Abu in Sirohi district, a lush green summer resort and the only hill station in Rajasthan. Mount Abu has a somewhat steep incline, with ravines cut into its sides, filled with trees, bushes and beautiful birds. It is a detached hill, and on the plateau on the summit are granite rocks of fantastic shapes, the space between them covered with greenery.
Till about the 11th century it was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrim center but today it is more readily associated with Jainism. Its most remarkable attractions are its beautifully carved Jain temples, which were built between the 11th and 15th centuries. Another site of archeological interest close to Mount Abu is the Achalgarh fort built in 1452-53AD, and is a standing testimony of the exciting political history of this region
Mount Abu is not just about religion and legends; it has also served as an important hill station for the various kings that ruled Rajasthan, and for the British. In 1845AD Mount Abu was leased by the British and was developed as a hill resort ("a sort of Shimla for Rajputana") to escape the heat and dust of the Rajasthan plains.
We know of this waggish story about a maharaja who hosted a dinner to which he pointedly did not invited Maraja Jai Singh the Maharaja of Alwar. Maharaja Jai Singh bought up all the food supplies for miles around, forcing the dinner to be canceled.
Abu Festival Attraction
The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances which enthrall the spectators. Sporting events such as the boat race on Nakki lake add variety to the festival. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much awaited musical extravaganza, as renowned singers of the form popularly known as qawwali, gather here. The grand finalé of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks which adds to the tourist’s delight.
Tribal Dance Bhils & Nagas
you get a glimpse of at this festival are those of the Bhils and the Nagas. Both have a rich cultural history and have contributed considerably to the development of music and dance
Ghoomar Dance
The Ghoomar dance is the very life-blood of Bhil culture. Performed in all seasons, it is always accompanied by songs of love, glory or defeat. Men and women move in a circle; one half of this circle constitutes the men and the other half of women. This ghoomar dance should be clearly distinguished from the dance of the same name prevalent in urban Rajasthan.
The dance revolves around the worship of the deity Bhairavanath. The chief worshipper is the bhoya who goes into a trance while dancing; others dance in a circle around a trishul (trident) while keeping time with the parat and thali (metal plates). Many different type of dresses are worn by the dancers, representing different characters.
Bhils Carved Sculptures
The Bhils also offer talent in the field of sculpture. The sculptures by these tribes are not beautifully carved masterpieces, but are interesting, nevertheless.
The Bhil tribes also place their trust in these votive figures, usually of animals. The Bhil potters mould distinctive clay horses, camels, elephants, tigers and bulls that are then offered to the village deity or to a revered animal itself such as the tiger.
