An introduction to Rajasthan's traditional dress

Rajasthan’s rich culture is exhibited via its majestic forts, royal palaces, vibrant festivals, delicious food, performing arts, and even traditional costumes. The traditional outfit is colourful and elaborate and is still proudly worn by Rajasthanis in India. Here’s an introduction to Rajasthan’s traditional dress.

Women’s traditional dress

Traditional attire for Rajasthani women is ghagra, choli (also called kanchli or kurti) and odhni. The ghagra is a full-length, embroidered and pleated skirt, which comes in a variety of colours, prints and fabrics, such as silk, cotton, georgette and crêpe. Of all the various prints, the laharia, bandhej, tie ‘n dye, chundri and mothra are the most widely worn. To impart royal elegance, antique borders and Jaipuri gota-patti work are incorporated to the ghagra.

Ghagra

Kanchli

The kanchli, choli or kurti are the upper-body wear. These are colourful and intricately designed and shaped as per the specific body measurements. For an ethnic touch, they are embellished with mirror-work, beads and sequins, coral and shells, and creative-cut work.

Odhni

The odhni, or chunar, is a long piece of cloth, approximately 2.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, and is worn as a veil. Made of light printed or patched fabric, it features beautiful embroidery, beadwork or other embellishments. There are different ways of wearing it, but the most traditional way is tucking one corner inside the ghagra, resting the middle portion on the chest and draping the end part over each shoulder and above the head, covering it gracefully.

Women’s traditional accessories

Jadau sets

Elaborate necklaces, like Jadau sets, aad (chokers) and Rani Har (long necklaces to the belly button) are worn around the neck, especially by women from affluent families.

Rani Har

The women of tribal groups such as Bhil, Meena or Garasia prefer wearing brass, silver or white metal ornaments. Kaanbali or surliya (earrings), nathani (nosepins), bajubandh (armlets), rakhdi or borla (maang tikkas), tagdi or kardhani (belly or waist chains), payal (anklets), bangadi (bangles), bichuwa (toe rings) and finger rings are also worn to complete the ensemble.

Tribal women wearing nosering and borla (maang tikka) Asim Chauhuri / Flickr

Men’s traditional dress

The traditional outfit for Rajasthani men is dhoti and angarkha, or pyjama-kurta. The dhoti is a long piece of cloth tied around the waist and wrapped around like a loin-cloth between the legs. It is paired with angarkha, a type of robe characterized by an inner panel that covers the chest. The angarkha is usually worn by the wealthy class. However, some tribal and pastoral communities have adopted it, reserving it for special occasions. The length and flare of this garment varies. The royal Rajput clan prefers wearing flared, ankle-length angarkha, while other communities and tribal groups wear knee-length or shorter versions. For everyday use, men wear angarkhi (or, puthia), which is short and tied with laces, not buttons.

Rajasthani men wearing dhoti, angarkha and pagari - Premaram67/WikiCommons

The pyjama is like track pants, and generally made from cotton. It is paired with kurta or mufti, which is a loose-fitting shirt. While it usually goes down to the knees, today Rajasthani men may take liberties with the length and pattern of this traditional costume.

The traditional outfit is incomplete without pagari (turban or headgear), which is generally two meters long and 0.2 meters wide. It comes in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, and is considered the pride and honour of men. There are different ways of wearing it, each defining a specific region or caste. Specially designed pagaris, called safas (short and broad in size), are worn during weddings and festivals, while everyday pagaris are rustic.

Men’s traditional accessories

Tie and dye pagaris - Swapnil.Karambelkar / WikiCommons

To complete the ensemble, men wear round-shaped balis or studs on their earlobes and crystal beaded or semi-precious stone neckpieces. Influential families and royals also wear kambarbandh (waistbands) and patka, a piece of cloth hung over the shoulder.

Footwear for men and women

Both men and women in Rajasthan wear jootis or mojaris. They are leather shoes made up of sheep, camel or goat skin, complete with intricate embroidery and embellishments. While traditional footwear is usually black or brown, nowadays much more fashionable multi-coloured slip-ons are also available.

Read more: Top worth-visiting traditional markets in India

Source Poonam Binayak/ The Culture Trip

Avoiding these things when traveling to Myanmar

As tourism starts to gain traction in this extraordinary but unassuming part of South East Asia, here are some essential things to know before you travel to Myanmar.

Avoid using your left hand

If you travel to Myanmar, you need to remember this rule that is always using your right hand when picking up the food, or taking the items because the left hand is a vulgar, unclean part of the body. While eating, the Burmese will always use their right hand, not their left. In their conception, the left hand is used to do the daily personal hygiene things, so it is definitely not used for eating.

Do not wear shoes in pagodas or temples

In Myanmar, when coming to temples and pagodas, visitors should leave their shoes or slippers (including socks) outside before entering. This act, first of all, is to show your respect for the spiritual destinations and is to keep the sanctuaries clean. Local people are devout Buddhists, that is why wearing shoes or slippers in the sanctuaries is considered a disrespectful act.

