Rajasthan diaries - Part 2
Jaipur-Chokhi Dhani
After obtaining the keys to our twin sharing rooms we proceeded to check them out on the second floor. It was a neat arrangement. Refreshments were supplied in a dining hall located in the ground floor. Since our organizers were scheduled to meet us the next morning for further directions, we had the evening to ourselves. With a general consensus, it was decided to visit ‘Chokhi Dhani’. In retrospect, this was a wise choice as this place is a must for understanding the culture, people and food of Rajasthan. It showcases bandhej, leheria and handblock printed traditional rajasthani textiles. Angarkha, bandi, dhoti, odhni, ghagra, the whole gamut of costumes. The not to be missed ornaments included hansli, tagli, bor, kanthi besides kundan work. Camel and elephant rides, snake charmers, gatte, lehsan ki chatni, swords, song and dance the very pulse of Rajasthan. A few pictures of the place do but little justice to the dazzling display. After spending around three hours we made our way back to our abode and called it a day.
After obtaining the keys to our twin sharing rooms we proceeded to check them out on the second floor. It was a neat arrangement. Refreshments were supplied in a dining hall located in the ground floor. Since our organizers were scheduled to meet us the next morning for further directions, we had the evening to ourselves. With a general consensus, it was decided to visit ‘Chokhi Dhani’. In retrospect, this was a wise choice as this place is a must for understanding the culture, people and food of Rajasthan. It showcases bandhej, leheria and handblock printed traditional rajasthani textiles. Angarkha, bandi, dhoti, odhni, ghagra, the whole gamut of costumes. The not to be missed ornaments included hansli, tagli, bor, kanthi besides kundan work. Camel and elephant rides, snake charmers, gatte, lehsan ki chatni, swords, song and dance the very pulse of Rajasthan. A few pictures of the place do but little justice to the dazzling display. After spending around three hours we made our way back to our abode and called it a day.
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| The amazing Chokhi Dhani |
Next morning, after a healthy breakfast of milk, cornflakes and eggs, we were ushered to the conference room for an address by the organizers. It turned out to be a very informative session. We were subsequently divided into groups of three. I and two others were slotted to visit Bharatpur. Immediately my mind conjured up images of Keoladeo national park, famously known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Lunch was followed by groups being dispatched via cars to the various locations all over the state.
Bharatpur
Within a few hours, we arrived in Bharatpur, and were lodged in a huge bungalow. Our room was on the first floor of the bungalow. It was well maintained though old. There was a lawn upfront and two gates for entrance. The ground floor had a huge dining room leading to the backyard. There were few servant rooms there and small patch of green.
We followed a tough routine, thanks to a group member who incidentally is a yoga instructor. Thus, was forced upon us a weight loss regimen, involving, drinking 4-5 glasses of water at five in the morning. This was followed by deep breathing, walking and stretches lasting for about half and hour. Peacocks and some stray canines who would often wander in, were mute but amused spectators of our yoga spectacle. It was ironical that we were performing the downward facing dog asana (Adho Mukha Svanasana) right in front of stray dogs. Whether the dogs saw the inherent humour is debatable. Our rusted ankles would creak and groan due to years of neglect. But, lest we make our instructor angry, we would jump, heave and often trip during our daily morning ritual. Following our workouts we would have breakfast in the dining hall. There were generous servings of cornflakes, bread-butter, eggs, cutlets, milk and tea. Like hungry beasts we would devour every food item in front of us.
Bharatpur
Within a few hours, we arrived in Bharatpur, and were lodged in a huge bungalow. Our room was on the first floor of the bungalow. It was well maintained though old. There was a lawn upfront and two gates for entrance. The ground floor had a huge dining room leading to the backyard. There were few servant rooms there and small patch of green.
We followed a tough routine, thanks to a group member who incidentally is a yoga instructor. Thus, was forced upon us a weight loss regimen, involving, drinking 4-5 glasses of water at five in the morning. This was followed by deep breathing, walking and stretches lasting for about half and hour. Peacocks and some stray canines who would often wander in, were mute but amused spectators of our yoga spectacle. It was ironical that we were performing the downward facing dog asana (Adho Mukha Svanasana) right in front of stray dogs. Whether the dogs saw the inherent humour is debatable. Our rusted ankles would creak and groan due to years of neglect. But, lest we make our instructor angry, we would jump, heave and often trip during our daily morning ritual. Following our workouts we would have breakfast in the dining hall. There were generous servings of cornflakes, bread-butter, eggs, cutlets, milk and tea. Like hungry beasts we would devour every food item in front of us.
guess ur life is full of interesting trips.
ReplyDelete:) lovely narration!
ReplyDeletethank you magiceye
ReplyDelete