Basant Panchmi

Basant means, "the spring season". This is the great spring festival, falling on the fifth day of the month of Magh, the first day of spring.

On this day people prefer to wear yellow clothes. It represents the ripening of the spring crops. Even the food is colored yellow by using saffron. Spiritually, the yellow color is a sign of prosperity and it is also considered as the color of love.

Children are taught their first words on this day (as an auspicious beginning to learning). Schools, colleges etc., (places of learning) organize special worship of Goddess Saraswati.

On this day we offer special worship to the Sun God, to Mother Ganga (the deity of the sacred river Ganges), and Mother Earth. They provide us the means of acquiring food and all that we need to keep alive. We express our gratitude to them by worshiping them on this day. Hindus are ever mindful of the debt they owe to all nature. Worship of nature is extremely important to them.

May this occasion of Basant Panchami bring the wealth of knowledge to you, May you be blessed by Goddess Saraswati and all your wishes come true. Aapno Store wishes you all the prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchmi.

Natural fiber Quilts versus Synthetic Fiber Quilts

You may think that a quilt with synthetic filling will be better than a naturally filled one, prefer the modern to the traditional. But you would probably feel differently if you got a chance to make a proper comparison.

User trials conducted by an independent market research company over a two month period showed that, given the chance to try sleeping under both natural and synthetic quilts, an amazing 75% of users said they preferred the natural quilts.

There are many reasons for this:

First, naturally filled quilts breathe in a way synthetic quilts cannot. So the moisture lost by your body while you sleep is absorbed overnight, and then gradually lost in the morning when the quilt is aired. When you sleep under a synthetic quilt, there is nowhere for that moisture to go resulting in a sticky feeling.

Second, natural quilts drape better round the lumps and bumps of your body than synthetics, which can be rather stiff. Because you can snuggle into it better, a natural quilt will usually feel warmer on a chilly night than a synthetic quilt of the same thickness, even if both are new.

Thirdly, a natural quilt will almost always be lighter than a synthetic one. Natural fillings bring warmth without weight, for a really comfortable, natural sleep.

Expression of ecstasy- MANDANA PAINTINGS

Rajasthan has succeeded in preserving its cultural identity even today. Art of embellishing the mud house with beautiful Manadana paintings is one such form of art which is done on the mud walls of houses and traditionally, colored glass, beads, mirrors and stones are also used to decorate these paintings.Mandana is a Rajasthani folk art of making Rangoli on festivals, wedding and other celebrations in home. The exteriors are decorated with traditional lime-paste “MANDANA” or rice-flour patterns which are almost redone daily by women from the village. The walls of floors are first covered with a mixture of red clay and cow dung. Then the images are painted on with white chalk, sometimes along with red ochre, using brushes made from local bamboo. Predominantly women have honed their Mandana painting skills. They are highly skilled & well educated in terms of their long & rich experiences. Shapes like squares, circles, triangles and the likes become the alphabets for an exercise in picture writing.

And ask them -what is the reason of these beautiful creations...you will get a quick & spontaneous response “Chokha Lage Che” (i.e. it feels good to make them)

Furniture and Wood Carving of Rajasthan by Aapno Store

Rajasthan is an ideal place to look for old-worldly doors and windows, wooden jharokhas, tables with cast iron jaalis, side-boards, chairs, benches, jhoolas or swings and dressers, sometimes fretted with brass and copper sheets for decoration. They can be lightly carved or embellished with tiles. Jaipur and Ramgarh in Shekhawati are popular centers for furniture but Jodhpur gets the first place. The notable places are Shekhawati and Bikaner for traditional woodwork, Jodhpur and Kishangarh for painted wooden furniture, Shekhawati, Bikaner and Ramgarh for delicately carved wooden doors, Barmer for woodcarvings such as images of gods and goddesses, elephants, parrots, human and animal figures, Tilonia for leather-embroidered chairs of Tilonia and Shekhawati for carved-back, string-bottom chairs. The most remarkable and finest type of artwork belongs to Bikaner. Known as Gesso work, it is made using the inner hide of the camel, which is scraped till it is paper-thin and translucent and is then molded into various forms of lampshades, hip flasks, perfume phials or vases. Aapno Store brings you an exclusive range of wooden furniture and carved articles personally handpicked by our experts. For more details log on to www.aapnostore.com

Celebrate Sawan with the Spring of Gifts from Aapno Store.

