The Maharaja of Jodhpur hosts the passionately celebrated Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup for the third year in a row. It is the sport of princes and kings. It is the pastime that made history and set new standards in glamour and elegance. It is the game of polo. Among the principal events of the Indian polo calendar and one of the most pedigreed polo events in the world, the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup is sponsored by luxury brand Royal Salute.
A 21 Year Old Scotch whisky launched in tribute to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Salute has been associated with the spirit and energy of polo for several years. The event has undisputedly put Jodhpur on the international sporting map, pulling in participants and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world. Held between December 26 and 30 in the sprawling foothills of the Royal Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, this is a 10 goal by invitation only event.
It is a rare and engaging affair, hosted with great pomp and pageantry by The Maharaja of Jodhpur, with a long line of celebrities and dignitaries in attendance. In the earlier years, for instance, there were His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar, the British High Commissioner, His Grace the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquill Ian Campbell and other luminaries.
Jodhpurs own association with the sport can be traced back several centuries to the Moghuls. In the Miniature paintings at the magnificent Meharangarh Fort museum, youll see how the Rathores – Jodhpurs Royal Family – played polo with the Moghuls who had brought down the tradition from Persia as a military training exercise.
Mehrangarh Fort exemplifies royalty and an extravagant way of living, a throwback to the earlier years when grace and chivalry were at their zenith. Towering over the desert landscape, the fort is a must – see if youre a fan of history. The Fort museum houses royal artifacts like the palanquins used by Rathore queens, a silver howdah presented by Emperor Shahjahan to the Rathore king Jaswant Singh 1, and even Emperor Akbars sword.
Should you decide to visit Jodhpur in time for the polo season, theres lots more to do. Like attending parties at venues like Ranbanka Palace, Reggies, Umaid Bhawan, etc. Or spurring up for a great fashion experience at the Royal Salute Ball at Umaid Palace, with contemporary Indian designer Mandira Wirk and her opulently crafted Chantely woven brocade, velvet, jacquard, satin silk, lurex and chiffon gowns, lehengas, and concept sarees. Or hanging out at the Jodhpur Polo grounds on the day of the finals, to discover equestrian – aficionado Rina Shahs Rinaldi Polo range of sporty bags, belts, scarves and boots – the very same brand that Natalie Portman, Pamela Anderson, Goldie Hawn and Naomi Campbell have been seen sporting.
To complement all that exploring, comfortable stay options include the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ranbanka Palace, Vivanta by Taj – Hari Mahal, Raas Haveli, Ajit Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Palace and Reggies Camel Camp, Osian.
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