Jaisalmer Fort

I have to admit that when I agreed to go to Jaisalmer for Diwali I had no idea what I was going to see there. I had heard from several people that it was well worth the time to visit. I knew there was a fort but that was about it. In my mind I was picturing another empty fort that had been restored and I could explore, wandering into each corner as I desired. I was not at all prepared for the vibrant, busy, packed living fort that Jaisalmer was. A fort that is not a cleaned up preserved historical site, but a glimpse at what it might have been like originally - intricate details on buildings, shops on the ground floor, apartments above. A main square where people still gather and talk. Animals that roam the streets, causing people to scurry out of the way. Canons overlooking the walls, aimed at whatever comes out of the desert. Jaisalmer has a living, breathing fort.

Diwali in Jaisalmer

I took the opportunity of five days off to head to Jaisalmer for the Diwali break. I realized (after a couple of nights of disturbed sleep due to the load bursts of fireworks going off in the middle of the city streets, echoing from the city walls) that this was the first time I had actually spent Diwali in a city that was celebrating it. Usually I head to someplace where I can escape. It was neat though, to see the small traditions that go along with the holiday, and get beyond the overwhelming noise of fireworks that accompany it as well. To see women setting out small oil lamps on their steps to light the night and drive away the darkness of evil spirits. The brightly colored rangoli welcoming the Goddess Lakshmi into homes. The the next morning when I went out early, watching the women carefully shaping mud into designs in front of their doorsteps, adding an incense stick, some rice, flowers or other items to show their wishes for the coming year. Then later, admiring the fancy dress as people took the day to visit their families. Yes, Jaisalmer got a bit crowded with Indian tourists for the holiday, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to see some of the small traditions that accompany the five days celebration.