Shravan Mahina, or Sawan Month, is one of the holiest Hindu months and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in North India. Shravan month is filled with auspicious days and numerous rituals are observed in the month. The Shravan Month 2011 in traditional Hindu calendar followed in North Indiabegins on July 16 and ending date is August 13. Mondays in Shravan month which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and many people observe the famous Shravan Somvar Vrat. The famous teej festival is also observed in this sacred month. The married woman adorn themselves with solah shringaar, new jewellery lehariya saree, lacquer bangles and a like. At the time of Teej, certain rituals and customs are followed by women so as to be blessed by Goddess Parvati. Married women return back to their parents house to celebrate the festival . It is considered very auspicious for married and engaged women to receive Teej gifts from their parents-in-law and to be parents-in-law. Future in-laws of engaged girls gift them 'Shrinjhara' (a gift pack) which consists of henna, lac bangles, a special laheria dress and ghewar (a sweet dish). Other gifts are also received by women from their relatives and in-laws. Aapno Store being a rajasthani traditional store takes special care during this season of festival by offering all the products required during these festivals. We believe in serving those who are away from their family and wish to send their love in the form of gifts and goodies. With the help of Aapno Store online shopping you can send or receive all the rajasthani traditional stuff like Lehariya dupatta/saree, Bandhni, lacquer bangle, jewellery and gifts in just one click. The distance would never come in between your love, care and affection when you trust Aapno Store for all your shopping needs. www.aapnostore.com

Leheriya Sarees

Lahariya is the main attire of women of Jaipur especially in monsoon season during mid-July to august as it depicts the traditional aspect of Jaipur. Leheriya saris are the special part of Jaipuri sarees; which are available in various colors and printed designs.

It is usually worn in saavan utsav in rainy season. The design is like waves that are similar to the wind waves that flow in the monsoon season. Rajasthan produces a huge variety of colorful leheriya sarees, from geometrical patterns, flowers in colours deliberately contrasted with the background colour. The lehriya is an entire line of cloth which is dyed in different colours.

Lehriya sarees have been an all time fascination of women and monsoon is the best time to add more collection to your wardrobe from your very own Aapno Store.

Versatile Rajasthan Handicrafts at Aapno Store.

As far as Art and handicrafts Product concern Rajasthan is among the richest state in India. Silver Jewellery products, Gemstone Paintings, Leather Bags, Leather Wallets, Marble Handicrafts, and Painting Handicrafts are the most brilliant products from Rajasthani Handicraft. Rajasthan has created and preserved rich craft heritage which includes fabulous fabrics in lovely prints, precious and semi-precious stones, Kundan Meenakari Jewellery, embroidered leather work, other hand crafted items of wood, ivory, lac, glass, and brass, silver and gold.

When we talk about crafts of Rajasthan, how can we forget to discuss about the exquisite designs of Rajasthani wooden furniture. In different part of Rajasthan you can see carved wooden furniture having different styles and designs. Exquisite motif and design works on wooden furniture are eye-catching. The most famous work on wooden furniture in Rajasthan is the latticework.Jodhpur and Kishangarh are known places where from you can purchase carved casket, screens, doors, chairs, tables, shelf, etc.

The beautiful marble crafts of Rajasthan are very popular. These consist of carved wall hangings, beautiful sculptures, statues of gods & goddesses, furniture & tabletops, flower, vases, fireplaces, statues, etc in marble.

Leather items from Rajasthan are also popular. Particularly mojaris and jutis with beautiful embroidery work are loved among people. The pattern and design of embroidery varies from region to region. However, Jodhpur and Jaipur are the places known for beautiful mojaris and jutis.

Blue potteries of Rajasthan are popular form of exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts. Jaipur is perhaps the most known place for blue pottery in Rajasthan. To create blue potteries, green and white colors are mainly used.

Not only this, Rajasthan is full of exquisite handicraft and art. The List goes on with Textiles in Kantha work and embroidery, the earthen pottery, semi precious stone jewellery, laquer (Lac) bangles and jewellery etc

Aapno Store boasts of all these handicraft items which is just a click away from you. The products at Aapno Store are hand picked and sold at very reasonable price. All you need to do is just log on to www.aapnostore.com and enjoy shopping.

