Why Jodhpur’s Old City Streets Are Painted Blue: The History Behind Rajasthan’s ‘Blue City’

The narrow lanes of Jodhpur’s old city are lined with houses painted in varying shades of blue, a visual identity that has become synonymous with the city’s nickname, the ‘Blue City’. Historically, the practice began with Brahmin families who used the colour to signify peace and to keep insects away, as the pigment was believed to have repellent properties.

Over time, the custom spread to other communities, especially merchants, who adopted the hue to convey prosperity and to distinguish their homes from those in neighbouring towns. The blue coating also helped retain moisture in the arid climate, keeping interiors cooler during scorching summer days.

In recent decades, local authorities and tourism promoters have encouraged the continuation of the blue paint scheme to enhance Jodhpur’s appeal to visitors, turning the tradition into a cultural brand that draws domestic and international tourists alike.