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Rajasthan is known as the most
vibrant, colorful and culturally rich state of India. The
vibrant and lively people of Rajasthan are famous for their
passion for colorful costumes, dance, music and various
festivals. In fact, the true color of Rajasthan can best be seen
in the colorful and passionate celebration of various festival
and fairs, all round the year.
The whole atmosphere in Rajasthan becomes vibrant and colorful
during festival seasons. Be it men or women, young or old,
everyone wear new and colorful costumes. Everywhere you can see
men wearing red turbans and women vibrantly colored lehangas and
odhnis, which show the joyous spirit and passion of the people
towards life. Various colorful cultural programs of folk dance
and music add to the charm of these fairs and festivals. |
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The people of Rajasthan are so vibrant and versatile that they celebrate
almost every occasion in the form of fairs, festivals and other cultural
programs. Be it the change of season, religious occasions or cattle
fairs, there is a festival for every occasion. In addition to
traditional fairs, many new festivals, involving elephants, camel races,
dance and music are being organized by the 'Rajasthan Tourism
Department' for the entertainment of tourists. The fairs and festivals
of Rajasthan provide the best opportunity for you to gain an insight
into the life of the Rajasthan..
I recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you are a part
of any of the following fairs and festival to truly know the
rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
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Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.)
Essentially an cattle fair, it provides an opportunity to
participate in some of the local sports.
Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of
every year)
A festival with a difference - as kites take to the sky all over
Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with lights in them and
fireworks brighten the skies above. The main celebrations are in
Jaipur and Jodhpur. If you like kite flying, you should be here.
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. Highly recommended. Be there.
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 tribal
from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who
join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord
Shiva.
Gangaur Festival, 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 participates.
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 colors. A show is organized 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
organized to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June)
Organized 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 Festival, Jaipur (July-August)
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Women dressed in
bright colors 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.
Kajli Teej, Bundi
(July-August)
Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways, while Teej is
celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, in Bundi
it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra.
Dussehra Festival, Kota (October)
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright
half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the
Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana.
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. Recommended.
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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