6. STREETS OF JAISALMER

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12. CITIES OF THE FUTURE

STREETS OF JAISALMER A GOLDEN AND WARM EXPERIENCE

-Durva Kamat

What makes a city even more alluring? – its people with their personified aura , thriving to be noticed. Warm and welcoming, they have a special way of getting around and hanging out with tourists. The houses built in close vicinity create a sense of oneness between the communities. Every individual has a story of their own experience in the city of Jaisalmer, even though the struggle to survive has been quite a task to the people due to low occupational and income businesses; the conurbation as a whole has never ignored their needs.

The older generation of the city often wonder as to what would happen if the heritage of the city is transformed into better versions of the same. Would the essence of the city get lost in the new world?

Jaisalmer as a city has a lot to offer besides its rich, nomadic desert culture and food. The rustic beauty of any city can be seen in its streets and alleyways. A city in its true essence can be visibly seen on its streets, where the community interacts, rejoices and celebrates in the most unique way.

The alleyways serve as a medium of interaction for people of all age groups, often rushed with craftsmen selling their works to shopaholics and other people, the backstreets have seen and settled as a timeless space. From busy, bustling afternoons to quiet evenings these pathways have perceived everything. Stories here are depicted distinctively. Strokes of a few fingers decide the faith for the puppets in the shows and so for Jaisalmer.

Images by: Atharva Mahamunkar

The puppetry shows often are a delight for children and even for the passerby’s making it one of the most interesting parts of the streets.

Portraying the regal culture in all their crafts has been one task they take great pride in. From vibrant colors to the intricate details, Jaisalmer has always been that one city to make its architectural beauty

The jharokha is one such prominent feature designed with the belief that a queen shouldn’t be seen by any outsiders which gave it a clear motive of pardah concept. The makans of rich merchant in the city is now adorned with different and modern styles of jharokas , resembling their ancestor’s creative handiwork.