Popular Festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan , the "Land of Kings," is a region where every day feels like a celebration, but its festivals take that joy to an entirely different level. The state is home to a variety of vibrant and unique festivals that showcase its rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and artistic brilliance. From religious festivals steeped in spiritual fervour to local fairs that highlight the splendour of Rajasthani art, music, and dance, there’s always something happening in Rajasthan to captivate travellers. These festivals are not just about celebration; they offer a deep insight into the lives of the Rajasthani people and their unwavering spirit.

Pushkar Camel Fair - The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most famous festivals in Rajasthan , attracting visitors from around the world. Held annually in the small town of Pushkar , the fair coincides with the holy Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik) and lasts for about ten days. The festival is an extraordinary spectacle of traditional Rajasthani culture, where thousands of camels, horses, and cattle are brought for trading. What makes the Pushkar Camel Fair special is not just the livestock trading, but also the incredible cultural performances, camel races, beauty contests (for camels!), and vibrant stalls offering Rajasthani handicrafts. Pushkar Fair is the largest camel trading event in the world. Enjoy cultural performances by local artists, including traditional Rajasthani folk music and dances like Kalbelia. The Holy Pushkar Lake, where pilgrims take a dip on Kartik Purnima, adds a spiritual dimension to the fair.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer - The Jaisalmer Desert Festival , held in the beautiful golden sands of the Thar Desert, is a must-attend event for those looking to immerse themselves in Rajasthani culture. Celebrated in February, the festival showcases the best of desert life. The event is filled with folk music, Kalbelia dances, camel races, turban-tying competitions, and even a "Mr. Desert" contest. Against the backdrop of the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, this festival highlights the unique charm of Rajasthan’s desert culture. Do enjoy camel polo, camel dance, camel races, folk performances by Rajasthani artists, and the beautiful backdrop of Sam Sand Dunes and Jaisalmer Fort, making it a magical setting.

3. Teej Festival

The Teej Festival celebrated across Rajasthan but particularly popular in Jaipur, is a festival that honours the monsoon season and the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women dressed in colourful traditional attire swing on elaborately decorated swings, sing devotional songs, and perform rituals for marital bliss and happiness. The festival is a celebration of womanhood and married life. The processions of Goddess Parvati, known as "Teej Mata," through the streets of Jaipur are a visual delight, with bedecked elephants, horses, and camels adding to the grandeur.

Special Features:

• The magnificent procession of Teej Mata in Jaipur.
• Traditional Rajasthani swings decorated with flowers.
• Women participating in devotional music and dance, celebrating marital bliss.

4. Gangaur Festival: The Gangaur Festival is another important festival for women, especially married women who worship Goddess Gauri (Parvati) for the health and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women also participate in the hope of being blessed with a good spouse. The festival is observed across Rajasthan, but Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur see the most elaborate celebrations. For tourists, the vibrant processions with beautifully dressed women carrying decorated clay idols of Gauri, along with folk music and dances, are a major attraction.

Special Features:

• Elaborate processions in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur.
• Women dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire, performing rituals and songs.
• The beautiful lake-side celebrations in Udaipur, making it a photogenic experience.

5. Mewar Festival: Celebrated in Udaipur, the Mewar Festival marks the advent of spring and is a symbol of the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. This festival coincides with the Gangaur Festival and sees the women of Udaipur adorning themselves with traditional jewellery and clothes. They carry images of Gauri to the Pichola Lake, where they are immersed in water after a grand procession. What sets the Mewar Festival apart is the focus on showcasing Rajasthani handicrafts, traditional music, and dance performances, along with the serene beauty of Udaipur's lakes.

Special Features:

• Colourful processions leading to Lake Pichola.
• Fireworks and cultural performances at Udaipur's City Palace.
• The vibrant atmosphere of the "Venice of the East," Udaipur.

6. Urs Festival, Ajmer

The Urs Festival in Ajmer is a major Islamic festival that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. It commemorates the death anniversary of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose dargah (shrine) is located in Ajmer. The six-day event is a time of prayer and devotion, with qawwalis (Sufi devotional music) performed at the dargah. The entire town of Ajmer comes alive with devotees, and the spiritual atmosphere is palpable.

Special Features:

• Devotional qawwali performances at the dargah.
• The distribution of "niyaz" (blessed food) among pilgrims.
• The spiritually charged atmosphere around the Ajmer Sharif.

7. Marwar Festival

Celebrated in Jodhpur, the Marwar Festival is dedicated to the valour and bravery of Rajput warriors. It is usually held in October and coincides with the Sharad Purnima (full moon night). The festival showcases the rich heritage of the Marwar region, with folk music, traditional dances, and performances that depict the tales of valiant Rajput kings. The festival takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Mandore Gardens, making it a visual treat for tourists.

Special Features:

• Rajasthani folk performances celebrating the bravery of Rajput warriors.
• Horse-riding, sword fights, and turban-tying competitions.
• The majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace as the festival venues.

8. Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, and Rajasthan is no exception. The entire state lights up with earthen lamps, fireworks, and colourful rangolis. Jaipur’s markets, especially Johari Bazaar, become a bustling hub of activity, adorned with vibrant decorations and illuminated lights. Families perform Lakshmi Puja (worship of the Goddess of Wealth) and celebrate with feasts, sweets, and gifts.

Special Features:

• Jaipur’s stunningly lit markets and palaces.
• Traditional Diwali celebrations with Lakshmi Puja and fireworks.
• The lively and joyful atmosphere in cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.

9. Holi

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with exuberance across Rajasthan. The royal families of Jaipur celebrate the festival with pomp, hosting grand events like "Elephant Festival," which features elephant parades, tug-of-war, and polo. In Udaipur, the royal family organizes a Holika Dahan ceremony, where an effigy of Holika is burned to mark the victory of good over evil. The festival is a riot of colors, music, dance, and festive cheer.

Special Features:

• Elephant parades and polo matches in Jaipur during Holi.
• The royal celebration of Holi in Udaipur with the Mewar family.
• The joyful atmosphere as people throw colored powders at each other.

Best Time to Explore Rajasthan and Enjoy These Festivals

Rajasthan is a state that can be explored year-round, but the best time to experience the festivals is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and many of the state’s most popular festivals, including Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival, and Diwali, take place during this period. Summers in Rajasthan can be harsh, especially in desert regions, so it's advisable to avoid the months of April to June for festival-related travel.

October to March: The Festival Season

• Pushkar Camel Fair: November (Kartik Purnima)
• Jaisalmer Desert Festival: February
• Marwar Festival: October (Sharad Purnima)
• Diwali: October-November
• Urs Festival: April (according to the Islamic calendar)
• Holi: March
• Teej Festival: July-August (though it’s worth attending even in the warmer months)

Visiting Rajasthan during the festival season allows tourists to witness the state’s vibrant culture at its best, with a plethora of colorful processions, fairs, and performances.

 

Tips for Foreign Tourists to Enjoy Festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s festivals are a magical experience for foreign tourists, but it’s important to be well-prepared for the journey. Festivals like the Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Festival are popular and attract large crowds, including international tourists. Accommodation in places like Jaisalmer, Pushkar, and Jaipur can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your hotels and transportation well in advance.