The vibrant state of Rajasthan’s calendar is dotted with many fairs and festivals throughout the year. People here love to socialise and dress up – a perfect recipe for having a fair! We list the prominent ones here as a quick guide :
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.) :
Essentially a 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.
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. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor. Highly recommended. Be there. Believe us, you wouldn’t have seen anything like this anywhere else!
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.) :
A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction for a large number of tribal folk from the neighbouring 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 colours. A show is organised 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 shows are organised to mark the festivities.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June) :
Organised in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this place is the coldest 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. 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. See the brightest of the hues here women’s clothing.
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. Highly 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.
