Rajasthan Fairs & Festivals
The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt and nobody can really match
the gay abandon with which the Rajasthani surrenders himself to the numerous
fairs and festivals that are celebrated here.
There are animal fairs, to mark the chanting seasons. In fact, celebrations
occur almost round the year and provide the visitor with a splendid opportunity
to gain an insight in to the life of the Rajasthani. There is dancing,
singing, drama, devotional music and other community activities that can
enthrall the visitor.
Some of the more important fairs and festivals are the Desert Festival
of Jaisalmer (held in January- February), Pushkar Fair, held in Pushkar,
near Ajmer (November), Gangaur Festival, Jaipur (Murch- April ), Elephant
Festival, Jaipur (March- April ), Marwar Festival, Jodpur (October), Camel
Festival, Bikaner (January), Mewar Festival, Udaipur.
Listed here is a very small selection of the countless number of exciting
events that are held in Rajasthan throughout the year.
Nagaur Fair,Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially an animal fair, it
provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Desert Festival,Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.): One of the most popular
of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert,the golden
city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands
which attracts even the much traveled visitor.
Baneshwar Fair,Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.): A religious festival with
simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction
of a large number of tribals 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): A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati,the
consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their
finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray
for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with
various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival
of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival,Udaipur (March-April): A festival to welcome the
spring season. There is song, dance, processions,devotional music and
fireworks where almost everybody participate
Elephant Festival,Jaipur (March-April): A festival to celebrate
Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant
sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with
the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif,Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar): Held 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 prevails 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 prevails 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. here.
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