Do not ride a motorbike in the city center of Yangon

This is actually a law. Motorbikes are supposedly banned in the main parts of Yangon for safety reasons. This may take some getting used to since most other major hubs in the region allow the use of motorized bikes. Motorbikes and electric scooters can be ridden in townships on the outskirts of Yangon as well as in other cities.

Do not forget to bring toilet paper

Toilet paper is not always an option in public restrooms throughout Myanmar, so be sure to pack some tissues if this is a necessity. Sprayers or ‘bum guns’ are usually available to help rinse after going to the bathroom. In less populated parts of Burma, it is more common to see an area near the toilet bowl or squat toilet filled with water, and a smaller dish to help with flushing and cleansing.

Avoid expressing feelings excessively in public

As a nation with a majority of the population is Buddhist, in Myanmar, people do not accept embracing, expressing feelings excessively in public places.

Do not point someone’s foot

Similar to touching the head, the act of pointing to the foot of anyone or anything, especially the foot of the Buddha statue in Myanmar, is considered to be extremely rude. Because the feet are the most vulgar part of the body. In addition, when coming to this country, you should not put your foot on the furniture.

Do not walk before looking all ways

When crossing a road in Myanmar make sure to look both ways, even when crosswalks are present. Drivers do not necessarily yield for pedestrians, and it is not uncommon to also have to dodge bikers and trishaws while walking across busy intersections.

Likewise, as Myanmar is in the height of a rapid, exciting transformation, many parts of cities are literally construction zones. Walkways tend to be uneven or even riddled with holes. Keep an eye on the path ahead and look all ways, always.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Source Internet

How to experience Japanese culture while you are in Singapore

Are you curious about Japan or love the Japanese culture, but lack the time or money for a trip to Japan? Don’t fret, here are 5 things you can experience Japan without having to hop onto a flight.

Experience Anime and J-pop at C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia)

Experience the best of Japanese pop culture in C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia), which will be taking place at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature anime showcases, industry guests, professional cosplayers, and the grand I Love Anisong concert, hosting popular Japanese rock bands such as SPYAIR.

Boasting over 100,000 attendees last year, C3AFA has grown into the most iconic J-pop festival in Singapore today. With their trendy and hot content in store for you, this is something you just cannot miss if you are an avid fan of Japanese pop culture.

Hunt for Japanese snacks and delicacies

There are more Japanese food stores here in Singapore than you might think. First off, the more well-known places to shop for Japanese treats include the food halls of Takashimaya and Jurong Point, where you can go on a walking food tour of Japanese cuisine. That aside, you can head to Sakuraya Fish Mart for fresh Japanese seafood, including live king crabs that are specially air-flown from Hokkaido. You can also try out the takoyaki, ramen, and sushi while you are there.

Another stop for Japanese food is Emporium Shokuhin, with Singapore’s first live and chilled seafood market, which is probably the closest you can get to a real Japanese market experience. They also have a gourmet section where you can explore aisles of Japanese seafood, fruits, sauces, condiments and more. And for Japanese snacks and other goodies, Meidi-Ya has got you covered with pretty much every Japanese treat you could want.

Go on a shopping spree in Daiso

Shopping in Daiso is quite a unique experience as you get to take a look at some Japanese products. Japanese products are known for being quite intriguing sometimes and the products at Daiso are no exception to this rule. For example, you can get things like banana cutters in Daiso, right here in Singapore. How cool is that?

Take a stroll at the Japanese Garden

Last but not least, the Japanese Garden would certainly come to mind when you are thinking of a place in Singapore that gives you a taste of Japan. One half of the Jurong Gardens, the Japanese Garden is connected to the Chinese Garden with the photo-worthy Bridge of Double Beauty.
The picturesque garden is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and most of all, a distinctly Japanese design that was inspired by Japan’s Muromachi and Azuchi–Momoyama period. Traditional bridges and rest houses dot the area, and there is also a Turtle & Tortoise Museum within the grounds of this garden as well.

Visit Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa

Japan and cats. It is the best of both worlds in one cafe, folks. Owning the title of being Singapore’s first cat cafe, the concept of having these lovely animals in a dining setting was inspired by Japan, which has countless cafes that feature pedigree cats. However, with a little tweak, the owners of Neko No Niwa only adopt their cats instead of buying them. A good cause isn’t it?

Read more: First time in Singapore? Here are 8 of the top things to do

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What you need to know about Myanmar culture before traveling

Myanmar, a land that has an undefinable quality to make you fall in love with its mountains, beaches, islands, lakes, food and culture and of course the people that bring these places to life.  A collective of diverse cultures and traditions woven together to form a mesmerizing landscape of wonder.

Myanmar is unlike any other country in Southeast Asia. Having only opened up to tourism in recent years, infrastructure can be lacking and travel can be challenging. So, below is something you should find out before coming to there.

