Shopping is a major draw for tourists visiting Rajasthan, and it’s an activity that shouldn’t be missed during your trip. Rajasthan, known for its colorful culture, offers a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. From paintings to jewelry to handicrafts and food items, the state boasts a wide variety of items to choose from. Its vibrant bazaars and markets are filled with incredible artifacts. Here’s a roundup of some popular shopping items to pick up while exploring Rajasthan.
Home Decor Items: Rajasthan offers a diverse range of indoor decor items for those looking to spruce up their living spaces. Popular picks include wall paintings, door hangings, Rajasthani jharokha with Ganesha, and laughing Buddha statues of superior quality. These decor items are typically crafted from wood, meenakari work, gemstones, and soapstone.
Jewelry: Rajasthan is known for its unique jewelry styles, particularly bangles made from materials like gold, silver, and platinum. The state is renowned for its jewelry industry and is a significant hub for precious stones such as emerald, agate, topaz, and ruby. Bangles, in particular, are a highlight of Rajasthan’s jewelry scene, crafted from materials like lac, tussi, and featuring designs like necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and more. Kundan (stone setting) and Minakari (enameling) are two prominent crafts in jewelry making.
Paintings: Rajasthan is also known for its diverse array of paintings, each region showcasing its unique styles. Schools of painting like Kishangarh, Alwar, Hadoti, Mewar, and Marwar have their distinctive characteristics. Popular Rajasthani paintings include Phads & Pichwais, Folk Painting, and Miniature Art. Miniature paintings, often created on handmade paper, depict various mythological stories from sources like Ramayana, Ragamala, Krishna Lila, and Geetgovinda.
Dresses: Rajasthan’s vibrant culture is reflected in its traditional attire for both men and women, tailored to suit the region’s weather conditions. Popular men’s outfits include banda, pachewara, and bugatari. Women can opt for sarees or ghaghra cholis, both of which are highly favored choices. Sarees come in cotton or silk varieties, offering a range of options to suit different preferences.
Food Items: Each region in Rajasthan boasts its unique culinary delights, especially when it comes to snacks and sweets. Jaisalmer is known for its laddoos, Jodhpur for mawa kachori, Udaipur for Dil Jani, and Jaipur for mishri mawa and ghevar. Other highlights include Ajmer’s Sohan Halwa, Alwar’s mawa, Pushkar’s mithais, and Bikaner’s rasgullas, along with a wide assortment of savory snacks like the world-famous Bikaner ki bhujia. Don’t miss the chance to savor these treats when exploring Rajasthan.