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Fair & Festival Calender of Rajasthan
Located in northwest in India, the state of Rajasthan is a land of brilliant colour and vibrant festivals. The state is at its most dazzling during the fairs and festivals which are celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others. In addition to the festivals, there are also the traditional fairs. Animal fairs, religious fairs and fairs to mark the changing seasons are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for the visitors to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthani people. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been specially organised for the tourists. Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb)
This is an animal fair that provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb)
This festival is one of the most popular of all festivals in the exotic state of Rajasthan. This festival is celebrated in the heart of desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer. The festival has its own charm. During the festival, many types of shows are organised. The show on the sands is so lively that that attracts even the much traveled visitors.
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb)
This is 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, Jaipur (March-April)
This festival is devoted to goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. In the festival, young girls dress up and decorate the idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Young girls pray for grooms of their choice and married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This festival is celebrated till 18 days.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April)
this festival is celebrated to greet the advent of spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April)
This festival is celebrated along with the festival of colours Holi. On this great occasion, people in a large gathering come to watch several elephant sports. They also play this festival of colours with a great zest. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar)
This festival is celebrated 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 organised to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt. Abu (June)
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 prevail in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August)
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions,women dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevail 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.
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.
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.
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