The Rajasthanis are sturdy,
cheerful and simple folks relatively untouched by
the fast pace of modern times - making Rajasthan one
of the safest destinations anywhere in the world.
Colourful and Ornamental
It is also one of the most
colourful. To offset the barren, colourless
landscape and the monotony of its cloudless sky, the
people of Rajasthan show a distinct preference for
bright costumes.
From the simple village folk
or tribal to the rajas and ranis, the preferred
colours are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively
green or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish
use of sparkling gold and silver
zari or
gota.
Tribal and nomadic women are
known for their love for silver jewellery (although
men too sport ear studs and earrings). The ornaments
follow age-old designs typical of a particular
tribe.
India is a land of
diversities. And it is all the more pronounced in
Rajasthan. An old local saying sums it up - "The
dialect, cuisine, water and turbans in Rajasthan
change every 12 miles."
In fact there are about 1,000
different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan,
each denoting the class, caste and region of the
wearer.
Turbans come in all shapes,
sizes and colours; and there are specific turbans
for specific occassions as well.