Aapno Store Brings You The Rich State of Handicraft

Rajasthan is a rich state in culture, art and crafts. It is famously known for its exquisite handicrafts. Depicting the rich culture & tradition of the state, beautiful handicrafts of Rajasthan keep their exclusivity. Handicraft of Rajasthan is an add-on of attractions of the state. Travelers and tourists love to see and purchase exquisite handicrafts while on Rajasthan tours. Exquisite handicrafts of the state proudly depict the masterpiece creativity of the Rajasthan people. Aapno Store realized the craze for Rajasthani Handicraft in global market and decided to make this rich handicraft available to every corner of the earth.

Following are the different handicrafts Rajasthan is famous for.

• Textile:-Exquisite Rajasthani textiles (Bandhani or Bandhej textiles) are an excellent example of Rajasthani rich form. Tie and die techniques are used to make Bandhej textiles. Bandhej Kurtis, Bandhej sarees, etc are popular among people.

• Handmade Jewellery:- Handmade jewellery of Rajasthan are Rakhi, Bala, Bajuband, Gokhru, Timamyan, etc. Meenakari is one of the most popular jewellery works of Rajasthan. Meenakari is enameled gold and silver jewellery.

• Carpets & Durries:- Woolen carpets of Bikaner, Jaipur and Tonk are popular. These carpets are hand knotted with stunning designs based on Persian styles. Cotton durries of Jodhpur and Jaipur are tool popular. The geographical motifs and pastel shades make these durries beautiful.

• Blue Pottery: Blue potteries of Rajasthan are popular form of exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts. Jaipur is perhaps the most known place for blue pottery in Rajasthan. To create blue potteries, blue, green and white colors are mainly used.

• Wooden Furniture:- When we talk about crafts of Rajasthan, how can we forget to discuss about the exquisite designs of Rajasthani wooden furniture. In different part of Rajasthan you can see carved wooden furniture having different styles and designs. Exquisite motif and design works on wooden furniture are eye-catching. The most famous work on wooden furniture in Rajasthan is the latticework.Jodhpur and Kishangarh are known places where from you can purchase carved casket, screens, doors, chairs, tables, shelf, etc.

• Rajasthan Quilts:- Rajasthani quilts are the most popular product among people. The most famous place is Jaipur to purchase quilts. The specialty of Jaipuri quilts or Jaipur rajais is they are light and soft as feathers and more importantly they are of high quality. They are available in many varieties like cotton block printed, velvet printed, etc.

• Mojaris/Jutis:- Leather items from Rajasthan are also popular. Particularly mojaris and jutis with beautiful embroidery work are loved among people. The pattern and design of embroidery varies from region to region. However, Jodhpur and Jaipur are the places known for beautiful mojaris and jutis.

• Marble Crafts: The beautiful marble crafts of Rajasthan are very popular. These consist of carved wall hangings, beautiful sculptures, statues of gods & goddesses, furniture & tabletops, flower vases, fireplaces, statues, etc in marble.

• Ivory:- Ivory bangles of Rajasthan are very popular among women. The wearing of ivory bangles is considered to be the symbol of good sign and luck.

• Rajasthan Paintings:- Rajasthani murals & frescoes, miniature paintings are add-on attractions of exquisite handicrafts of Rajasthan.

The List goes on with Textiles in Kantha work and embroidery, the earthen pottery, semi precious stone jewellery, laquer (Lac) bangles and jewellery etc

Aapno Store boasts of all these handicraft items which is just a click away from you. The products at Aapno Store are hand picked and sold at very reasonable price. All you need to do is just log on to www.aapnostore.com and enjoy shopping.

Treasures in the Heart of Rajasthan !!

India is a vibrant country, culturally rich with an unparallel heritage of its own. Its produce including spices, food, handicrafts, etc., attract millions and mesmerize connoisseurs of lifestyle living options. Handicrafts from all regions of the country pose as wonderful souvenirs, highly valued by people all over the world.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is a paradise for handicraft shopping lovers. You can find this title awarded to the city on almost all touring websites, traveling guides, blogs, shopping portals, and online catalogs. Called as the Treasure Trove of India, one can never be found empty handed!

