#rajasthani chappal

[rrartjewellery]

How Indian Jewellery Reflects Regional Diversity and Traditions

Introduction

Indian jewellery is more than just a fashion statement; it is a reflection of culture, heritage, and artistry. Across India's wide width, each region has its own particular styles, materials, and techniques that reflect its rich diversity. From the complex artistry of Kundan jewellery in Rajasthan to the delicate filigree motifs of Odisha, Indian jewellery reflects the country's distinct traditions and customs. Here's how Indian jewelry reflects the region's diversity and centuries-old traditions.

1. Rajasthan: Land of Kundan and Meenakari.

In Rajasthan, Indian jewellery is distinguished for its splendor and majesty. The state is famed for Kundan jewelry, a traditional type of gemstone setting in which gemstones are set in gold using a foil. technique. Meenakari, the skill of enameling jewelry, is another example of Rajasthani workmanship. The elaborate designs, which frequently feature flowers, birds, and peacocks, are notable for their brilliant colors and superb detailing. Rajasthani jewellery is commonly worn during weddings and royal festivities, representing prosperity and good fortune.

2. South India: temple jewellery and filigree work.

Southern India is home to some of the most ancient and prominent jewellery traditions. Temple jewelry, which dates back to the Chola empire, is a popular style that is both religious and creative. This form of jewellery, intricately created with deity and mythological creature motifs, is commonly worn by temple dancers and during temple festivities. Gold jewelry is prevalent in South India, and its beautiful filigree work can be Found in items such as Vanki (armlets) and Vaddanam (waistbands), which are frequently part of a bride's trousseau.

3. Bengal: Timeless Elegance of Gold.

Bengali jewellery is noted for its timeless elegance, with gold as the principal material. Traditional Bengali jewelry consists of Tangla (a broad necklace), Shankha (bangles made of conch shell), and Latkan (hanging ornaments). These garments are traditionally worn at festivals and weddings and are strongly ingrained in Bengali women's culture and identity. Bengali jewellery also features floral themes and religious symbols that represent beauty, grace, and reverence.

4. Maharashtra: Paithani and Kolhapuri Jewellery.

Jewellery from Maharashtra illustrates the state's historical association with royalty and agrarian society. The Paithani saree, with its gold-encrusted pallu, is complemented by magnificent gold jewelry. Often passed down through the generations. The traditional Kolhapuri chappals are well-known, and Kolhapuri jewellery, such as the Thushi necklace composed of interconnected beads, exemplifies the region's skilled craftsmanship. Furthermore, the Bai Caves style of temple jewelry symbolizes devotion and spirituality.

5. Punjab: Vibrant Traditional Jewellery

Punjabi jewellery is colorful and alive, just like the people of Punjab. Traditional ornaments include the Tikka (a forehead decoration), Jhumkas (big bell-shaped earrings), and the well-known Chooda (red and white bangles worn by newlyweds). Gold and silver jewelry are most widely worn in Punjab, with huge, bold designs representing strength, prosperity, and good fortune. The usage of meenakari and precious stones enhances the grandeur of the jewellery.

Conclusion

Indian jewellery reflects not only beauty, but also the country's vast cultural, spiritual, and creative diversity. Each region's jewellery style has a unique tale passed down through generations, influenced by religion, history, and the local environment. Whether it's gold jewelry from Bengal, Kundan designs from Rajasthan, or tribal adornments from the Northeast, Indian jewellery conveys the narrative of a country with a long history of beauty, tradition, and workmanship.

[fuzzykingking]

Monsoon Magic: Jaisalmer's Rainy Season Delights

The monsoon in Rajasthan is probably the best time to explore the dry and hot state with our Rajasthan Holiday Packages, as the monsoon season in this state is not prolonged compared to other parts of the country.

In the center of the vast Thar Desert, the city of Jaisalmer experiences a breathtaking metamorphosis as the monsoon draws near. Thus, we will cover a variety of topics in this blog, including the special experiences that Jaisalmer's monsoon has to offer, climate change, the changing of the landscape, cultural events, and much more.

Monsoon Weather in Jaisalmer

Walking on tar roads might occasionally cause the rubber chappal to melt due to Jaisalmer's intense summer heat. The arrival of the monsoon in Jaisalmer brought with it a dramatic change in the sun's scorching gaze, which dominated the landscape. Ah, how nice it is to be cool again.

