|
Pushkar Fair, Pushkar (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.
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. |