Rajasthan is a colorful state that is branded as a true tourism treat for travelers from within and abroad. Be it the oceanic-blue colored city, Jodhpur or the candy-floss fuchsia painted Jaipur, its every city holds something very special and intriguing for a Marco Polo of that generation. However, Jaipur holds the greatest importance being the capital city of Rajasthan. It also houses the most number of handicraft units that are responsible to produce distinctly pretty and ethnic extravaganza for buyers.

The various congested by lanes of Rajasthan exhibit the most of the handicraft items to its credit. For example, the bandhej or tie-and-dye prints on textiles, famous camel leather flat wears known as mojaris and jutis are abundantly seen showcased delightfully.

With Aapno Store initiative, at such pocket-friendly prices, one can get hold of the beauty, quality and durability with handicraft articles such as blue ceramic pottery, wooden carvings and statues, handmade paper products, golden jewellery with enamel work as meenakari and the list goes on. Such handicraft items like hand-knotted bed covers and carpets are also manufactured in the remotes of Rajasthan are celebrated in other countries where they are exported in huge demands.

What lies in the Heart of Rajasthan !!

India is a vibrant country, culturally rich with an unparallel heritage of its own. Its produce including spices, food, handicrafts, etc., attract millions and mesmerize connoisseurs of lifestyle living options. Handicrafts from all regions of the country pose as wonderful souvenirs

, highly valued by people all over the world.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is a paradise for handicraft shopping lovers. You can find this title awarded to the city on almost all touring websites, traveling guides, blogs, shopping portals, and online catalogs. Called as the Treasure Trove of India, one can never be found empty handed!

Rajasthan is a colorful state that is branded as a true tourism treat for travelers from within and abroad. Be it the oceanic-blue colored city, Jodhpur or the candy-floss fuchsia painted Jaipur, its every city holds something very special and intriguing for a Marco Polo of that generation. However, Jaipur holds the greatest importance being the capital city of Rajasthan. It also houses the most number of handicraft units that are responsible to produce distinctly pretty and ethnic extravaganza for buyers.

The various congested by lanes of Rajasthan exhibit the most of the handicraft items to its credit. For example, the bandhej or tie-and-dye prints on textiles, famous camel leather flat wears known as mojaris and jutis are abundantly seen showcased delightfully.

With Aapno Store initiative, at such pocket-friendly prices, one can get hold of the beauty, quality and durability with handicraft articles such as blue ceramic pottery, wooden carvings and statues, handmade paper products, golden jewellery with enamel work as meenakari and the list goes on. Such handicraft items like hand-knotted bed covers and carpets are also manufactured in the remotes of Rajasthan are celebrated in other countries where they are exported in huge demands.

Hindu New Year- The Many Regional Celebrations

Although the Indian National Calender is the official calendar for the Hindus, regional variants still prevail. As a result, we have a host of new year festivities that are unique to the particular regions on this vast country. Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. And not all of these fall on the same day!

The Hindus of Kashmir start their new year - Navreh - in mid March. At the same time, the north India starts the New Year with Navratra Sthapna when they worship Goddess Durga for 9 days, the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh begin their new year - Ugadi. The Marathas celebrate their new year Gudi Padwa, and the Sindhis observe Cheti Chand, the coming of new year, during the same time. Usually, the Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Kashmiri and Sindhi New Year falls on the same day - the first day of the month of Chaitra, heralding the advent of spring.

Aapno Store Wishes all the fans and friends a very happy and prosperous Hindu New Year.

Lehariya: Wavy, Vibrant, Women...

‘Lehariya’ is a famous style of printing. This print is distinct because of its ripple effect. It is a pattern in which diagonal wavy stripes are formed by the fold-resist dyeing technique called Lehariya. Lehariya sarees, ghaghra and salwar kameez are very famous among the rajasthani women. As the monsoon arrives, lehariya takes over every part of the life of Rajasthanis. Dresses with lehariya print are mostly worn on Teej festival. It is the essence of the Rajputi dress. Apart from the sarees and ghaghras worn by ladies, the ‘pagri’ (turban) with lehariya print is famous among the men. Lehariya generally comes in contrasting color combinations. Color combinations like pink and purple, red and yellow are some of the most liked combinations. Combination of yellow and green is famous with the name of ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’. The white waves in a bright color like pink, orange, magenta makes the dress material more graceful.

