Blue City of Jodhpur founded in 1459, ubiquitous blueness of Jodhpur

Travellers journeying through the desolate landscape of the unforgiving Thar desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan would know when they had reached their destination. The sky would fall to the ground and everything would become a single color – blue. Jodhpur would lie before them, opening up like a blue treasure in the desert.

Why the population of the fortress city – the Blue City as it is universally known – took to painting their houses in various shades of blue is not completely certain. Yet most believe it is to do with the prevailing caste system in India.

It is thought that Brahmins – members of the priestly class – first took to coloring their houses blue (yet perhaps it should really be called indigo) to signify their domicile and to set them apart from the rest of the population. Soon, however, the rest of the population followed suit. History does not tell us which brave non-Brahmin was the first to do it, yet it happened and since that day the people of Jodhpur have steadfastly maintained this tradition.

Ask a local why all the houses are painted thus and the usual reply is that the color keeps the interiors cool and fends of mosquitoes. Yet if this truly worked then it would be quite likely that the whole subcontinent would be awash in various hues of indigo.

More likely is symbolism. Although an unscientific response, what answer would most give when asked the color of water? It is likely that the ubiquitous blueness of Jodhpur is an exuberant display of human resilience against the stark Thar desert which surrounds the town. Against the bleak backdrop of parched brown earth the blue city exerts itself magnificently.

You might think that closer inspection would lessen the impact of the color, yet a look at many of Jodhpur’s streets immediately puts that idea to rest. The word unremitting springs immediately to mind.

The modern trappings of life go side by side with evidence that many people still live as simply as they have always done. Although Jodhpur was only founded in 1459, the state of Rajasthan is significant in Indian history as it formed the bedrock of the Indus Valley Civilization, thought to be one of the most ancient human civilizations on the planet.

Perhaps the color has a calming effect but humans and animals seem to coexist peacefully side by side in Jodhpur. Even with the animals, inter-species friendships are not unheard of.

Squatting above the city like a giant bird mourning its broken blue eggs is the mighty Mehrangarh Fort the foundations of which were built in 1459, the year in which the English knight John Fastolf died – to be immortalised much later by Shakespeare as Falstaff.

The fort was ordered by Rao Jodha the ruler of Rathore who had decided to move his capital there. One legend has it that in order for the fort to be built the only human resident, a hermit, had to be forcibly evicted.

He cursed Jodha with the words May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water! Although the ruler did eventually appease the hermit by building him a temple the city is still hit by drought every four years or so.

A much darker legend is that of Rajiya Bhambi. Jodha promised that his family would be looked after eternally if he did one thing for him. The request was that he would be buried alive in the foundations of the fort. Rajiya agreed. To this day his descendants still live in a blue house on the land they were gifted by the ruler which is known as Rajiya’s garden.

The color of Jodhpur tells the history – and makes it legend - of a populace who shaped a paradise in the heart of the heat and sandstorms of Rajasthan.

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What are the names for Santa Claus around the world

List of Santa Claus names all around the world

The jolly round man in the red suit goes by many names around the world. Yet his mission is universal: to spread holiday cheer to all. Let’s take a tour through the many names and faces of Santa.

Santa Claus

In the United States, Santa Claus’ modern-day look was solidified by this company. Inspired by this 1822 poem this Michigan-born illustrator created Santa Claus, replacing Thomas Nast’s caricatures.

Father Christmas

In this Western empire, Father Christmas evolved from an ancient festival, and a famous author created this character to depict him wearing a distinctive outfit

Sinterklaas

In this well-known holiday movie, a young girl sings about Sinterklaas with this man . In his native country, Sinterklaas is celebrated on this special day.

Saint Nicholas

Many trace Santa’s origins to Saint Nicholas, born in this century in what is modern-day Turkey. He went on to become a bishop. After his death, Nicholas became the patron saint of these people. Recently, Turkey asked Italy to do this for St. Nick.

Grandfather Frost

In these Eastern European cultures, Grandfather Frost is Santa’s equivalent. He’s also known by this name and brings gifts to children during these celebrations.


Odin

In ancient mythology, Odin holds many similarities to the modern-day Santa. He rides an 8-legged horse that, according to this 13th century text, has this magical ability.


Basil of Caesarea

In the East, Santa often means Basil of Caesarea, or St. Basil. He was a Christian bishop in this city in the former Asia Minor. On his feast day, families and friends in this country celebrate by serving this food, exchanging gifts and singing holiday songs.

Christmas Old Man

In this country, Christians celebrate the holiday and decorate with red pagodas, paper lanterns and flowers. Christmas Old Man leaves treats for children in these items.

Tomte

In this northern European region, the Santa legend is intertwined with the Nordic folklore of Tomte, evolving into a mythological creature. In a 19th century poem, the Tomte takes on modern-day flair as depicted in Jenny Nystrom’s famous image.

Pai Natal

In this South European nation , Santa is called Pai Natal, but children don’t have to wait for the jolly guy since gifts are given at this time. With all the presents opened, families and friends feast on this signature food.

Mikulas

In early December, this nation’s children put their footwear on windowsills for Mikulas, with slight variations of the Santa-like tradition in this nearby country. Most children receive a combination of sweets and this unfortunate item.

Papa Noel

Here, the Christmas season starts with this feast. Santa is called Papa Noel and children leave these items under the Christmas tree. But they have a second opportunity to receive gifts from these guys. Papa Noel is also the Santa of choice in these countries.

Santa’s Food

Just as Santa has many names and traditions around the world, children leave him many things to eat during his nocturnal voyage.

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Neon Guitars | Instrumental Lights neon sound-sensitive guitar

Rich Roland's Neon Guitars are Super Cool

The neon guitars designed by Rich Roland are instruments that anybody could own, even if they couldn’t play them.
Embedded with neon lights, this sound-sensitive guitar changes in lighting as different tunes are played. Ranging well over $10,000 a piece, these neon guitars by Rich Roland are a little over the price range of what most people can afford. However, these pieces are undeniably interesting nonetheless.

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How Do You Tell A Story Without Words

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