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

5 fun things to do in Manila, Philippines

More than just an in-between when flying to the Philippines’ beautiful beaches, Manila is a buzzing metropolis with lots to offer. When visiting the country’s capital, expect to find beautiful historic spots, amazing sunset views, bang-for-your-buck shopping, and to-die-for culinary experiences.

Go back in time at the old city of Intramuros

Ask any local for tips on what to do in Manila, and usually you’ll get the same answer: Visit Intramuros. The historic ‘Walled City’ dates back to the Spanish occupation, when Intramuros was the colony’s centre, and walls were built to protect it from foreign invasions. Back in the day, only the wealthiest and most influential citizens resided here. Today, you can still revel in its old-world charm. Intramuros’ cobbled streets are lined with old Spanish houses that have been restored and turned into museums, beautiful churches and parks, and eight different museums.

There’s so much to see, but in particular, you’ll have to visit historical sites like Fort Santiago (Intramuros’ citadel back in the day), the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church (which proudly stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), San Agustin Museum, and Casa Manila. Also, if you’re on the adventurous side, you can even opt to join a ghost tour.

Go on a food crawl around Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown

Ready your stomachs, because you’re in for a gastronomical adventure! Binondo is Manila’s Chinatown, where you’ll find quaint, affordable eateries at almost every corner. Here, you’ll get your fix of dim sum and roast duck, as well as your fill of Filipino-Chinese favourites like lumpiang Shanghai (egg rolls with meat, fish, and vegetables), mami (noodle soup), and hopia (bean-filled pastry).

You can opt to craft your own foodie itinerary, or join a food crawl like the Big Binondo Food Wok with Ivan Man Dy, who once toured culinary legend Anthony Bourdain around Manila. On the tour, you won’t just be exploring Binondo’s food scene, you’ll also get to learn about the town’s historical spots.

Get a breathtaking view of the Manila Bay sunset

There’s nothing quite like golden hour at Manila Bay. When the sun starts to set, make sure to stop and take in this world-renowned view while going on a leisurely stroll along the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard. You also have the option to enjoy the scene over cocktails at a nearby al fresco bar or restaurant.

Explore Rizal Park

One of the top attractions in Manila, Rizal Park is just a short walk from Intramuros. It is one of Asia’s largest urban parks, and a favourite spot for Manila dwellers to relax on weekends. But more than just a bright, breezy place to hang out, Rizal Park is a historical site that holds a great significance for Filipinos.

The vast 58-hectare park is home is to the Rizal monument, which houses the remains of the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, at its base. Here, you can even visit the very spot where Rizal was executed by the firing squad; it’s marked by a life-size diorama illustrating his final moments. In addition, you’ll also find statues of many national heroes, two beautiful gardens (the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden), and Manila’s very own point of origin, Kilometer Zero.

See your aquatic dreams come to life at Manila Ocean Park

The oceanarium is the Philippines’ very first world-class marine park, a cute date spot, and a frequently chosen venue for school trips. More than just a place to stop and stare at sea creatures behind glass, the amusement park has lots of exciting things for both children and adults to enjoy. Some of their most interesting attractions include feeding the penguins and learning to swim with a mermaid tail. My personal favourite, though, would have to be the fish spa. During the treatment, small fish nibble at your feet’s dead skin — doesn’t that just sound intriguing?

See more: Visit Manila's 7 best ramen restaurants

Source: Internet

A guide to Taiwan's most famous temples

The Chinese temples in Taiwan are among the finest in the world, so it is no surprise that they are very popular destinations with travelers who want to visit Taiwan. There are dozens of temples in Taiwan but here are the most famous and interesting temples you should visit.

Longshan Temple

Built in the late 18th century, Longshan Temple remains a showcase of Southern temple design. The temple is expansive, covering over 10,000 sq meters within its gated walls, so give yourself a few hours to take in the grandeur and admire the minutiae. In addition, let's check out the hall's window lattice for two fish that curl around each other in the shape of the yin and yang symbol.

Inside the hall, you'll find one of the most stunning plafonds in Taiwan, as well as brackets and beams carved into a veritable smorgasbord of traditional symbols: clouds, dragons, bats, lions, melons, elephants, phoenixes, fish and more.

Lotus Pond - Lake of Temples

Lotus Pond is not just famous for its sunset views and beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains. The twenty temples worshipping different deities situated around the lake also draw many visitors. The most famous four temples are also the most visually striking. Situated inside the belly of the huge beasts, the Dragon & Tiger Towers are memorable places to pray. The nearby Pavilion of the North Pole and Confucius Temple are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.

Bishan Temple

Known among locals as the best place for a night view of Taiwan’s capital, Bishan Temple is a great location for a stroll at sunset. Its convenient location in Taipei’s Neihu district makes it a popular destination, especially for those wishing to catch a glimpse of the distant Taipei 101 emerging out of a sea of lights in the distance. This temple is not only a place for worshipping the gods but the beauty of Taipei too.

Matsu Temple

Located in Tainan, the most 400-year-old temple is home to the Taoist equivalent of Cupid. The temple's current appearance is the result of a restoration in 1922. It was helmed by a master designer from Chaozhou in Southern China who clearly infused it with the modest grace of Chaozhou temples.

Wuji Tianyuan Temple

You would be forgiven for mistaking Tamsui’s Taoist Wuji Tianyuan Temple as being in Japan. But the Yoshino cherry blossoms that flower here in mid-March are renowned around Taiwan too. Aside from being a Taoist temple, this place is something of an ode to Taiwan’s much-loved cherry blossom and an absolute hot-spot for anyone who loves photography.

Read more: Visit Taiwan this autumn to enjoy festivals

Source Internet