Every monument, lake, and even the desert has a sense of freshness about it. The walls of the monuments are clean and shiny, and the lakes are glistening with greenery that is more vibrant than ever. This is Jaisalmer's monsoon, a riveting turn to the drama of the desert when nature takes center stage and each drop of rain feels like a new development in an engrossing narrative.

The months for monsoon in Jaisalmer are September and October. The peak season of visiting the best places in Rajasthan starts in November, once the monsoon season is over. But, you can visit the desert city of Jaisalmer in the monsoon season as well, since the rainfall here is very minimal and occasional.

Places to Visit in Jaisalmer during Monsoon

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Being the sole surviving fort in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is well-known for being the jewel in Rajasthan's crown. During the monsoon, this "Golden Fort" assumes an altogether new character. Once hot in the heat, the small, winding streets become a cool maze to explore as the rain washes the sandstone walls, giving them a lovely sheen.

2. The Thar Desert

Jaisalmer is a great place to escape and discover the splendour of the golden Thar desert, which changes dramatically in Jaisalmer throughout the monsoon season. After getting dry and parched, the sands turn into a carpet of greens, and it's worth getting to experience the crisp scent of rains caressing the golden sand.

3. Bada Bagh

During the monsoon, the historic garden complex Bada Bagh comes to life. The verdant gardens, interspersed with statues honoring the Jaisalmer Maharajas, offer a tranquil haven. The beauty of the monuments is reflected in the full rainwater reservoirs that round the area. The gardens come to life during the monsoon season, offering a serene setting for fostering connections with history and the natural world.

CONCLUSION

The essence of this desert city during the monsoon is captured in Monsoon Magic: Jaisalmer's Rainy Season Delights. When the rains come, Jaisalmer, which is often recognized for its dry landscapes, becomes a vivid oasis. The ancient forts and havelis shimmer in the sporadic showers, and the desert is ablaze with rich vegetation. The cultural energy is enhanced by local festivals such as Teej and Rakhi, which provide a glimpse of traditional Rajasthani celebrations amid the refreshing downpours. Jaisalmer during the monsoon is an incredibly magical experience, whether you choose to explore the golden dunes covered in flora or indulge in traditional cuisine among the petrichor. It's a season when the desert is restored by nature, offering tourists looking for an exceptional and unforgettable experience in Rajasthan a charming setting.

[radhakawaii]

Rajasthani chappal but they are also pointe shoes

[rajasthanistuffindia]

For the wedding, Rajasthani Stuff makes kolhapuri chappal for wedding and bridal sandals by hand. Our selection of high heels, ethnic wedges, and wedding shoes offers comfort and flair at the lowest costs possible. All of our goods are custom-made from premium components. We are dedicated about creating shoes that have outstanding practicality and classic style that you can wear every day.

[theechudar]

Netas Across Maha Political Divide Take Aim At Koshyari | Mumbai News

Netas Across Maha Political Divide Take Aim At Koshyari | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday demanded an apology from Governor B S Koshyari to the people of Maharashtra for his remark that Mumbai would not be the financial capital if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis were not in the city and said it was “time to show him the Kolhapuri joda (chappals).”Thackeray was among leaders across political parties who criticized the governor’s…

[rkd29blog-blog]

Strangers to Friends: Pushkar Mela

“It is said that travelling brings you close to the person you are travelling with therefore this trip started with a group of strangers and ended as friends.”

I was picked up from the Jaipur with others and we travelled from Jaipur to Ajmer taking highway NH 48 covering a distance of 135 km. We reached our hotel by afternoon and taking a few hours of rest we headed towards Pushkar which is about 16 km from Ajmer. On reaching Pushkar the vibe of the atmosphere was full of life and colour.

About Pushkar Mela (Pushkar Fair), also known as Pushkar camel fair, is an annual multi-day livestock fair and cultural festival with unique exhibitions and events such as dances, tug of war, camel races and others. The fair is celebrated during the month of Kartik Purnima. Apart from the fair, an enormous amount of Hindu devotee does come to visit Pushkar lake to wash away their sins by taking bath in the holy lake and take the blessing from one of the rarest Brahma temples in the world. During the Mela (fair) you get to eyewitness vibrant urban life of Rajasthan and free-spirited people wearing a colourful and traditional dress, turbans, bangles etc.

