Pink City has donned a festive look ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the culmination of the month-long fasting, and Teej festival both to be celebrated on August 9.
The Walled City is decked-up with many temporary shops and food stalls coupled with lights and lamps for the festivals. Followers of both faiths are busy making last minute preparations which go on till late in the night. Many such shops have sprung up on the pavement at Ramganj, Char Darwaza, Jalupura and Hasanpura.
Liquakat Ali Khan, chairman, State Waqf Board, has informed that Eid will either be celebrated on August 9 or 10, subject to visibility of the moon. “The festival coinciding with Teej will promote communal harmony in society,” said Khan.
The traditional Teej procession with all its regal pomp and pageantry, will start on August 9 at 6 pm from the Tripoliya Gate (City Palace), snaking its way through Tripolia Bazaar and Choti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar to wind up at the Chaugan Stadium. The procession will also leave the next day at the same time.
The event will be led by an elephant which will carry the symbol of the festival. It will be followed by a melange of cultural performances likes Kachhi Ghodi, Gair, Kalbelia and Chakri dances. The procession will include the cannon carriage, bullock carts, horse baggi, decorated raths, horses and camels. A number of bands will also accompany the procession. The Teej sawari will be almost at the end followed by Chobdar.
An organizer said folk and cultural performances at JKK will begin from August 9 from 7 pm onwards. On the first day, there will be Kuchipudi dance performance by Shalu Jindal followed by Vidya Shah (Sugam Sangeet). The following day, the visitors will be treated to Sufi songs by Sonam Kalra. On August 11, Malini Awasthi will enthrall the audience with folk songs that will be followed by performances of Rajasthani folk artistes.
A food and craft mela has also been organized from August 7 to August 11 (from 2 pm to 10 pm) at Shilpgram in JKK. While visitors will be able to enjoy ethnic Rajasthani food, there will also be a cultural bonanza by folk performances. A wide variety of handicraft will also be available for sale.
src: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Pink-City-decked-up-for-twin-fests/articleshow/21694112.cms