The
Rajasthani's love for color and joyous celebrations,
music, dance and festivals makes it one of the most
colorful desert in the world. We have numerous fairs
and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals
celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others, there
are also the traditional fairs.
I recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you
are a part of any of the following fairs and festival
to truly know the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur
(Jan-Feb.)
Essentially an cattle fair, it provides an opportunity
to participate in some of the local sports.
Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of every year)
A festival with a difference - as kites take to the
sky all over Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with
lights in them and fireworks brighten the skies above.
The main celebrations are in Jaipur and Jodhpur. If
you like kite flying, you should be here.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
(Jan-Feb.)
One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey
into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer
that has a charm of its own. A true show on
the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor.
Highly recommended. Be there.
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.)
A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals.
This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number
of tribal from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh
and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan
in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Gangaur Festival,
Jaipur (March-April)
A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort
of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress
up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice
while the married women pray for the well-being of
their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with
various activities and culminates in a grand procession
marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April)
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is
song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks
where almost everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April)
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion
for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and
also play this festival of colors. A show is organized
with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif,
Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar)
Held in the memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja
Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands
of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer
their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive
air and several programmes are organized to mark the
festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu
(June)
Organized in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this
is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk
dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails
in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample
time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej Festival, Jaipur
(July-August)
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Women dressed
in bright colors and a lot of merriment prevails during
Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting
to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars
where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Kajli Teej, Bundi (July-August)
Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways,
while Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month
of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the third
day of the month of Bhadra.
Dussehra Festival,
Kota (October)
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of
the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known
as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of
the victory of Ram over Ravana.
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
(October)
A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of
the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows
the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions
of this part of the state.
Pushkar Fair, Ajmer (November)
The well-known and marked with largest participation
of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important
pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle
fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight
of this event. Recommended.
Camel Festival, Bikaner
(January)
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music
and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor
finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances,
camel, race camel dance etc. here.
     
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