To reach grounds of the Mela (fair) you walk by gullies ��(alleys) which are full of shops, hotels,  guesthouses, restaurants and cafes. These gullies are so crowded that sometimes you can even get lost but still it’s colourful,  soothing and timeless. You will see shops of antiques, bangles, clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, toys etc. Near the gate of Bharatpur Ghat of Pushkar Lake, there is a gully only with sweet shops I termed as sweet gully because at the entry of that gully only you will smell the aroma of sweetness in the air.

On reaching the grounds of the Mela, seeing the cattle fair the two things came to my mind was bizarre and chaotic but in a good way after walking and roaming in the sand and activities happening around made me feel it is much bigger than what I expected. Selling and buying of animals (camel and horses), food stalls, different competitions and dances you get to see. You can also enjoy camel safari rides through the sand dunes and if you do in the evening you get to see a beautiful sunset.

Pushkar lake is one of the most sacred sites for Hindu pilgrims and even considered equal status to the holy Ganga river, encircled by 500 temples and 52 ghats. According to Hindu Mythology, when Lord Brahma creator of the universe killed the demon Vajranabha Lotus petals from the hand of Lord Brahma fall and water spurted forming the sacred Pushkar Lake

Spending evenings on the stairs of the Pushkar Lake is one of the beautiful and spiritual sites you will witness, music coming from all direction of prayer songs and bells from the temple, musical instruments played from the ghats, sadhus enchanting mantras and the aarti makes the surrounding energetic, pure and spiritual.

Visit this place in the evening during aarti time and spend some time by the ghats. Do remember not to walk by the ghats wearing shoes or chappals, else people or sadhus will shout at you for wearing.

Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few and the major thriving temple of Lord Brahma,  dedicated to the creator of the Universe. The vast entrance of the temples comes after the flight of long stairs and the architecture is full of canopy and pillars. once inside the temple, apart from the Brahma temple, there are small temples dedicated to other gods.

The temple remains closed between 1:30pm to 3pm. Photography from DSLR camera and the mobile camera is strictly prohibited if caught by the authorities you will be fined. You can keep your camera’s in the lockers of the flower shops near the temple and paying them by 100-150 rupees.

Savitri Temple is at the peak of the hill, it is a small temple and believe me on reaching the top you get to see the most mesmerising view of the whole Pushkar city (one should definitely come). There are two ways to reach the temple, one can either trek up to the hill trough stairs which is not hard and will take 45-50 minutes to reach or can take cable cars which takes 10 minutes to reach the temple.

The best time to go to the temple is early morning to see the sunrise behind the mountains. Don’t go in between 12pm to 2pm at that time temple remain closed.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the holiest and most sacred pilgrim places worshipped by devotees and followers irrespective of their religion, caste or faith. It is the resting place of a great Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti and is believed that person praying purely at Ajmer Dargah Sharif meets all his wishes

On entering through the huge door called as Buland Darwaza you will see the crowd of people at the courtyard rushing towards a single room to worship and present an offering to the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, carved out of marble and gold plating on top. I found peace and tranquillity at this place and felt connected to my spiritual self. Do visit this place and it’s about 15 km from Pushkar.

Don’t enter Dargah bare head, one should cover his/her head either by rumal or chunni and if you don’t have you can get from the shops outside the Dargah. As the Place has massively crowded with people be aware and cautions from pickpocketers.

For foodies, it’s a paradise you will find a range of roadside and rooftop cafes and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, Italian and Italian food from kachoris…samosas, malpua….raberi-jalebi, falafel, masala chai. Do try the delicious Rajasthani thali to experience the true flavour of Rajasthan.

After experiencing the chaos and madness of Pushkar Mela it was time to say goodbye and would like to thank EcoNomads (https://www.economads.in/) for organising such an amazing trip and opportunity to make new friends who at the start of this trip were strangers. I definitely recommend experiencing the Pushkar Mela once in life.

[veuniq123]

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[lekshk]

CHALO GARBA RAMVA NE – LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN!!!

“केम छो? मज्जा मा!”

“सू बात छे!”

“मारी पाछ्न अंयां सुधि आवि गयो!”

“चलो गरबा रामिये”

I had always wanted to play Garba. But somehow I had so much of inferiority complex, I never played one despite ample opportunities in Mumbai, the place I was born and brought up in. Usually for Malayalees, or I think any South Indian, dance is all about being graceful, the moves pleasant to the eyes of the viewer and for the performer, it’s surrendering to the God (the Bhakti Bhaava). The fact that dance can also be fun was never thought of. As a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, all I remember was to get my moves right, the right expression, the right posture and my teacher ensured that all her scolding took us students to the right direction.

