SafaWithTwitter trend grips Rajasthan politicians, public is not far behind

Jaipur: Red twitter and yellow twitter hashtags are passé. Rajasthan has thrown a colourful challenge with new hashtag #SafaWithTwitter. Tourism minister of Rajasthan, Vishvendra Singh Bharatpur started the trend by putting his picture in Rajasthani turban and nominated Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, Makrana MLA Ruparam and Parbatsar MLA Ramniwas Gawariya.

“We are committed to promoting tourism in Rajasthan and why not promote it with a symbol which stands for Rajasthan world over – the traditional turban. I have been overwhelmed by the response and hope that it becomes a global trend in the coming days.” Vishvendra Singh said.

Rajasthan has a traditional turban, not for each region but every caste group also wears a distinct turban. The individuality of turban is so much that one who has the knowledge about the cloth, colour and ties of the turban can recognize a person that he belongs to such area or caste. Even different social occasions and festivals call for different types and colors of turbans in Rajasthan.

The trend started by tourism minister Vishvendra Singh caught up not only with the Congress leader but few from Haryana and Madhya Pradesh also jumped in. Ruparam the congress MLA from Makrana became so overwhelmed with the concept that he put a picture in the traditional rural dress of Rajasthan – Dhoti, Kurta and Safa. Ramniwas Gawariya Congress MLA from Parbatsar in Nagaur lauded the concept and uploaded his picture also. “It is a nice initiative which will promote Rajasthan tourism both domestically and abroad,” Gawariya said.

Pratap Singh Kachriaywas, the transport minister put a picture in a turban wore in weddings in the Rajput community, Ashok Chandans, the sports minister posted many pictures including one in traditional lahariya pattern. Wazid Ali Khas, the Congress MLA from Nagar in Bharatpur posted picture in traditional Mewati turban. Pramod Jain Bhaya Minister for Mining posted pictures in turban representing the trading community in Rajasthan and Dausa MLA Murari Lal Meena was seen in a massive turban. Even the senior Congress leaders like Dr Jitendra Singh jumped in the fray and posted a picture in the traditional turban.

Chiranjeev Rao, Congress MLA from Rewari in Haryana and Pratibha Raghuwanshi, National General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress also posted their pictures in the turban. Rajasthani singer Rajnigandha Shekhawat also posted her picture wearing a turban.

The initiative to promote tourism in Rajasthan is being widely lauded on twitter and many people from all across the Rajasthan are jumping in with a diverse range of traditional turbans. “This is an invitation for people to come to Rajasthan and witness the vibrant colours we have to offer. We would continue to use the new age tool to promote Rajasthan tourism.” Vishvendra Singh said.