Do you want to immerse yourself in the colourful festivals of Rajasthan? Keep reading!
Rajasthan is popular among tourists for its colourful festivals. The world-famous festivals of Rajasthan include the Pushkar Caml Festival, Rajasthan International Folk Festival and Jaipur Literature Festival. Tourists from all over the world flock to the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Pushkar to take part in these festivals. Other significant festivals of Rajasthan include Teej, Gangaur and the Desert Festival.
In this article, we have discussed about the best festivals in Rajasthan. Additionally, you will get to know the details like location, months, and key attractions of every festival.
Summary Table of All the Festivals
| Mewar Festival | Kite Festival |
| Teej | Desert Festival, Jaisalmer |
| Jaipur Literature Festival | Gangaur Festival |
| Elephant Festival | Nagaur Fair |
| Winter Festival | Bundi Utsav |
| Pushkar Camel Fair | Summer Festival, Mount Abu |
| Rajasthan International Folk Festival | Kumbhalgarh Festival |
| Kolayat Festival |
Mewar Festival
The residents of Udaipur city celebrate the Mewar festival with a lot of enthusiasm. This festival welcomes the spring season in Udaipur.
During the Mewar festival, you can see beautiful decorations and lightning in the shops of Udaipur. Additionally, women apply mehendi on their palms and dress up in traditional attire.
These women carry the idols of Goddess Parvati and walk through different regions of Udaipur city in a grand procession. After the end of this procession, travelers can see various dance performances, musical performances, and a fireworks show.
- Location– Udaipur
- Key attraction- Dance performances, beautiful decorations
- Month- March-April
- Duration– One to two days
- Activities – In Mewar festival, women dress in beautiful attire and traditional jewellery. Also, you can see the grand procession of Goddess Parvati in Udaipur.
Teej Festival
On the occasion of Teej, women seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati on Teej Festival for a happy married life. Also, women wear red sarees, apply henna, and swing on the branches of trees. Mothers gift sweets and bangles to their daughters. To witness the grandeur of this festival, tourists must visit Jaipur during Haryali Teej. However, the best place for Kajari teej is Bundi. Tourists can also witness the grand procession of Goddess Parvati in Jaipur.
- Location– In and around Jaipur
- Key Attraction– Special songs, worship of Lord Parvati
- Month- July-August
- Duration– One to two days
- Activities– Travelers can see a beautiful procession of Goddess Teej. This procession starts from Tripoli Gate and ends at Chougan Stadium in Jaipur.
Jaipur Literature Festival
Writers from all over the world visit Jaipur during the Jaipur Literature Festival. These include debut novelists, Nobel Laureates, and Booker Prize Winners. Various historians, businessmen, and sportsmen also attend this festival. There is no entrance fee for this festival. However, pre-registration is mandatory. Travelers can attend discussions, readings, and debates in the Diggi Palace of Jaipur. Apart from this, you can also see themed art installations and cultural events at this festival.
- Location– Jaipur
- Key attraction– Debates, discussions
- Month– January-February
- Duration- One week
- Activities– The most prominent activities in the Jaipur Literature Festival are reading, discussions, and debates.
Elephant Festival
Locals of Rajasthan paint the elephants with bright colours and make them wear jewellery on the occasion of Elephant. Festival. You can see earrings, bracelets, ornamental rugs, etc., on elephants.
Mahouts of elephants also wear beautiful turbans and decorative jackets while riding the elephants. Subsequently, the best-dressed elephant and mahout win a prize. Tourists can visit Jaipur Polo grounds to witness the vibrancy of this festival. You can also see a tug of war and an elephant race at this festival.
- Location- In and around Jaipur
- Key attraction– Elephant tug of war, elephant race
- Month– February to March
- Duration– One day
- Activities– Tourists can witness a variety of events in the Elephant Festival. These include elephant race, tug of war and elephant decoration.
Winter Festival
Rajasthan Tourism Department organizes the Mount Abu Winter Festival to attract tourists from all over India. Travelers can see a lot of fun activities during this festival. Also, residents perform many folk dances and traditional musical performances during this time. These include Ghoomar and Gair dance and music performances. Apart from this, many people participate in the sports events at this festival. These sports events include boating and cricket matches.
- Location– Mount Abu
- Key Attraction– Folk dance, musical performance
- Month– March/ April
- Duration– Three days
- Activities– The activities in the winter festival include cricket competitions, rowing competitions and water sports.