I broke this mould of thought at TCS where I got to participate in a group dance competition. Since I didn’t get much opportunities in college, I grabbed this prospect. Thanks to my guru, my foundation was pretty strong. Dancing on the Marathi song “turu turu chalu nako” increased my confidence. I realized that dancing can actually be amusing. It didn’t matter what the audience thought about me. All I knew was I am here to enjoy.

So when it was time for Navratri this year, I actually thanked my lucky stars for getting placed in Rajasthan. Ahmedabad just 7 hours away from Salumbar, the place I am currently residing in, my dancing shoes couldn’t wait any longer.

On the 8th day of Navratri, which was a Saturday, I enquired at the bus stop for the bus timings. 7 am sounded perfect to me and I quickly packed my bags for the impending trip. The night went in thinking how to finish the rest of the vegetables, how there are too many clothes to iron! What to cook for tomorrow morning? What jewellery do I take?

Sunday morning, cold though it was, geared me up to get up early and set out on an exciting journey to Amdavad!

It was already 7 am and I was just past midway to the bus stop. I stopped the bus shaking my hands vigorously.

“कहाँ जाओगे?

अमदावाद uncle

चलो अंदर”

Ha! Caught the bus on time. Happily munching on my breakfast, I had a friendly chat with the conductor because obviously my Plazo and Bandana was making him visibly excited to ask about –

“कहाँ से हो?”

“सलूम्बर में क्या कर रहे हो?”

“अमदावाद में क्या काम है?”

“केरल में हिंदी इतना अच्छा बोल लेते हैं?”

As soon as I crossed the Rajasthan-Gujarat border, we entered the highway with wonderful roads. I could sense the nervous excitement tickling in my bones. So finally am here! All the sign boards in Gujarati! I was happily trying to read them.

ये ‘क’ है और ये ‘ध’

I could hardly believe it. My co fellow Sanjana must have called me umpteen number of times to know where I was! The place where the bus halted for lunch was alright but the toilets? Horrible! Wonder what swacchta abhiyaan did to these areas!

Man, the bus got stuck at Naroda! The heat and the thirst was driving me mad. I got off agitated and took a cab to my cousin’s place in South Bopal. She was also waiting for me concerned. After all the person who was supposed to reach at 2 ended up at 4 pm!

No questions, please! खाना देदो मुझे !

I was hogging as if I haven’t seen food for days. When I dozed off I didn’t even realize! Finally, when I woke up, it was time for Garba!

I quickly got ready and called up Sanjana for the venue details. By 9 pm, the 6 of us – my dear friends Sanjana, Nitika, Yatti, Amarpreet, Harsh and myself were at the venue. I was initially skeptical what will I perform when I saw so many students in their traditional costumes at H.L college of commerce, the venue. But later on, I thought, I have come all the way here for this, lets nail it!

As Mark Twain has rightly said “Dance like no one’s watching”

What began thereafter was an evening to remember. Fighting with the organizers for what according to them is traditional to finally pushing ourselves in, I played the Garba of my life. My initial steps were with my blue coloured Dandiya sticks but later on the groups that were getting formed were all for Garba. We finally threw our sticks in the center of our circle.

“गरबा तो गरबा, अपने को क्या?”

Apparently, none of us knew Garba.

“वैसे डांडिया भी तो नहीं आता था!”

Sanjana and myself realized that we are just inventing steps. Why not check with someone who knew the steps? We joined one group and we found a cute guy generous enough to show us 2 important steps which we played the entire night! He taught us so well that even now that I am back in Salumbar, I do play at times in my room. It was that fun!

We played till 11 pm, had Chinese food and dozed off to sleep the moment we checked into our rooms in the hotel. The spinning, the clapping, the jumping ensured that all 208 bones were in action. We were so visibly tired which though we didn’t realize then in excitement, we understood it next day morning when we got up at 10 am!

The day finally ended for me watching Mirza at the open theatre “Drive in cinema”. Though the movie was worth forgetting, the ambiance? worth to remember. I have never sat in a cinema theater with legs up on the seats! We applauded, danced, shouted in the open air – super-duper fun.

Though my pseudo Garba outfit from Mumbai made my co fellows envious, this dress now gets even more special. Not to forget my Rajasthani chappals, bangles and necklace from Udaipur.

