Hey Monica Gupta

Jaipur City (Pink City), City of Palaces is an understatement. The Maharajahs of the 14th Century created numerous palatial buildings throughout the city. Pink Palace, Amber Fort and Havelis. Oh yeah…we rode some elephants up to the palace about 10minutes. The mahouts (elephant drivers) were kind to the elephants….however I’m pretty sure ‘texting and riding’ should be banned.  

Marble inlay craftsmen from Agra have been producing marble artwork for centuries since the Taj Mahal was built. These skills are passed down from father to sons only for generations. This too will be obsolete within the next 20 years. Hand embroidery is another art form which will be lost to automation. The man in the shop said there were only 70 people left doing this form of embroidery.

Banarsi Silk weaving is an ancient tradition. It’s a dying art form and it’s anticipated once these senior artists stop working their skills go with them. These silk textiles are mostly made into sarees and scarves. The Bressler Silk House has been weavings skills for over 5 generations. The men I met today were extremely kind and gentle. One small scarf can take about 3 months to complete. Ganga Ghat puja is an evening prayer on the Ganges river. Walking towards the ghat, getting on the boat, face timing one of the pilgrims mom while traveling by the cremation ghats….priceless. A truly magical one of a lifetime experience. All of us are speechless.