Aapno store brings you a wide variety of Lehariya sarees, dupattas and dress material which has been brought exclusively from the roots of Rajasthan that may surely please the eyes of the onlookers.

Women draped in the sarees with wavy stripes of bright and vibrant colors look so pretty that they can be the soul of any event with the touch of lehariya dress material from Aapno store.

Kantha Embroidery: Emotions of an artist.

Kantha embroidery involves a simple running stitch. It is the way the embroidery has been used that makes it extra ordinary. The cloth is given layers that were kept together by the stitches. The cloth has multiple uses. It could be used to sleep on or as a light blanket. Kantha is said to be “Dorukha” meaning turning the worn out and old textiles and fabrics to things of beauty.
Kantha evolved out of necessity to drape or protect against cold. Kantha in Sanskrit means rags. It can rightly be called the recycling art. The precious silks and muslins when become worn out, women instead of throwing them away, piled them in layers and stitched. This Kantha work became very much popular and generated huge demand for itself in the fashion world due to its attractive designs and art. Kantha was also said to be lady’s self expression. The real Kantha narrates a story, the emotions and the life of the artist.
Aapno store travelled through the special zones of Rajasthan to explore the best of Kantha work textiles for you. Kantha work textiles at Aapno Store are exclusive and are very rare to find in the local markets.
Check out the Kantha work bed spreads, pillow-covers, cushion covers, dress materials and much more only at Aapno Store. www.aapnostore.com

Sanganeri Print of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is famous in India for its dyeing, printing and embroidery cloth since centuries. Floral, geometrical or animal motifs are major designs of printing. Sanganer is about 8 kilometers south-east of Jaipur. It is famous for dyeing and printing of colorful dresses, bed sheets, curtains, dress material and variety of other textiles. Sanganer is the center for block and screen printed cotton cloth. There are at present, about 125 hand block printing units in Sanganer. Sanganer was renowned for its small decorative and delicate floral patterns, which was printed on fine cotton and silk.

Aapno Store brings you a wide range of fabrics which include bed sheets, quilts, kurtis, dress materials and much more. Aapno Store has handpicked this collection directly from the manufacturing units in Sanganer.

The fascinating range of block-printed fabric in bold colors may be further embellished by embroidery. The sanganeri block prints usually consist of floral motif. Basic colors are scarlet, black and brown. But now, with increasing technology and use of synthetic dyes, unusual combinations of scarlet and pink, purple and orange, turquoise and green gaining market demand. The sanganer prints are always on a white background famous for its artistry and intricacy of design.

Check out this fascinating collection of Sanganeri prints only at Aapno Store.

Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.

A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans ir devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day.

Karva Chauth

The traditional Indian calendar is one long pageant of colorful festivals, a colorful mosaic of festivals, fairs and fasts as diverse as the land itself. The festival and fast of Karva Chauth is celebrated with much exuberance and fanfare. It is considered an important and auspicious day for married women. A married woman celebrates this day with great fervor and dedication, by observing a fast and praying for the long life of her husband. The fast is observed during the month of Kartik on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (descending moon). This generally falls in the month of October. This year Karwa Chauth is on October26, 2010

The earliest reference of a Karva Chauth can be found in the great epic of Mahabharata. As per Mahabharata, Arjun, a supreme warrior and one of the Pandavas, went to the Nilgiri Hills to offer his prayers and worship the gods. Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, was accompanying him. On the way, Draupadi was struck with fear believing that she was alone in the forest with no one to protect her. As she treated Lord Krishna as her Brother, she invoked him to appear before her and help her out of this grave situation.

On listening to her fear and perplexity, Lord Krishna cited an example of Goddess Parvati. Parvati in a similar situation asked Lord Shiva's help. Lord Shiva explained to her that to ward off such apprehensions, a woman could observe a fast on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi as a remedy. Lord Krishna advised Draupadi to undertake this fast and also assured her of he victory of the Pandavas. Women also pray to Lord Ganesha for the fulfillment of all their wishes.

