Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is known as the most vibrant, colorful and culturally rich state of India. The vibrant and lively people of Rajasthan are famous for their passion for colorful costumes, dance, music and various festivals. In fact, the true color of Rajasthan can best be seen in the colorful and passionate celebration of various festival and fairs, all round the year.

The whole atmosphere in Rajasthan becomes vibrant and colorful during festival seasons. Be it men or women, young or old, everyone wear new and colorful costumes. Everywhere you can see men wearing red turbans and women vibrantly colored lehangas and odhnis, which show the joyous spirit and passion of the people towards life. Various colorful cultural programs of folk dance and music add to the charm of these fairs and festivals.

The people of Rajasthan are so vibrant and versatile that they celebrate almost every occasion in the form of fairs, festivals and other cultural programs. Be it the change of season, religious occasions or cattle fairs, there is a festival for every occasion. In addition to traditional fairs, many new festivals, involving elephants, camel races, dance and music are being organized by the 'Rajasthan Tourism Department' for the entertainment of tourists. The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan provide the best opportunity for you to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthan. Among the better known fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are given below :

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Pushkar Fair
Ajmer (Nov.) On kartik poornima, thousands of pilgrims come to take bath in the holy water of the Pushkar lake. The fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its visual impact. Beautiful camels are also bought and sold. The visit to all the shrines is completed in seven days and is known as chaubis-kosi-parikrama.

Nagaur Fair
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. Exciting games and races are part of the festivities.

Elephant Festival
A festival where elephants are the centre of attraction. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers. Elephant races, elephant polo matches and a most interesting tug of war between elephants and men, are all parts of this spectacular event.

Gangaur
The most important local festival in Rajasthan, Gangaur celebrations last for 18 days. It is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. This is also an auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. Colourful procession with the town band playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle.

Urs
The Urs are held every year at the dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with god. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay homage. Qawalis and poems are presented in the saint's honour.

Teej
This swing festival welcomes the advent of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Women, colourful and attired, swing on them and sing songs in celebration.

Shilpigram Craft Mela
Some of the magnificent crafts of Rajasthan displayed at a colourful festival held in Udaipur.

Mewar Festival
Udaipur This festival welcomes spring, offering the best overview of Rajasthani culture through songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. Groups of women dressed in bright colors carry images in a procession to the gangaur ghat of Lake Pichola.

Desert Festival
Jaisalmer Desert festival of Jaisalmer is a magnifgicent spectacle of color, music and festivity. It coincides with the full moon in February when the cherished moments of its glorious past and rich colors are on display . The famous Gair dancers and the Fire dancers are the special highlights of the festival. Further excitement is in the air with the turban-lying competition and Mr. desert contest. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam sand dunes where one can have the pleasure of a camel ride and also view the musicians and dancers performing on the dunes.

Kartik Fair/Chandrabhaga Fair
Jhalawar (Oct./Nov.) A cattle fair which takes place at Chandrabhaga near Jhalarapatan. On kartik purnima day devotees throng this place and take a dip in the holy river.

Camel Festival
Bikaner Ships of desert begin there show with an enchanting procession. The camels enthrall visitors with their stunning feats and natural grace and the festival sways to the sound of joyous music. On this occasion various contests are also held.

Karni Mata Fair
Bikaner Celebrated on the ninth day of Navratra. It is held twice a year - April/May and Oct./Nov. Devotees come to Deshnoke to attend this fair and offerings are made to the charan mystic karni mata . This festival has a distinct religious flavour.

Summer Festival
Mount Abu (June) Mount Abu, the venue for the Summer festival, is covered with mango groves, beautiful bauhinia trees and thickets of wild berries. Rocks and lakes of Abu combined with the folk and classical music are a window to the tribal festivities.

Marwar Festival
Jodhpur Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, it was originally known as the "Maand Festival". Maand is a classical style of the folk music centered on the romantic life style of Rajasthan's rulers. It is held for two days during the full moon of sharad purnima.

Sitabari Fair
Sitabari Fair Kota (May-June) A small place near village Kelwara of Barran district, this fair of religious importance, is held from Baisakh sudi punam to Jeth amavas. The fair is at its peak on Chandra amavas and Padwa dooj. Thousands of people take a body dip in tanks called Sita kund, Laxman kund and Suraj kund. Sitabari marks the place where Sita was left by Lakshman in the forest.