Festivals of Rajasthan
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.):
One of the most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer
Desert festival is a journey into the heart of the Rajasthan desert,
the golden city of Jaisalmer. A true show on the sands which attracts
even the much traveled visitor. Folk performers like musicians, ballad
singers, snake charmers, and puppeteers all exhibit their traditional
skills. There are exciting camel dances, camel acrobatics, camel races,
and camel polo, competitions for the best decorated camel, tug-of-war
between musclemen, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest.
The culmination is a sound and light spectacle on a moonlit night
amidst sand dunes.
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.
Gangaur Festival (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.
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. Organized by the Department
of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Marwar Festival was originally
known as the Maand Festival. Maand is a classical style of folk music
centered on the romantic life style of Rajasthan's rulers, and Maand
Raag recreates the old world charm and graceful dances of the desert.
A must for those interested in folk music during their holidays in
Rajasthan.
Camel Festival, Bikaner (January):
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance during
the famed Camel Festival of Bikaner. It is fast gaining popularity
as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances,
camel, race camel dance etc.
Teej Festival, 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.
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.):
Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate
in some of the local sports. Situated half way between Bikaner and
Jodhpur, Nagaur awakens with the thronging of cattle, horses and camels
accompanied by their colorfully turbaned owners. There is earnest
bargaining between owners and buyers, and plenty of fun and festivity.
Games, tug-of-war contests, camel races and strains of ballads create
a joyful atmosphere with the setting sun in the background.
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.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April):
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions,
devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.
Not to be missed during your Rajasthan tour and travel.
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 festival.
Summer Festival, Mount 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.
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