The fast has all the trappings of festivity. In Rajasthan, Women dress up in their best finery, with henna-decked hands, bindis, colorful bangles, vermilion in their hair-parting and the best of jewelery. However, they do not eat even a morsel of food, neither drink a drop of water, from dawn till the moon rises. Finally, when the moon is sighted, the wife goes out to view it. The moon is worshiped and then she turns to view her husband's face through the pores of a sieve, praying for his long life. After performing the puja, its finally time for food.

Diwali Diyas

Diwali or Deepawali is the festival of lights and sweetness. It is basically a symbol of the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness, and truth over falsity. Each and every legend associated with this fabulous festival gives the same message. The thick dark new-moon (Amavasya) night on which the Diwali festival is celebrated, seems like a full-moon (Purnima) night, because of the effulgent light of numerous diyas or deepaks lighted on this night. These diyas not only make Diwali, the festival of lights, but they also symbolize the supremacy and consequence of brightness over darkness. The same message is given by the Hindu Upanishads by saying, “Asato Ma Sadgamaya”. The lighted diyas on Diwali also remind us of the same teaching of the Upanishads.

Diya can be defined as a small earthen lamp that is specially lit on Diwali for pujan and decoration purposes. A cotton wick is used in diyas, and oil or ghee serves as the burning fuel. Diyas are plain and colored, big and small, simple and fancy, and so. Different types of diyas are appropriate for different applications.

As the festive season approaches near, markets get flooded with various types of gifts, decoration, and puja items. The crafted and designer diyas are one of the big attractions in such markets. Diyas embellished with zari, painted patterns, mirrors, etc. are quite enticing by their very appearance.

Aapno Store brings you a multitude of handcrafted items made by ceramic and handicraft artists throughout the Rajasthan. Diwali diyas are one of the major attractions this festive season. Aapno Store showcase beautifully handcrafted multicolored and vibrant colored diyas.

However old may be the tradition of diyas on Diwali, it has never lost its significance and charm. Diwali celebrations are incomplete and graceless without the use of Diwali diyas. There is no doubt, diyas were, are, and will remain a significant part of the Diwali festival.

“Warm and Cozy” Rajasthani Quilts.

Rajasthani quilts are a specialty of Jaipur in Rajasthan, the desert region of north-west India. Nobody quite knows when and how this mini marvel came into being. Why did Rajasthan alone become the home of this unique form of winter covering when quilts were common all over? Certain factors seem to have played a part, the inhospitable desert terrain, the bitter winter and the age-old Rajasthani penchant for being constantly on the move. Sundown in winter always sent the temperatures plummeting among the dunes. For those who stayed home, there was warmth enough but to many a Rajasthani male, home was none other than the dunes themselves with only the sky for cover. Princes and chieftains on the warpath, soldiers in the saddle, banjaras (gypsies), bhopas (itinerant bards), shepherds, traders, camel caravans rolling along the featureless sands on private business all needed something to keep the chill out without adding significantly to their saddle bags. And some genius who remains unsung to this day found the perfect answer in the Jaipuri quilt.

Aapno Store brings you a wide range of Stylish and comfortable Quilts. All the quilts are of beautiful and exclusive designs. Their elegancy would add a style and beauty to your décor. Made in variety of colors, style, fabrics and threads these quilts by Aapno Store would bring special touch to your emotions.

Puppetry - Ancient Form of Merriment

Rajasthani Puppets are string marionettes that originate from the state of Rajasthan in India. The puppets are controlled by a single string that passes from the top of the puppet over the puppeteers. Characteristic to this form are the shrill voices produced by the lead puppeteer which are spoken through a bamboo reed. The art of Rajasthani puppetry (also called Kathputli) originated a thousand years ago when the Bhatt community began to practice this art. Puppetry is one of the most costly medium of entertainment, it involve activities like drawing, painting, wood carving, carpentry, plaster cast making, clay modeling, costume designing, story, script writing, dramatization, song and music composition.

Patronised by many ruling families in the state, it soon grew into a major art form of the region. Due to the invasion of Rajasthan by the Mughals, Kathputli gradually lost its importance. It has been one of the oldest forms of entertainment. Historically, these puppets were not only a source of entertainment, but also provided moral and social education. The shows tackled problems like the dowry system, women's empowerment, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and cleanliness. These puppet shows made people aware of the social problems that everybody was facing and also showed ways of solving them.

Etnic Watch made out of Rajasthani handicraft. Ideal for drawing and living rooms.