“जब केरल की छोरी पहुंचे राजस्थान और नाचे धूम धाम से अमदावाद में, तो diversity का मज़ा ही कुछ और हो जाता है”

The last day of Navratri was the day the Gujjus became super crazy. i was like –

“इनको सोना भी है या नहीं? Dancing like idiots till 4 am in the morning!”

But the one thing I liked about them is this – “खाओ, पीयो, ऐश करो”

Rather than the Malayali funda–

“पढ़ो, लिखो, Decent living बनाओ”

At least for once, it felt different. It felt nice to be stupid and crazy.

I literally burst out laughing when I asked my aunt –

“दशहरा में यहाँ क्या होता है ?

Gujjus जलेबी और फाफड़ा खाएंगे”

And finally, I too had my share of Jalebi, Fafda with Papaya chutney and Kadi along with my sumptuous Kerala meal which I was missing so much after my mother went back to Mumbai from Salumbar.

So to conclude,

“Dance your lungs out”. This is NOT a competition to win.

“Create moments”.”Make it special”. As we are already fighting a battle within ourselves.

“Go for what you want, face your fears”

This festival taught me to be crazy head to toe, to forget my imperfections.

And finally, meeting co fellows is fun. I am so surprised how much I have changed over the years. I don’t even remember ever meeting someone in a third place save for my frequent trips to Kerala to meet my relatives.

The bus ride back to Salumbar left a trail of some wonderful Garba memories behind and lots of moments to smile about.

“Well, Diwali is around the corner and the festivities continue!”

[shopkhoj1]

The Tourist Shoes shop is a small Jaipur shop at the corner of Linking Road in Bapu Bazar. They specialize in traditional Rajasthani footwear. Shop for Jaipuri, Jodhpuri & Nagra shoes, chappals (flip flops) and sandals for men, women and children. They are mostly made using camel leather.

[altughuner-blog]

Kolhapur to me stood for the temple of Mahalakshmi, Kolhapuri Chappals, Hot Chillis and Lavani dance. I first visited the city as part of the luxury train Deccan Odyssey trip. Got to spend just a couple of hours there that gave me a glimpse of Places to visit in Kolhapur. I knew I would come back. It took me a few years to return, but this time I savored the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city.

I remember wearing a saffron Pheta at the city railway station. This was my first taste of Kolhapuri culture.

Brief History of Kolhapur

In the recorded history, Kolhapur was ruled by Shilaharas from 10th-13th CE. In the medieval times by Maratha rulers with Shahu Maharaj its best-known ruler. Tarabai – the daughter-in-law of Shivaji Maharaj also ruled the region. Her idols can be seen all over the city.

In the Pauranik literature, it is a part of the Karvirpur Kshetra.

Places to Visit in Kolhapur

Mahalakshmi Temple – This is the biggest attraction in the city. So we did a complete post on Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur. Do read it.

New Palace

New Palace

The New Palace actually dates back to 19th CE. Since it replaced an old palace, the name new stuck to it. Since there is little possibility of any new palaces coming up, the name suits it.

Built in a combination architecture in dark grey, the palace has unique eight angles with a clock tower in the middle. The ground floor of this building is now a museum where the collections of the royal family are displayed.

The erstwhile royal family continues to stay in one part of this palace. There are huge displays of Royal portraits, old furniture, artifacts, statues, Ganjifa cards, a gallery of stuffed animals that were hunted by the kings. Of course, there is a display of weapons and arms.

Durbar hall with high ceilings, carved pillars, and panels of exquisite glass paintings depicting life events of the royal family is the high point of this palace. The museum is well organized and documented. Opposite the building, there is a small lake and a zoo. We could see a lot of birds including the migratory ones on the trees standing in the lake.

This obviously is among the list of Places to visit in Kolhapur.

Bhavani Mandap – Old Palace

The Bhawani Mandap

Bhavani Mandap is the old palace that you enter through a big gate. This palace was destroyed in a fire and that led to the construction of the new one. Construction here is massive and medieval in the same dark grey stone. There is a life-size statue of Sahu Maharaj, the beloved king of the city.

We moved towards the imposing stone gate of Bhawani Mandap.

City Library

Before that, we visited the Karvir Nagar Vachan Mandir or the local library. On the left of the main gate, we saw the lovely Rajaram Mahavidyalaya. This beautiful building has nuances of Rajasthani architecture like Jharokhas and arches, Mughal as well as colonial architecture. Built in 1880, this building still runs like a school.

