Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan


The colorful land of Rajasthan vibrates with the beats of musical instruments as it celebrates many fairs and festivals throughout the year. Some of the festivals commemorate great historical figures while many express devotion to the deities of different religions. Every celebration centers around the rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, exchanging goodwill, decorating houses, wearing new clothes, music, dance and festivals.

Pushkar Fair

Experience the breathtaking splendor of the culture of Rajasthan as you spend some time in the Pushkar Fair- the largest cattle fair in the world. Watch the exquisitely decorated camels, skilled performers exhibiting a variety of tricks and stunts and people dressed in colorful traditional attires enjoying the fiesta. It will be a time that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Gangaur

The 18 day long festival is dedicated to Goddess Gauri- a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Girls and married women throughout Rajasthan, with a tremendous amount of joy and enthusiasm celebrate the festival. During the festival, the images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. Colorful processions with decorated horses and palanquins give it a fascinating touch.

Elephant Festival

The elephant festival of Jaipur is sure to leave you spellbound. It is reputed as a festival where elephants stride majestically parading their decorated trunks and tusks. In addition to this, folk dancers at their entertaining best make it a fascinating spectacle. Be a spectator of the elephant races and elephant-polo matches and experience a totally distinct sport.

Urs

The otherwise barren land of Ajmer comes alive during the Urs. It is held every year during the first five days of Rajab (Seventh month of the Islamic Calendar) at the "dargah" of the Sufi Saint Khwaza Moin-Ud-Din Chsihti to commemorate his symbolic union with the god. Countless devotees from all corners of the world gather here to pay homage to the saint.

Marwar Festival

Marwar Festival is an ideal occasion to travel back to the time when the Rajput rulers ruled this land. It is a festival devoted mainly to the heroes and music and dance of the Marwar region. Major attraction of the festival include camel tattoo shows and camel race but it is the folk artist who bring to life the myth, legend and folklore of the Marwar region.

Camel Festival,Bikaner

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.

Nagaur Fair,Nagaur

Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.

Desert Festival,Jaisalmer

Held In the Month Of Jan-Feb it is 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.

Mewar Festival,Udaipur

Held In the Month Of March-April it is a festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions,devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates

Summer Festival, Mt.Abu

Held in the month of June, it is organised 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, Jaipur

Held In the Month of July-August it is a festival to mark the advent of monsoon.Processions,women dressed in bright colours 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.