Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan

Perhaps Rajasthan is most known for its royal monuments like the Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Taragarh Fort, City Palace and Museum (Jaipur) etc. but the state is also famous for its vibrant events such as the Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival and so on. Spreading across the year, the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan draw millions of visitors from across the world. Rajasthan’s fairs and festivals presents of a kaleidoscope of colours, a delightful mixture of sights and sounds, culture and craft. In fact, if you wish to experience the rich traditions of Rajasthan and running short of time, then weave your itinerary around the fairs and festivals, you will not be disappointed. By participating in the exhilarating you can experience the unmatched and unforgettable charm of Rajasthan.

Cattle Fair, Nagaur (January-February) : Considered as second biggest fair of the country, Cattle fair witnesses the trading of 70,000 cattle annually. Usually held around the months of Jan-Feb, the four-day festival fires a spirit of conviviality in visitors and locals as well. Cattle Fair is known for a variety of fun-filled activities such as camel races, cock fights and the thrilling tug of war. Cattle Fair is famous for Marwari horses with incurving ears that arch at the tips like a lyre, honey-coloured Nagauri bullocks and long-lashed camels. Apart from cattle, the people also add to the charm of the Cattle Fair.

It is interesting to see Rajashtan women stunning in their flowing skirts, gold earings and a seductive glint in their eyes. Whereas local men donning colourful turbans provide a distinct aura to the fair. Wooden and leather handicrafts and red chillies market are other attractions of this fair. At dusk, Nagaur is caught up in soothing music and invigorating dance.

Camel Festival (January) : Celebrated annually in Bikaner, Camel Festival is more or less like a carnival. As its name suggests, camels are the highlight of this festival. The festival is marked by numerous interesting performances by the trained camels. Besides, the rich dance and music in the background,make the whole scene more charming.

Desert Festival (February) : During winters the Thar desert promises warm, balmy days and invigorating nights, which is also the time for celebration at sam sand dunes. Welcome to the Desert Festival of Rajashtan, which is held in the month of February on the Sam Sand Dunes, just 42 kms away from Jaisalmer. Rajasthani fairs and festivals means plethora of thrilling activities, and the Desert Festival offers the same to quench your thirst for joy and enjoyment.

Desert Festival is a cultural platform for the rich music and dance tradition of the state. Here you will meet men with moustaches so long you could only imagine. These men stroke and twirl their hairy prized possessions and participate in the ‘Mr Desert’ contest. The Desert Festival is also renowned for the turban-tying competition in which participants try to turn the long colourful fabric into turbans. You can catch the puppet shows, ballads, dances and snake-charmers who enliven the festival. By the progress of evening, Sam sand dunes come alive to the balladeers’ soulful songs of the soldier kings and their consorts as the puppeteers dramatise the epics.

Rajasthan Diwas (21-30 March) : Every year in the month of March, Rajasthan celebrates its foundation day. Rajasthan Diwas is the day of the unification of erstwhile princely states and the state of Rajasthan. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the festival features traditional and rural sports like kho-kho, camel cart races and elephant polo. ‘Run for Rajasthan’ is the highlight of the Rajashtan Diwas in which 32 torches are lit and brought to Jaipur by runners. As part of the festivities, local bazaars of Jaipur remain open late into the night and it offer interesting local textiles and handicrafts. You can also savour delectable local cuisine during the festival. Great entertainment including cultural shows and ghazal evening make the festival alive. Rajashtan Diwas commemorates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Pushkar Fair (November): One of the important pilgrimage spot for Hindus,Pushkar is known world over for its small and big temples, serene lakes and colourful ghats. Above all, Pushkar has earned the international fame due to annual camel fair which draws lakhs of people from all over the world. Pushkar fair is held for one week during which massive trading of cattle takes place. With its fun-filled activities the fair gives a much needed break to the visitors and locals who lead a harsh life in the arid deserts. In addition, devotees usually take a holy dip in the waters of Pushkar lake and worship in the temples.

Other Popular festivals of Rajasthan: Kite Festival (January), Shekhawati Fair (February),Elephant Festival (March), Mewar Festival (March), Gangaur Festival (March-April) and Teej Festival (July-August)