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Nakora Temple |
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Hand-woven Durries |
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Colourful Juttis |
A tiny yet lively
town in sun-drenched sand, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with
all its colour, warmth and tradition, according to history, the
13th century founder of the district, Bhahada Rao (Popularly known
as Bar Rao) gave the town its name - Barmer, i.e. the hill fort of
Bar, once called Mallani (12th century A.D.). The Present Barmer
district, formed in 1949 upon the merger of Jodhpur state in the
United States of Great Rajasthan, is a cluster of ancient
paraganas - Mallani Shiv, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area.
Although a barren land with harsh climate and rough terrain,
Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the
ancient camel trade route, the town is now centre for wood
carving, pottery, carpets, intricate embroidery work, block
printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes. Especially
famous are the geometric ajrak prints in dark shades of red and
blue, ideal for protection against the sun. The most interesting
part of a trip to Barmer is the journey through rural Rajasthan.
The small villages with mud-walled housed decorated with delicate
folk motifs and colourfully attired people on the way offer a
fascinating sight. Every year in March, the desert town is at its
colourful best during the exuberant Barmer Festival. The festival
is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer.
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PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
Barmer: Perched on a rocky hill, the town has ruins of an
old fort. Of interest are a temple dedicated to Balark (the Sun)
and the ancient ruins of Juna Barmer. The three Jain temples, an
inscription of 1295 AD and a massive pillar in the hall of the
largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of
Bahadmera (Barmer) are also worth a visit.
Kiradu: Situated on the foot of a hill near village Hathma
in Barmer Tehsil is Kiradu. The inscription dating back to 1161 AD
reveals that the place was called Kiratkoop and had once been the
capital of Punwars. The ruins of five ancient temples - once
dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other four dedicated to Lord Shiva -
are of interest to archaeologists and art lovers, alike. The
biggest of these temples is the Someshwar Temple.
Khed: Rao Siha, the founder of the Rathore clan alongwith
his son (Asthanji) conquered Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and
planted the standard of the Rathores. An old Vishnu temple of
Ranchhrji is surrounded by a crumbling wall and an image of Garuda
(the eagle) at the gate guards the complex. Other temples nearby
include temples of Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple of
Lard Mahaveer.
Meva Nagar: Once called Viranipur, this 12th century
village lies on the slope of a hill called Nagar-ki-Bhakarian, 9
km away from Balotra. The village has three Jain temples. The
biggest of these is one dedicated to Nakoda Parsvanath. A Vishnu
temple is also worth visiting.
Balotra & Kanana: Close to Kanana, the venue for the
Sheetal Saptmi Mela, lies the small town of Balotra. It is an
important centre of printing and dying.
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS:
Tilwara Cattle Fair (March -
April): A major cattle fair lasting a fortnight, held in
village Tilwara.
Nakoda Parasvanath (December - January): The festival held
in Mevanagar village commemorating the birth anniversary of
Parasvanath.
Veeratara Mela: Held at Veertara (12 km from village
Chohatan), the fair venerated goddess Vakaldevi and is held thrice
a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada & Magha.
Khed Fair (August - September): A big religious fair held
on Purnima (full moon) in village Khed.
Mallinath Fair, Tilwara: Mallinath Fair is one of the
biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara, a
village in Barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra
Sudi Ekadashi (March - April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein
the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses
attract people not only form Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya
Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the
fair.
The fair is believed to have originated from transactions which
took place among admires of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who
used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A
shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make
offerings of batashas and laddoos. When their wishes are
fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from
Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and
bronze to sell at the fair. On the opening day of the fair, the
flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs
extolling his greatness.
Bullock, camel and horse races are organized at the fair and
thoroughbred animals compete against each other on the dry river
bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on theirs heads
and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling
normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a
separate market for fodder at the fair.
SHOPPING:
A veritable shopper's paradise, Barmer is treasure trove of
vibrantly coloured embroidery with excellent mirror work. Also
famous are beautifully embroidered fabrics and pouches often
patterned with tiny mirrors. Traditional rugs, blankets, shawls,
carpets, "Pattius" Dari in typical Barmer colours and weave are
speciality of the district. The shopping spots include the tiny
shops along the narrow lanes of the colourful and lively Sadar
Bazar. |
