Hill
Station of the Rajasthan in a festive mood with the Summer Festival,
held every year in the month of June. The steep rocks, tranquil
lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu
make it an ideal location for the festival. 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 folk dances which enthral the
spectators. Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki lake
add variety to the festival. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited
musical extravaganza, as renowned qawwals from all over the country
can be heard regaling the audience. The grand finale of the festival
is a display of dazzling fireworks which adds to the tourist's
delight.
The tribes still conducting there authentic
life styles in the wake of 21st century is rather interesting and so
is the collection of various monuments of different religious sects
like the famous shrines of Jainism. Mount Abu, the only hill resort
of Rajasthan, situated at the highest peak of the Aravali at an
altitude of 1220 meters. This "Hill of Wisdom" and a true "
Olympus of Rajasthan" stands on an independent hillock, which
is separated from the main Aravali ranges by a deep gorge. When
ascending the mountain, one can hardly fail to be impressed with the
grandeur and the scenic beauty, the gigantic blocks of rocks,
towering along the crest of the hill, are especially striking, in
some cases so weather- worn, that they present most fanciful and
weird shapes, while in others appear so slightly balanced as to be
in danger of rolling down. It is not only one of the prettiest hill
stations in the country, but a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage
center. The legend goes that a 'yagna' was performed here and four
Agnikula or fireborn Rajput clans the Chauhans, Parmaras, Pratiharas
and Solankis were created out of fire. Till 11th century, Mount Abu
was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrimage center, but now it
has gained importance as a Jain pilgrim center.
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