In Jaipur and its surrounds people are getting ready for one of the first festivities that mark the beginning of the rollicking festival season in the state. In the small village of Abhaneri (Dausa district), dating back to the 9th century and which time almost forgot, all is abustle as it pulls out all the stops for the 2-day Abhaneri Festival, to be held from 4th to 5th October 2024.
Centric to the flurry of all this activity is Chand Baori, the beautiful 100-foot-deep stepwell, which has played a pivotal role in Abhaneri’s revival as a shining example of ancient water conservation practices in the desert state of Rajasthan. What is even more relevant about this revival of Abhaneri ("the City of Brightness”) is its deep connection with the growing concerns of climate change and its environmental impact in the 21st century.
A huge amount of energy is being channeled into this year’s festival, originally launched by Rajasthan Tourism in 2008, to continue its successful run. Visitors will get to enjoy a deeply immersive experience of the essence of Rajasthan’s rich and varied cultural heritage. Music and dance, delicious local foodie delights and shopping are at the very heart of the jubilant festivities.
The high-octane celebrations offer glimpses into Rajasthan’s colorful dance traditions as gaily costumed artists skillfully perform popular items such as the Bhawai Dance, Kachhi Ghodi Dance, Ghoomar, and the ever-popular Kalbelia or snake dance, amongst others. This is also a wonderful opportunity to catch one of Rajasthan’s great cultural exports —the world renowned Langa singing, traditionally performed by the Manganiyars.
Children absolutely adore the puppet shows, which also provide adults a window to Rajasthan’s deep-rooted heritage of oral storytelling traditions. One can also enjoy fun-filled camel cart rides in the village. An unmissable part of the festivities is shopping for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts on display at the exhibition area.
Visitors to Abhaneri will be blown away by the architectural splendour of the 8th/9th century upside-down pyramid-style Chand Baori. This stunning stepwell was commissioned by the Pratihara ruler Chand Raja. This superb water conservation site served as a wonderful spot for social gatherings as well as religious rituals.
The nearby Harshat Mata Temple, left in ruins by the raider Mahmud Ghazni, was a great pilgrim hub from ancient times. Raised by Chand Raja the shrine is dedicated to Harshat Mata, who is revered by locals as the goddess of joy and happiness. Check out the sculptures carved in the niches of the upper terrace of the restored temple. The sanctum is approached by half-moon shaped steps and the pillared Mandapa is topped by a domed ceiling.
Abhaneri is around 90km from Jaipur and is connected by bus and taxi. Follow the backroads surrounded by cultivated wheat fields to this serene spot off the Jaipur-Agra route.