People familiar with Indian classical music must have heard Raag Malhaar. Malhaar is a Raag or Raga as some call it in Indian classical music. As per legends, Malhaar has the power to attract rain showers. This inspired a few painters & artists in Jaipur to start “Rang Malhaar” some 9 years ago switching “Raag” with “Rang”. The word Rang stands for color. Every year, these artists congregate in the month of July for a painting camp and paint together with the belief that they too can attract rain like Indian classical music singers singing Megh Malhaar. Unlike, many countries where rain is considered a nuisance, in India rain is equal to rejuvenation. Rain provides a respite from the long and hot summer months. It is a major source of irrigation for millions of Indian farmers. The entire weather cycle depends on the seasonal rain called Monsoon. Have you heard of the award-winning movie Monsoon Wedding by Mira Nair? I witnessed the Rang Malhaar at Anand Bihari Ji Temple in Jaipur situated in Chandni Chowk close to Jaipur City Palace and opposite Brij Nidhi Temple.
I visited Rang Malhaar on a Sunday afternoon. This was the first time I had the opportunity to do so. Last year the artists painted bicycles, this year they chose the traditional lanterns or lamps. Artists in Rang Malhaar paint on everyday objects rather than on a canvas. Why lamps? Because there is a strong connection between color & light.
The venue of the art camp was Anand Bihari Ji Temple, a heritage temple in Chandni Chowk, Jaipur City Palace. The temple façade was under renovation and scaffolding adorned its exteriors. I have never written about this temple but I have write-ups on other temples of Chandni Chowk – Pratapeshwar Temple and Brijnidhi Temple.
The office area was converted into a make-shift art camp. Not cent percent sure but probably a government department related to astronomy functions here. Even though space was limited but it didn’t hamper the creativity of artists.
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Some of the artists were painting in the open space on a terrace.
I interacted with a few artists. I was told that this art camp is a brainchild of Mr. Vidhyasagar Upadhaya, a well-known and recognized artist in Jaipur. In the current edition, this art camp was simultaneously held in all major cities of the state. The event is completely self-funded and there is no commercial interest. One can only be impressed with this information.
The artists who were busy painting in the open had to run for cover. I did not attend their final exhibition which took place the next day but I was impressed with the concept of an art camp.
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I’m not sure whether it is a coincidence or the power of Rang Malhar, it started raining within a few minutes.
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Seeing so many artists congregating irrespective of their levels or age is inspiring; I’m glad I chose to visit Rang Malhaar. We hardly get to see the lantern these days. I have only seen them in the modern café where they are used as a lampshade and never for their utility. It is true that what loses its use is only relegated to history and so shall the lantern. In current times, CFL and incandescent lamps have lost relevance, and LED is a way forward. Have you ever seen or attended such art camps? What do you think about them?
JaipurThruMyLens 
The colours are amazing ! And your photographs enchanting . Jaipur in the rains must be delightful.
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Thanks 🙏
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Thanks, Sunita! Yes, the entire landscape changes with the arrival of monsoon. The forest around Jaipur is monsoon forest. I have highlighted this in my previous post too.
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Will check it out
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What a great event and a terrific photo op! Well captured
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Thanks, Tina. Well, because of the overcast sky there was a problem with clicking pictures. Luckily, some of them were usable.
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Beautiful lanterns and what a wonderful way to bring in the monsoon season. Jaipur’s art scene is quite active with activities coinciding with seasons. 🙂 How do you keep track of it all?
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You are right Cheryl that Jaipur art scene is vibrant. To be honest, I don’t visit or attend all art events. I attend less than 10% of such events. Most such events are well covered in local dailies. Do you love art, Cheryl?
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Yep, I love art! Was quite into in school. 🙂
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great! Happy to learn this. 🙂
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This is beyond beautiful.
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I’m glad you liked it. Looks like there’s a hidden artist in you. 🙂
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As a passionate lover of Raag Malhaar, this event would be a perfect happening to attend, Arv! Is this an annual event? I’ll have to take part in it. 🙂
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Yes, Lydia. This is an annual event. Let me know if you need any further info. BTW, what aspect of this event attracted you?
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The lamps remind me my childhood in kolkata. Most of the days there would be load shutting and these lamps were handy.. There were many days when I had to use this lamp to do my homework.. It was surprising me when i saw the use of this lamp in Singapore by the Chinese. They lit this lamp on a wake to show that there has been a death in the neighbour. Light plays different roles in people’s life .. Wonderful picture😃
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So this post rekindled your childhood memories? I’m happy it struck a chord! well, the world is changing. Quite fast! Just imagine how important it was some 30-50 years ago, and now? I guess I missed what you described having seen in Singapore during mine visit. Thanks for this information. Thanks for appreciating and stopping by! 🙂
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It was my pleasure to come back the second time
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🙂
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I love the tricolor lantern so much.. all are unique and best for home decoration.. Next time when I will there definitely buy this masterpieces.. . #MyFriendAlexa #FlavorsofworldRead
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I haven’t seen such a beautiful art !! Lanterns took me back to my childhood !! My mom used to lit when there used to be power cut !! Every lantern is a masterpiece but Tricolor Lantern is my favorite !1
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Looking at Jaipur from this angle is wonderful. Wanting to visit the city from a long time. Will read the other posts too.
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