Another gate of Bhawani Mandap

We entered Bhawani Mandap, but instead of a building, we found ourselves in an open ground with shops all around. There were hustle and bustle all around. There was street food on one side and the temple offerings including the beautiful Saris on the other.

Straight ahead, I remembered watching Dandpatta during my earlier trip here.

Dandpatta Video

Here in this city, I got to see these young men and women showcasing the traditional Maratha Martial arts. Watch the video.

Dandpatta is the traditional martial arts practiced by women. It was a sheer delight to see young girls in saffron saris playing effortlessly with the swords in their hands. Young men also presented their skills with the swords but I missed the traditional attire.

Bhawani Mandir

Last time, I missed visiting the Tulja Bhawani temple. This time I visited it and discovered a small museum here.

Shivaji Gaddi, Bhawani Mandap

Shivaji Gaddi – Bhawani Mandap

There is a life-size statue of this favorite King of Kolhapur – Shahu Ji. There are dioramas of animals, including a giant bison that were apparently hunted by Shahu Ji Maharaj.

When you stand in the vast courtyard of Bhawani Mandap, you get a glimpse into the world of walled cities. I wonder how life would have been, well protected by the strong walls on all sides, and right next to the Mahalakshmi temple.

Kolhapuri Saaj

The interesting part of this museum-cum-temple is a throne that was once used by Shivaji Maharaj. A portrait of his hangs behind the throne.

Apparently, there is an underground tunnel that connects Bhawani Mandap to Panhala fort, some 20 km away. No one seems to know about it though.

Kushti or Taaleem

Pahalwan at Gangavesh Akhara

Kolhapur is a great center for Wrestling or Kushti as we call it in India. It would not be wrong to say wrestling is the favorite sport of this city. It was well patronized by its erstwhile Kings and the legacy continues to live.

The Olympian K D Jadhav who won a bronze in 1952 Olympics, was spotted and trained by the then King Shahaji II in the city.

There are two places that I recommend you to visit for wrestling enthusiasts.

Khasbag Kushti Maidan or the Khasbag Wrestling Stadium

Khasbagh Kushti Maidan

I have never seen a wrestling stadium in India, and that too such a big one. It has a covered platform that I assume would have been the place where the King sat. The legacy may have passed on to the current day VIPs.

In the center is the wrestling ring with soft soil in it. All around the stadium is just a slope with a layer of cow dung. However, it is designed in such a way that wherever you sit, you will get the full view of the ring.

I have never seen a dedicated wrestling stadium like the one I saw in this city.

Gangavesh Taleem or Akhara

Gangavesh Taleem or Akhara

The city has many Akharas or Taleems as they are known locally. Gangavesh Akhara is quite popular. I visited it around noon time when the wrestlers and their Guru Ji were resting after their daily practice.

I saw the large space dug within a large room. The soil is nurtured with Haldi or turmeric, ghee, and herbs. It is worshipped like a deity before the wrestlers start their daily practice. On the wall was an image of Hanuman, the Isht Devta of all wrestlers.

Read More – Pahalwan Routine at Tulsi Akhara in Varanasi

Watch this video of Tulsi Akhara

Other important Akharas in the city include Shahupuri Akhara, Motibag Akhara, and New Motibag Akhara.

Normally, women are not allowed in Akharas during practice time. So, please check with the authorities or take prior permission to visit the Akharas.

I am told that wrestlers from around the country come here to learn wrestling. This includes the famous wrestlers of Haryana, who have won many Olympics and other international medals in wrestling.

Traditionally, wrestlers or Pahalwans came from villages and hinterlands. It was kind of a family sport for many families. However, with recent success stories in professional wrestling, many young men and women are taking it up as a career. Akharas are also opening up for women.

Pahalwans I spoke to at Gangavesh Akhara were all preparing for some tournament or the other. May they rise and shine.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake Kolhapur

It is a huge lake little more than a kilometer away from Mahalakshmi temple. The nightlife of the city is centered around this lake. You will see a long queue of street food sellers along the lake.

Rankala Lake is a man-made lake. It has a temple in the middle just like Panchganga River has along its ghats. One of those places to visit in Kolhapur for the waterbody fans.

Kailashgarhchi Sawari Mandir

Portrait of Shivaji Maharaj

This was not on my list of Places to visit in Kolhapur, but thanks to Twitter, I discovered this little known gem.