Pushkar Camel Fair
The Pushkar Camel fair is a must-attend festival in Rajasthan. Held in Pushkar annually, this festival celebrates the camel culture of Rajasthan. It also maintains the tradition of livestock trading in Rajasthan. Thousands of livestock traders and camels gather from all over India to celebrate this festival. The main attractions of this festival are camel and horse races. Other than this, tourists can also attend live music performances in open theatres.
- Location– Pushkar
- Key Attraction– Matka phod and bridal competition
- Months – October and November
- Duration– 5 days
- Activities– Activities of Pushkar Fair include matka phod competition and longest moustache competitions. Also, you can see camel aerobics and camel race.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival is held annually in Jodhpur to celebrate the traditional music of Rajasthan. Rajasthanis boast about their cultural lifestyle at the RIFF festival. More than 250 artists from all over the world attend this festival. These include traditional Indian musicians and Grammy Award winners. Tourists must attend this festival to hear a fusion of Indian and international music. UNESCO has also recognised this festival as a platform for creativity and sustainable development.
- Location– Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
- Key Attraction– Music performances, cultural shows
- Month– October
- Duration– 5 days
- Activities– Activities of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival are music concerts and cultural shows.
Kolayat Festival
Also known as the Kapil Muni Fair, the Kolayat festival is celebrated in the memory of an ancient sage, Kapila. Locals believe that Kapila was an avatar of Lord Vishnu. You can witness the vibrancy of this festival on the banks of Kolayat Lake. Additionally, residents decorate the 52 ghats around the Kolayat Lake beautifully. Devotees also conduct poojas and offer milk, sweetmeats, etc., to the idols in the Kolayat Temple. In the evening, you can see various oil lamps floating on the Kolayat Lake.
- Location- Bikaner
- Key Attractions– Decorations on 52 ghats of Kolayat Lake
- Month– November
- Duration– 10 days
- Activities– During the Kolayat Festival, devotees dive into holy water and decorate the 52 ghats around Kolayat Lake. Residents of Bikaner trade livestock, and the best breeder gets various awards.
Kite Festival
The kite festival of Rajasthan is also known as Makar Sankranti. This festival celebrates the end of the winter season in Rajasthan. On the occasion of this festival, the sky of cities in Rajasthan is filled with various kites.
Tourists must visit the cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur to enjoy this festival. On Makar Sankranti, devotees take a dip in the Galtaji River and worship the Sun God. Also, many people close their shops to take part in the kite flying competitions. Residents also enjoy traditional sweets like Gajak and Til ke Laddu.
- Location– Jaipur, Jodhpur
- Key Attractions– Colourful kites, traditional sweets
- Date– 14th January
- Duration- One day
- Activities– People in Jaipur and Jodhpur fly various kites on the occasion of Kite festival. Also, they pray to the sun God and enjoy traditional sweets.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer introduces the culture of Rajasthan to foreigners. Tourists can celebrate this festival with the locals in the Thar Desert of Jaisalmer. Highlights of this festival include camel races, turban-tying competitions, and best moustache competitions. Tourists can select the winner of the best moustache competition and click pictures with him. Also, you can enjoy cultural music and dance performances at the Desert Festival.
- Location- Desert of Jaisalmer
- Key Attractions– Camel races, best moustache competition
- Month– February
- Duration– 3 days
- Activities– Activities of Desert Festival include camel polo, camel races, turban tying competitions and best moustache competitions.
Gangaur Festival
Rajasthanis celebrate the Gangaur Festival with great joy all across the state. This festival is celebrated in honour of Goddess Parvati. On the occasion of Gangaur, women pray to Goddess Parvati for a happy marital life and the wealth of their husbands. Also, women observe fast and dress up in beautiful sarees and traditional clothes. Moreover, elders gift earthen pots to the women, which they break on the last day of Gangaur.
- Location– In and around Jaipur
- Key Attractions– Ghewar (Rajasthani sweet), women dressed in traditional dresses
- Months– March-April
- Duration- 18 days
- Activities– Activities of the Gangaur Festival include worship of Goddess Parvati, breaking of earthen pots, and procession of Goddess Parvati.
Nagaur Fair
The Nagaur Fair is organized to trade cattle in Rajasthan. Cattle traders from all across Rajasthan attend the Nagaur Fair. Additionally, tourists can ride on cattle and try mouth-watering Rajasthani food at this fair. Other than cattle, you can also see a variety of camels and horses. Cattle traders decorate their cattle with beautiful accessories and costumes. Other attractions of this fair are sports events like tug of war and camel races.
