan is also a land of beautiful palaces, brave warriors, graceful women and a vibrant culture.

The most famous cultural tradition at Rajashtan is desert festival. This festival was held every year in January / February. This festival is located near the city of Jaisalmer and celebrated for a duration of three days and is concluded on the day of the full moon. There are several contest here, such as the turban-tying contest, Mr. Desert contest, Miss Moomal contest and camel races and show. In Camel show, the residents of Jaisalmer decorate their camels in all possible ways. This festival is also showcases the folk culture, songs and dances of the desert nomads. The graceful Rajasthani belle with an armful of lac bangles, dancing to the tune of the sarangi, is a symbol of Rajasthan's desert.

In this festival, there are many nomads of Thar desert. Despite the apparent poverty of the desert people they are a colourful, happy and proud community. Most of them has dark skin. In their culture, The women wear long, flowing skirts made out of 8 to 10 metres of the most colourful material, the veil, which completely covers their face to protects them from the harsh sun and sand. While, the men wear colourful turbans of red, orange and saffron. They are tall, dusky and sport with pride their long, twirled moustaches, and often a beard. In the festival there are contest among them (Mr.Desert contest). The competition, reflects the attractive personality, colorful costumes and the pride of the Thar Desert. While for women, there are women pageant contest (Miss Moomal contest). Young girls in colorful costumes and dazzling ornaments participate in this event.

Another famous culture of Rajasthan is the unique of Rajasthani cuisine. There are suggestion for visitors of Rajasthan to try a special omelette of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The omelette shop just in the middle of a two way street in front of the fortified gate leading to the Sardar market. This shop selling masala spiced omelette sandwiches between two slices of toasted bread, at the great price of 15 rupees apiece (less than 50 cents). After visit this omelette shop, we also can visit lassi shop which selling Makhaniya lassi, another Rajasthani cuisine. Makhaniya lassi is a rich, frothy buttermilk.