Textile Association of India (Rajasthan Unit)

Introduction

It is not on the record as how the name of Bhilwara was ascribed to the which now forms the district Bhilwara. Tradition has it that it came to be known as Bhilwara because it was mostly inhabited by Bhils in old days. These Bhils were eventually driven away towards the hilly tracts and interior places of less importance by the ancestors of the peasant settlers. Ironically enough,now very few Bhils live in this area. Another version recounts that the present Bhilwara city had a mint where coins known as 'BHILADI' were minted and from this denomination was derived the name of the district. Over the years it has emerged out as the TEXTILE CITY of Rajasthan. Now a days ,Bhilwara is better known as the textile city in the country.

Location

The district Bhilwara is situated between 25°.00' to 27°.50' North Latitude and 74°.03' to 75°.25' East longitude. It is bounded in the north by Ajmer District, in the north-west, west and south west by Udaipur and Rajasamand district. In the south and south south-east by chittorgarh district. In the east and north east by Bundi and Tonk districts. The total length of the district from west to east is 144 km. while the breadth from North to south is 104 km approximately.

Climate

The District Bhilwara has a hot dry summer and bracing cold winter. The cold season is from December to February and is followed by hot summers from March to the last week of June. The south west Monsoon season which follows, last till about mid September. The period from mid September to about the end of November constitutes the post monsoon season.

Tourism in Bhilwara

Bhilwara is essentially an industrial town popular for its textiles industries. BHILWARA is called "Zoo of Minerals" for its huge stores of mica, soapstone, copper, feldspar, quartz, white clay and Garnet. Steel plants and glass factories can easily be spotted in and around Bhilwara.

Amongst the must checkouts in Bhilwara are the fort of Badnor, then there is a fortress and the palace of the ex-jagirdars of Benera.
Fairs and Festivals of Bhilwara

Revealing the rich and prosperous tradition and culture of Bhilwara are its many fairs and festivals including Ganesh Mela, Dhanop Mataji Mela, Ramdev Ji Ka Mela and Badnor Pashu Mela.

Places to Visit

Harni Mahadev (Famous shiv temple).
Bada Mandir (Famous Charbhuja Mandir).
Adinath Digamber Jain Mandir (R.K. Colony, Bhilwara)
Neelkanth Mahadev
Charbhuja Temple at Kotri
Sawai Bhoj Temple
Kalp Vraksh, 22 km from Bhilwara, near to Aamaa village.
Adhar Shila Mahadev (it is a famous shiv temple under a rock hung on only from a single place)
Shahpura Ramdwara - 45 km away at NW direction
Patula Mahadev
Ghata Rani. Famous for its more than 100 steps.PUR

Social & Culturel Significance

Besides Bhilwara's popularity in name of textile industry, it has a very strong cultural heritage base. Bhilwara is also famous for following cultural and social elements:
Art: Great Indian Miniature artist Badri Lal Chitrakar highlights the city on international maps for Indian Miniature Art. He has been given Shilp Guru award by Vice-President of India in September 9, 2006.
Gazak: famous sweet. It is made up of Til and famous around whole Rajasthan.
Sports: Bhilwara is the source of National Basketball team players. This city is considered to be the mine of basketball players. The well known basketball coach Priyadarshini Diwakar has trained many players in the city. His students are scattered around the world.
Shitala Devi Saptami: People from Bhilwara indulges themselves more on this festival as compared to Holi (a week before). People eat cold food on the day, as a dedication to celebrate last winter festival. Besides many other real stories are told behind it.