Rajasthan is a state where festivals
and fairs are an important facet of life and add colour and gaeity to it. People
from near and far come here to participate and enjoy the festive mood. Apart
from festivals like diwali,holi,navratri and the likes of such, which are celebrated
throughout the country, the festivals and fairs special and famous from this
state are as follows :
Camel
Festival, Bikaner (January):
Some unusual folk performances, camel race, camel dance, etc. performed during
this festival enchant this desert city of Bikaner which comes alive with music
and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity
to see such dances.
Nagaur Fair,Nagaur (Jan-Feb.):
Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some
of the local sports.
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.
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 offer
prayers to Lord Shiva.
Gangaur, Jaipur (March-April):
A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is thae
festival where young girls 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 celebrated in order to welcome the spring season, it includes a
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 colours. A show
is organised 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. The whole of Ajmer is in a festive spirit during the
festival and avariety of programmes are held to mark the ocassion.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June):
Held in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan, Folk dances and a general
atmosphere of gaiety prevails in the hill resort. The place remains chilled
in the month of June and tourists can have a good time and relax to watch
the fest.
Teej,
Jaipur (July-August):
This festival marks the advent of monsoon. Processions, women dressed in bright
colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. It is essentially a women’s
festival. And it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various
bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery. The festival is celebrated
throughout the country where Marwadi famalies reside.
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):
One of the most well-known, this fair held in the month of November each year
gathers a huge crowd and the largest number of people participate in the fair
when compared with any other fair held in Rajasthan. Pushkar is an important
pilgrimage as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions,
music and sports are a highlight of the event.
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