- Location– Nagaur town
- Key Attractions– Livestock trading, Sports events
- Months– February
- Duration– 8 days
- Activities– Travellers can ride on camels, enjoy sports events and try delicious Rajasthan cuisine at Nagaur Fair.
Bundi Utsav
The Tourism Department of Rajasthan organizes the Bundi Utsav to celebrate the culture of Bundi city. On the occasion of this festival, you can take part in various sporting events and watch traditional music and dance performances. Additionally, the tourism department encourages sightseeing for foreigners. Another important in this event is the Shobha Yatra. In this yatra, women walk with pitchers on their heads.
- Location– Bundi, Rajasthan
- Key Attractions– Shobha Yatra, Sports events
- Months– November
- Duration– Two to three days
- Activities– Activities of the Bundi Festival include Shobha Yatra, musical performances, dance performances and a firework display.
Summer Festival, Mount Abu
The Mount Abu Summer Festival celebrates the culture of the residents of Mount Abu. This festival is observed on the day of Buddha Poornima. Travellers can see elaborate ceremonies with colourful processions. You can also enjoy the music of local musicians. Qawali lovers can attend the event of Sham-e-Qawali. Other essential events of this festival include boat races on Naki Lake and performances of Ghoomar artists.
- Location– Mount Abu
- Key Attractions– Sham-e-Qawali, boat races
- Months– May
- Duration– Three days
- Activities– Activities of Mount Abu Summer Festival are a skating race, boat race, skater’s show, deepdan, CRPF Band show, etc.
Kumbhalgarh Festival
Residents of Kumbhalgarh celebrate Kumbhalgarh Festival in a medieval fortress. This fortress was constructed in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha to protect the region from invaders.
Rajasthan Tourism Department started organising the Kumbhalgarh Festival to promote the rich culture of Kumbhalgarh. Also, you can see music performances by Rajasthani artists during this festival. Tourists can participate in events like tug of war and musical chairs.
- Location-Kumbhalgarh
- Key Attractions– Musical performances, Tug of war
- Months– January
- Duration– 3 days
- Activities– Activities of the Kumbhalgarh Festival are mehendi designing, tug of war, turban tying, musical performances, etc.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is a wonderful state with a lot of colorful festivals. These festivals celebrate the beliefs and culture of the Rajasthani people. You must visit Rajasthan to witness the vibrancy of these festivals. The most prominent among these festivals are the Pushkar Camel Fair, Teej, Mewar and Gangaur. Travelers can see folk performances, attend various events and try delicious Rajasthani cuisine on the occasion of these festivals. Additionally, you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture of Rajasthan. If you are also interested in taking part in the vibrant festivals of Rajasthan, book our Rajasthan Tour Package for a joyful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some famous festivals of Rajasthan?
Some famous festivals of Rajasthan include Gangaur, Teej, Holi and Camel Festival.
Q: Which are the best winter fairs and festivals in Rajasthan?
The best winter fairs and festivals in Rajasthan are Pushkar Fair, Camel Festival and Kolayat Festival.
Q: Which are the best summer festivals in Rajasthan?
The best summer festivals in Rajasthan include the summer festival of Mount Abu, Teej and the Elephant Fair.
Q: Which is the main festival of Rajasthan?
Gangaur is the main festival of Rajasthan.
Q: Why are festivals in Rajasthan important?
Festivals in Rajasthan are important because they celebrate the culture and rich history of Rajasthan.
Q: When should I visit Rajasthan to celebrate festivals?
You should visit Rajasthan in the winter season to celebrate festivals. This is because many famous festivals like the Kite festival and Nagaur are celebrated in the winter season.
Q: Which cities are the best cities for festivals in Rajasthan?
The best cities for festivals in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Jodhpur and Pushkar.
Q: What should tourists keep in mind to celebrate the festivals in Rajasthan?
Tourists should respect the rituals of festivals in Rajasthan. Also, they should dress according to the festivals.
Q: What are the best markets to shop during festivals in Rajasthan?
The best markets to shop during festivals in Rajasthan include Johri Bazaar, Clock Tower Market and Sardar Market.
Q: Why are the festivals of Rajasthan significant?
Festivals of Rajasthan are significant as they celebrate the rich culture and history of Rajasthan. These festivals also bring a feeling of happiness and unity among people.
Q. What is the best time to visit Rajasthan to enjoy festivals?
The best time to visit Rajasthan to enjoy festivals is between November and January. This is because most popular festivals of Rajasthan are celebrated in these months. These include the Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival, Nagaur Festival, Kumbhalgarh Festival, etc.
