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Nathdwara is positioned at some 48 kilometers from Udaipur and is a small and a beautiful town set in the pastoral settings. It is a welcomed respite for the tourists. Built in the 18th century the exuberant town of Nathdwara is the land of one of the wealthiest Indian temples, miniature paintings, fine jewelry and vivacious festivals. It is one of the most preferred sites that regularly feature on the itinerary of the pilgrims who come to visit the temples and offer their prayers to the deities. Nathdwara is one of the best options of Excursions around Udaipur. The 'Havali' of Nathdwara whose sanctum is opened for eight times a day for the devotees to offer their prayers to Lord Shrinathji is a fine place to experience the artistic beauty of the land. The land that still embraces to the old history of the land reminds one of the royal past. Enjoy the bygone dress of the age of the rajas and the maharajas that the temple servants wear. Let your body sway to the classical music that is played live in the marble halls of the temple. The black stone statue of Lord Shrinathji is an incarnation of Lord Krishna when he lifted the Govardahana Hill. The temple houses over 500 cows of which one is believed to be that of Lord Shrinathji himself. The other temples that tourists come to see in Nathdwara are 'Banamali temple', 'Vitthalnath Temple' and many others. Nathdwara is famous for the variety of festivals that reflects the true colors of the rich tradition that India boasts of. The 'Annakuta' festival celebrated a day before the Diwali is one of the most auspicious occasions. On this day the people of this part worship the Govardahana Hill. An offering of 2,500 kilograms of rice is made to Lord Shrinathji of which a hill is made. Throughout the entire day the temple gates are kept closed only to be opened in the evening for the 'darshan' after which the event of looting of prasada takes place. The other festivals that are celebrated in Nathdwara are the 'Rose festival' celebrated in April when the deity takes a trip of the town on a silver chariot. A total of 10,000 mangoes are offered to him. The 'Jhulan Jatra' and the 'Janmashtami' are the other festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. What makes Nathdwara unique are the 'Pichhwai paintings' that reveals the expertise of the local Brahmin artists who produce this art on a piece of paper or cloth. These miniature paintings that represent Lord Krishna n various postures and mudras are sol at high prices in the international markets. In addition to these enjoy the handmade terracotta works that are in a word mind boggling.
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