Men and Women

Unlike many western countries, men and women’s status in Myanmar are distinctly different. Although Burmese women enjoy equal legal rights with men, men have a higher religious status. As a result, women are prohibited from certain areas of religious buildings such as the small platform that allows you to touch Golden Rock, some areas of Shwedagon Pagoda and so forth.
In terms of occupations and Myanmar tradition, women were previously supposed to take care of children and family matters while men focused on business. This attitude is changing, however, and there are now many women in professional occupations.

Religion and Belief

Although there are many religions present in Myanmar, more than 80% of people identify as Buddhist. In Buddhism, there are five main precepts that should be practiced daily by believers: not to kill, steal, lie, drink alcohol, and commit adultery. The ultimate aim in life according to Buddhist belief is to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana.

Moreover, astrology, palmistry and clairvoyance still play a major part in the lives of Myanmar people. They play a vital role, especially during decision making for marriage, business, naming babies and other important issues. Myanmar’s religious system is one of the most devout in the world.

Food and Drink

Myanmar’s food and drinks are varied and, generally, very good.  Savoury dishes can tend to be slightly too oily or sweet for foreign tastes, but they smell and taste extremely delicious. Among all the foods in Myanmar, two items are particularly special to the Burmese people. Tea has an enormous place in the cultural heart of the country. It is used not only as a drink, but also as a food in Laphet Thoke (tea-leaf salad), a slightly bitter but truly delicious dish made using tea leaves, sesame seeds, fried peas, garlic, dried shrimp and peanuts. Teashops are also popular social centers, and it is common practice to have a drink at one each day with friends and catch up. Tea is also offered to any guest who visits a household.

Betel nuts are the second staple of Myanmar food, and are consumed at a remarkable speed by Myanmar men. Sold from stands set up on almost every street, the mild stimulant gained from chewing the nuts is reasonably addictive, and for a tourist has the initially disconcerting effect of dyeing the user’s teeth red.

Clothing

Myanmar clothing is quite distinct from clothing in other parts of the world, so it can come as quite a surprise to unprepared tourists to see most men and women dressed in Longyi, a sheet of cloth worn as a long skirt. Longyis vary from casual to very ornate styles, and are comfortable and lightweight. It is important to remember that in most religious sites like Shwedagon pagoda, a dress policy is implemented for both genders. You are not allowed to wear casual clothes, meaning knees and shoulders must be covered. This policy does not apply outside religious sites, however. Myanmar people are very proud of their traditional dress and feel great confidence when they wear it for special occasions like weddings and ceremonies.

Chinlone

Among Myanmar’s many traditional and cultural games, Chinlone is probably the one seen the most by tourists. A small ball woven from rattan is tossed into the air, and a team of six players take turns to stand in the middle of a circle and see how long the ball can be kept up for. There is no competition, the aim is simply to see the beauty of the game and work as a team. Extremely popular at festivals and special occasions, it is also very likely you will see Burmese men playing it at the side of roads across the country. Among the non-traditional games, football (English football in particular) is incredibly popular. It is quite common for Burmese people to know the names of many cities in Europe, without necessarily knowing anything about them because they have been following their football teams.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Myanmar Diaries

The love market, unique culture of Sapa

Only taking place on weekly Saturday evening, Love Market in Sapa used to be the place for ethnic people to find a partner to get married. At this market, visitors have chance to enjoy the real life of H’Mong and Red Dao ethnic minorities.

What makes it special

The love market of Sapa used to be the place to find a partner to get married. With the tourism, the real love market does not take place anymore. Currently you can only see a representation of the love market. Do not miss it anyway if you are staying here a Saturday night. Young Red Dzao tribe used to come to Sapa to sing songs to the opposite sex. Girls sang the songs hidden in the dark, when a boy found them, and if they matched together, they disappeared into the forest for three days. Some of them got married after that.

How it is held

The market is held only on Sunday morning for people coming here to exchange or buy and sell the necessary utensils for daily life so it is always very crowded. Because villages in Sapa are sparsely populated, people living in far-away villages had to go in advance from Saturday to be able to join the market on Sunday. They arrived at the town on Saturday evening, and take a rest.

In the market, youngsters would have a chance to get to know others by joining activities such as playing traditional games, playing leaf-horns, singing and dancing. The performances of them were full of romantic melodies expressing wishes for an eternal love. Not until the market finishes, happy memories are left in the minds of many mountain people. After that night, some can luckily find out their match and make a promise to date on the next market. Many of them later become husbands and wives. It is the reasons why that night called the Love Market - a beautiful cultural feature of the Sapa region.

Why you should visit the love market

Love market is the place where all traditions, customs and beliefs of Dao, H’Mong and other ethnic groups are presented. It is where you can join with their activities and feel the unique features in their traditions by yourselves, not just watch and listen it from tour guides. And it is where you can approach the friendliest, the plainest and the most hospitable local people.

Moreover, you can visit the market and buy some specialties or some souvenirs for your beloved. They are displayed in many stalls and you have a wide range of choosing what you like.
About 10:30 pm or 11:00 pm, you also enjoy the sound of Khen and Sao, join the love market and perhaps you want to try using these popular musical instruments.

Read more: Shopping in Sapa’s markets

Source Internet