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| Fairs
and Festivals of Rajasthan |
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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.
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.
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb)
Essentially an cattle fair, it provides
an opportunity to participate in some of
the local sports.
Kite Festival (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.
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.
Dussehra Festival
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. |
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