About Bundi
Bundi is a picturesque town in the Hadoti district of Rajasthan. The otherwise isolated Bundi comes alive every year with the Bundi Utsav held in November. Located at a distance of 210 kilometers from the capital city, Jaipur, Bundi is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful temples and its carefully designed step wells. Lovers of art and architecture are sure to love each and every corner of this town. Oh, and did I mention Bundi is home to one of the best forms of paintings in the world!
Bundi Utsav
An extravaganza of customs, traditions, and traditional art forms, the Bundi Utsav has it all for the visitors in terms of representing the cultural richness of the state of Rajasthan in general and that of the town of Bundi in particular. Traditional folk music and folk dance of the region are the main highlights of the festival.
The festival is a significant occasion for the people of the town and nearby villages. The reason being, each household indulges in preparing the native handicrafts to be sold in the stalls at the fair.
Apart from the rich folk art forms, one can witness jovial events like turban-binding competition, and mustache competitions to keep the crowds entertained. This year the Bundi Utsav will be held from November 6-8. Here is what you can expect!
Celebrations and Events
This 3-day cultural extravaganza is too good to miss. So if you are planning on attending the festival, here is what’s in store for you.
Lots of Folk Music and Dance
Folk music and dance forms of the region are performed by the experts as well as budding artists, putting the traditional art forms on display. You are sure to shake a leg to the beats and don’t forget to learn a step or two from the professional dancers.
Sports
Various sports competitions are held as a part of the Bundi Utsav in the town. It includes a range of games from static Kabaddi competition to large scale games like horse riding and camel race etc. People participate in these games with much enthusiasm, making the Bundi Utsav an occasion for the sportsmen of the region to look forward to.
Handicrafts
Many households in the town of Bundi are experts in preparing traditional crafts of the region. These handicrafts are furnished to their most beautiful forms and then are put on stalls during the three-day festival to be sold. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs from these stalls.
Other activities
Some of these activities are extremely fun and are loved by people. Of the many competitions, some which are popularly liked are turban tying competition, mustache competitions, etc.
Deepdan Ceremony
Deepdan, which means charity of earthen lamps, is a ceremony of the Bundi Utsav which stands true to its name. Men light deeps or earthen lamps and give it to women. The women then release these lamps in the river to float, making prayers and chanting as the lanterns float on water. This is done to ward off any evil and making place for only good deeds and omens.
How to Reach Bundi
By railways, the nearest railway station is the Bundi Railway station, located within the town. However, the nearest major railway station is the Kota Junction Railway Station, situated at an approximate distance of 35 kilometers from Bundi. Once in Kota, the most convenient way to reach Bundi is to take a taxi, which will cover the distance in merely one or two hours.
By airways, the nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport, located at a distance of 210 kilometers from Bundi. Trains can be availed to reach Bundi from Jaipur.
To be a part of something as extravagant as the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan should be on every traveler’s list. It is not just the culture and activities, its the people and their kind hospitality which make your visit an experience unlike any other for sure.
Last Updated on November 20, 2019 by Harpreet Janeja
