List of Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals
3/23/2019
List of Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals
When we think about Rajasthan, we think of colors and brightness, royalty and hospitality, celebrations, music, dance, culture, and tradition.
These Rajasthan fairs and festivals are stunning spectacles of vibrant colors, delectable delicacies, and traditional performances. The real experience of Rajasthan is never complete unless you have a taste of the myriad fairs and festivals that it has to offer. They are a celebration of life, culture, heritage, and nature, in true Rajasthani style.
Here are some of the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan you must experience at least once in your life.
Camel Festival
Where: Bikaner
Duration of Festival: 2 days
Attractions: Spectacular and unusual camel performances.
Bikaner’s Camel Festival showcases the creative side of the people as they perform various activities like camel decoration, camel hair cutting, camel milking, and camel dancing. Every year, the Camel Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art, and Culture of Bikaner, Government of Rajasthan. On the final day of the festival, there is a magnificent firework display that lights up the entire city of Bikaner.
Nagaur Fair
Where: Nagaur
Duration of Festival: 4 days
Attractions: Cattle Fair, Methi & Mirch (chillies)
Nagaur Fair provides the largest platform for trading cattle, cows, bullocks, oxen, camels, and horses. People wear vibrant dresses and grow long moustaches to add to the lively atmosphere. This fair is the second-largest cattle fair in India, where various games like tug-of-war, camel races, and cock fights are organized for the entertainment of tourists.
Mewar Festival
Where: Udaipur
Duration of Festival: 3 days
Attractions: Cultural performances on folk music
The Mewar Festival is one of the most important festivals of Udaipur. The rich culture of Rajasthan is at its best during this festival. Rajasthani women carry the statues of Isar and Gangaur towards Lake Pichola. The city of Udaipur is beautifully decorated with colorful streamers, signaling that a grand celebration is about to unfold.
Pushkar Fair
Where: Pushkar
Duration of Festival: 13 days
Attractions: A Camel Safari, Hot Air Ballooning
The Pushkar Fair is considered one of the biggest platforms to buy and sell camels, cattle, and horses. Although most of the trading happens before the fair, the event still remains a highlight. It is celebrated every year in the month of Kartik. Visitors can witness unusual performances such as camel dancing, bump riding, neck shaking, and more. The fair ends with live dance and music performances, celebrating the culture of Rajasthan.
Gangaur Festival
Where: All over Rajasthan
Duration of Festival: 18 days
Attractions: Reverence of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati
Gangaur Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, primarily by women, in honor of Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. Married women worship Gauri for marital bliss, while unmarried women pray for a good husband. The festival involves carrying the images of Isar and Gangaur in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city.
Desert Festival
Where: Jaisalmer
Duration of Festival: 3 days (Ends on the full moon day)
Attractions: Cultural shows, Camel races
The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of sandstones and magical castles. The three-day event includes camel rides, camel races, polo matches, turban-tying competitions, and other cultural performances, with a spectacular folk dance show on the last day.
Teej Fair
Where: All over Rajasthan (particularly in Jaipur)
Duration of Festival: 1 day
Attractions: Singing, swinging, and dancing
Teej Fair is a significant festival for women, celebrated in honor of Parvati, also known as Teej Mata. Women fast during the festival for marital happiness. The event is marked by singing, swinging, applying henna, and wearing jewelry. It’s a colorful occasion filled with joy and devotion.
Kite Festival
Where: Jodhpur
Attractions: Kite competitions, helicopter releasing kites, balloon releasing
The Kite Festival in Jodhpur is an iconic event that takes place in January as part of the harvest festival. This three-day festival is all about flying and floating kites. Highlights include kite competitions, helicopter-released kites, and hot-air balloon rides. Participants and spectators gather to celebrate the skies and take part in this lively spectacle.
Tejaji Fair
Where: Bikaner
Duration of Festival: 1 day
Attractions: Camel and horse races, Folk performances
Tejaji Fair is held in honor of Tejaji, a local Rajasthani deity, and it is celebrated with much fervor in the desert city of Bikaner. The highlight of this event is the horse and camel races, which provide a thrilling experience for the audience.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is undoubtedly a land of festivals, each distinct and offering a unique glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. The vibrancy, traditions, and spirit of celebration will leave you in awe of this land. Whether you are enjoying camel races, folk dances, or just soaking in the atmosphere, Rajasthan’s fairs and festivals are a wonderful way to experience its true essence.
