Udaipur was chosen as the dynastic capital of the region of Mewar in Rajasthan, in 1553 CE. The decision of making the shift from Chittorgarh to Udaipur was taken by Maharana Udai Singh II (r. 1537-1572 CE), to ensure situations of peace that were otherwise not available at the previous capital of Chittor; the fort being on a hill with no escape routes. The city took after his name. The City Palace was at its heart, acting as a cultural hub; pooling in persons from far and wide. Several generations that succeeded the Maharana contributed as per their interests, ambitions, available resources and situations of their times to the built heritage and cultural ethos.
The Old City
Udaipur
Udaipur was once a fortified region; with large entry gates on its four ends. In present times, the city invariably extends beyond these boundary walls. The old city, however, still holds true to its vintage charm. Residences and by lanes that border the City Palace give a whiff of yesteryear Udaipur. Houses, havelis (bungalow) and temples sport intricate stone worked lintels, arches and doorways; some even bear a lime finish, locally called Araish. The region is particularly famous for its glass inlay work. On festive occasions, the city is draped in colourful gear; lanes and by lanes are flooded with locals, dressed in their best, carrying portable images of their patron deities, or trays of oblation, engaging in song, dance and other rituals. Every effort is towards keeping the living heritage alive.
Gastronomic specialities
Customs and traditions/ local festivals
Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is a full moon ritual celebrated across India, in the month of Phalgun, as per the Hindu calendar (February – March). At that time of the year, in Udaipur, the harsh winters start to recede. Ceremonially, an effigy of the demon ‘Holika’ is set ablaze after prayers and rituals; signifying a victory of good over evil. The streets witness multiple effigies being turned to dust, on that night. Beating sticks, they joyously perform the ‘Gair’, a traditional folk dance peculiar to this event. At the City Palace, the ceremony is a time honoured tradition with the royal cavalcade being a sure spectacle to the audiences. Peculiar to this festival is the use of the Phaganya, a tie and dye fabric in red and white, worn by the women folk. This festival leads up to the popular Indian festival of colours i.e. Holi or Dhulendi.
Ashwa Poojan
Translating to Horse Worship, the Ashwa Poojan is an autumnal festival, celebrated on the 9th day of Navratri; 9 days / nights of the Hindu calendar considered sacred. The day commemorates victory. For the warrior class, particularly, this meant worship of the arms, armour and war animals including the elephant and the horse. It is a ritual conducted across Northern India, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, by royal and noble families. In Udaipur, one can find this tradition celebrated with great gusto, at the City Palace. The celebration begins with the royal cavalcade, bearing insignia of the Mewar dynasty, making its way in. The horses; a rare, nearly extinct ‘Marwari breed’ are ceremonially bathed, anointed, fed, and later worshipped by the Maharana.
World Living Heritage Festival
The biennial festival is celebrated at the City Palace in Udaipur. As an initiative of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation and UNESCO (India), it works towards safeguarding and promoting the living heritage of the region of Mewar. A myriad of experiences are curated in the form of panel discussions, musical and art performances, art and crafts bazaars, hands-on workshops and more; bringing together various stakeholders of the heritage and arts.
Itinerary
Boating
One of the ways to enjoy the City of Lakes is by getting into the waters! Locals often reminisce having had taken a dip in the shivering cold waters of Lake Pichola as a child. Tourists can take to boating, at Lake Pichola or water sports, at Fateh Sagar. The soothing, pristine waters and the palaces that lie adjacent cause one to drift into the yesteryear, uplift the mood, and sense royalty.
Heritage walk
For the early risers, a heritage walk through the old city is a must do! Explore lesser known havelis (bungalows), intricately executed temples, and typical alleys of Udaipur. Alternatively, visit the Bronze Age site of Ahar; marvel at the Medieval Rajput burial architecture (Cenotaphs), and several Hindu and Jain temples that lie in the vicinity.
Soothe-in-Silver
Aesthetically pleasing, and relatively quite cooling, the white metal (silver) has been extensively used and loved by all in India. In the state of Rajasthan, particularly in the region of Mewar, it is prolifically used for fashioning the divine, and the mundane. The City Palace Museum has an entire gallery dedicated to silver; the first in all over India. As for purchasing silver jewellery and mementos, the old city has several generations-old smiths selling at fairly reasonable prices.
Art and crafts bazaars
Art and craft have been patronized down the ages; in former times, at city palace and later under public or private sponsorship. Fairs, bazaars organized during multiple times of the year, at venues across the city, provide artists and craft persons an opportunity to showcase their skill, and keep the traditions alive. The City Palace Museum, Udaipur, Shilpgram and local markets in the old city are popular venues for the same.
Dwindling arts and crafts-
Art and craft have been patronized down the ages; in former times, at city palace and later under public or private sponsorship. Fairs, bazaars organized during multiple times of the year, at venues across the city, provide artists and craft persons an opportunity to showcase their skill, and keep the traditions alive. The City Palace Museum, Udaipur, Shilpgram and local markets in the old city are popular venues for the same.
- Metal works by the Sikligar community
- Wooden works like Kawad (portable shrines), puppets
- Lacquer work including bangles
- Soapstone statues, figurines
- Block printing
Visit to a Museum
A visit to a place is never complete without going to a Museum. For persons into history, culture and the arts, there are several museums that maybe of interest. The City Palace Museum, Udaipur has a varied collection spanning the 6th to 21st century; as the erstwhile royal residence, there is simply so much to take in, from architecture, grandeur to the living essence enshrined within. For those keen on automobiles, the Vintage Car Museum would be striking. Udaipur also boasts of its very own Wax Museum.
video
Exhibition team