This is a small temple located inside the lanes of the city. It is an ancient Shiv temple that was renovated a few years back. Shiva here lives as Kailasheshwar, just like he lives as Vishveshwar in Kashi. Kolhapur is also treated as Kashi of Karvirpur Kshetra. Nandi in golden color sits outside the temple door as does the Deepstambhas of the temple.

Shivaji Durbar Painting – Kailashgarhchi Sawari

What took me to this temple is the paintings of Shivaji Maharaj that is the official portrait of him declared by the Maharashtra Government.

Mahabharat War Scene by G Kamble

The temple has many exquisite paintings by the noted painter – Sh G Kamble including:

Shivaji Durbar

Shahu Ji Maharaj portrait

Mahabharat War scene or Ranbhumi painting with a 3-D effect

Shiva Tandav painting.

Panchganga River & its lovely temple

The city is located on the banks of the Panchganga river. I wanted to visit the river, but no one told me that it has lovely ghats. I noticed them while passing over a bridge on the river on my way to Panhala Fort. On our way back we stopped here at the ghats.

Panchganga Ganga Ghats

The ghats of Panchganga are full of various temples and tall Deepstambhas. All temples are made in stone, have a single room with a pyramidical Shikhar and a Nandi outside the main door. Each temple is at a different level. When we visited in early April, some were totally submerged in water with only the roof visible, others were half submerged while some were just inside the water.

This reminded me of temples on the ghats of Tapti at Burhanpur that are used to measure the water levels. I wonder if these temples also had a similar purpose. For now, no one could answer this for me. Opposite this ghat is a huge temple which stays closed most of the time.

I could also see some carved hero stones on the ghats. The place was filthy and full of garbage. I hope the authorities do something to keep it clean. It can be such a beautiful location for locals as well as travelers to visit in the mornings and evenings.

One person said, these are not temples but they are cenotaphs of the royal family of Kolhapur. Any information on this would be highly appreciated.

Town Hall Museum

Town Hall Museum

While the New Palace Museum is popular with tourists, the town hall museum has some of the local archaeological gems. The place used to be a Jain Mutt, but in 1949 it was formally converted into a museum. The architecture is totally colonial.

Vishnu Murti – Town Hall Museum

Some must-see artifacts at Town Hall Museum here are:

Shivalingas with a Sri Yantra on it

Vishnu Murti

Sculpted Elephants

Excavated artifacts from Brahmapuri area of the city

Hero stones and Sati Stones

Lavani Dance

Lavani performance by a troupe

During my Deccan Odyssey trip, I got a glimpse Kolhapuri Lavani. Local TV artists presented various dance and singing styles of the region in a small package based on – a day in the life of a village home in the region. They ended the performance with a dedication to Ambabai – the presiding Goddess of Kolhapur. There was so much energy in the room that we could almost feel the presence of the divine.

Mujra

Board Announcing Mujra in the city

I saw boards announcing Mujras in the city. I could not attend one this time, but I do want to see one next time I visit the city. Will update this space then.

What to Eat

Sabudana Wada

This city is famous for its non-vegetarian cuisine. For vegetarians, there is Misal Pao and Wada Pao. I did enjoy my street food inside the Bhawani Mandap one evening. My favorite being Sabudana Wadas.

Places to visit near Kolhapur

Kopeshwar Mahadev Temple – a beautiful ancient temple about 70 km from the city. It can be easily done as a day trip from the city.

Panhala Fort – This is located just on the outskirts of the city.

Narsobachiwadi – a temple at the confluence of Panchganga and Krishna River. You can do it on the way to Kopeshwar Temple.

Jyotiba temple – This is a beautiful temple complex where the deity is offered Gulal or bright pink colored powder.

Siddhagiri Museum – An attempt to recreate the ethnic life of Maharashtra. I did not particularly like it.

Amboli Ghats – It is the best place to see waterfalls in the western ghats.

Travel Tips

No photography is allowed inside the Mahalakshmi temple, Town Hall Museum, and New Palace. Most of the other places photography is allowed.

Places to visit in Kolhapur city is easy for the visitors with autos available everywhere for commuting.

There are all kinds of Hotels in the city. I stayed at Maratha Residency and it was a decent place to stay on a reasonable budget.

The city is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, and Belagavi.

The post Places To Visit In Kolhapur – The Cultural Heart Of Maharashtra appeared first on Inditales.

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