Rajasthan offers of variety of options for tourists for sightseeing. Tourists come to Western Rajasthan to witness the various shining examples of culture from different ages, which is on display across the state. One such place is Bishnoi village near Jodhpur. Jodhpur, also known as the ‘blue city’ is the gateway to the beautiful village located 22 km away from the city limits.
Bishnoi village, though relatively small in size compared to cities or even towns of Rajasthan; attracts tourists from all over India and the world. People of Bishnoi village, for centuries as part of their religious belief are famed as people who worship the blackbuck deer.
The word ‘Bishnoi’ translates into the number 29, and represents 29 principles that villagers live by, over and above their occupation; wherever they live. Today people from Bishnoi village have spread across various parts of India including other parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh; but zealously follow the 29 principles, laid down by Guru Jambheshwar or Jambaji in the 15th century (1485 AD precisely), the founder of their sect. Guru Jambheshwar, the sect founder had declared the blackbuck deer as his manifestation after his death. The villagers consider him as a reincarnation of Lord Krishna, and his teachings are considered divine. As such blackbuck deer holds a special place in their heart.
Out of 29 principles propagated by Guru Jambaji; 10 relate to personal hygiene and good health, 7 to healthy social behavior, 4 to gods’ worship, and 8 to preserving and care the biosphere. Bishnoi people are known to actively protect wildlife in their surroundings from poachers and hunters, and killing animals and felling trees is strictly banned from them. The only animal product they use is cow, sheep, camel, and goat milk. Bishnoi people follow these principles on a daily basis. As such respect for nature is ingrained into them since childhood and the villagers are even ready to sacrifice their lives for them.
The aura surrounding the lives of the people of Bishnoi village makes it a popular tourist destination. The awe-inspiring influence of their culture forces tourists to spend time with them to know more about them. The people of the Bishnoi sect, living in several neighboring villages are known for their simplicity and are always open to sharing their culture, and knowledge about nature with visitors. They enthusiastically share tales of their ancestors, and insights into their lives, arts, and culture. The people of Bishnoi villages eagerly take part in a ‘village safari’ tour for visitors, which was initially started by Jodhpur royals to let visitors get a glimpse into their extraordinary.
Tourists can either enjoy the jeep safari or camel safari nearby Bishnoi villages; visit ‘potters’ or Singhasni village; Salawas or ‘weavers’ village. Basically, these villages of the Bishnoi community showcase their occupations. Near the main Bishnoi village is the famed Khejarli village. The legend goes that in 1730 when the Maharaja of Jodhpur wanted to build a new palace, he sent his troops to the village to gather wood for construction. Led by Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman, villagers literally hugged a tree, proclaiming a chopped head was cheaper than a felled tree, resulting in 363 people being killed. The Maharaja of Jodhpur, upon hearing this, rushed to the village to apologize for the deaths; and passed a royal decree that banned the killing of animals and felling trees. That royal order stands to this day.
The tourist can also visit the Guda village and the natural Guda Bishnoi Lake for birdwatching. As Bishnoi tribals worship Lord Vishnu and are strict vegetarians, they make an all-out effort to keep their village and surrounding green. The surrounding areas of Guda village are not only perfect picnic spot with family but is also replete with wildlife, and their efforts have made it a birdwatchers’ paradise. Tourists can watch numerous varieties of birds like peacocks, Great Indian Bustard, partridges, and many migratory birds like dumessille crane; animals like blackbuck, chinkara, chowsingha, gazelle, rabbits, nilgai, wild fox, jackal, antelopes roaming around freely.
There is also the shepherd’s village, where visitors go to capture real-life photos of the village lifestyle. At the Kankani or Block Printers Village, tourists can see beautiful block printing work going on. Bishnoi’s as eco-friendly community that is famed for its rich culture. As staunch worshippers of nature in all forms, especially plant and animal life; the people of Bishnoi village situated between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, is full of trees and animals and known for its flora and fauna. All these make large swaths of land around the Bishnoi village near Jodhpur, Rajasthan situated along the river Luni, a major green belt in Rajasthan.
Tourists as part of the village safari can also visit some Bishnoi temples like the one in Jajiwal village, which is famed for being a rescue center for injured animals. The temple priest diligently cares for and nurses injured animals and birds back to health, before releasing them into the fields nearby. Tourists can also participate in Amal Sabha, a celebration of friendship with the highlight being opium brewing. The Bishnoi people are known to consume opium regularly and in small quantities, as it is an important part of their religious rituals, as it helps strengthen their bodies. However, women, in general, are not allowed to be part of this ceremony.
The best time to visit Bishnoi Villages is in the winter season from October to March when the weather is cool and breezy. Tourists can also visit during monsoon, but summer from March to July is best avoided. Tourists can either stay in hotels in Jodhpur or can stay in the Bishnoi Village Camp and Resort, to experience the perfect blend of nature, luxury, and village stay. They can even choose a homestay with local villagers, for an authentic rural experience in a Rajasthani tribal village home. Tourists can reach the Bishnoi village from Jodhpur by hiring a private taxi or bus. Jodhpur is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from any part of India.
