When we talk about Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan a picture of vibrant colours, Rajasthani attires, the performance of folk songs and dances comes into the mind. There are various fairs and festivals that are celebrated in Rajasthan. All these fairs and festivals feature the culture, traditions, and legacy of Rajasthan. The atmosphere becomes alive with song and dance during the festival time. Some of the festivals are religious and traditional and others are cultural. Travellers especially demand to include one of the festivals in their tour program if they are coming to India during festival time.
We are suggesting a list of some most famous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan which you must experience at least once in your lifetime.
1. Pushkar Festival, Pushkar
It is celebrated every year on Karthik Purnima in Pushkar. The number of sports and cultural events can be seen in this fair. Apart from these events, one can witness the trading of approx. 50,000 camels and other cattles.
2. Nagaur Festival, Nagaur
It is also known as the Ramdeoji cattle fair. Travellers can witness the presence of approx 70,000 cattle and their trading by local people of nearby rural areas.
3. Rajasthan International Folk Festival - RIFF, Jodhpur
This five-day-long festival at Mehrangarh fort offers a platform to more than 200 artists to show their creativity. It is a showcase of fusion of Indian and International music.
4. Teej Festival, Jaipur
It is a monsoon festival. It is celebrated by women of Rajasthan for the occasion of the reunion of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. They wear colourful traditional dresses and apply Henna on their hands.
5. Gangaur Festival, Jaipur
One of the most famous festivals of Rajasthan celebrated with great passion and happiness in the honour of the goddess Parvati by the women and girls of Rajasthan. They keep fast and eat only once during this festive time.
6. Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur
It is known as “Kumbh Mela of literary festival” held every year in the pink city of India - Jaipur. Greatest thinkers, Nobel laureates, debutant novelists and writers come across the globe to take participate in this literary festival.
7. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
With the backdrop of Jaisalmer fort, some of the highlights of this desert are cultural events, camel races, turban tying competitions, and musical performances by folk singers.
8. Camel Festival, Bikaner
The festival is celebrated every year by the people of Rajasthan and is dedicated to the ship of desert – Camel. The camels are well decorated with traditional necklaces and vibrant bridles.
9. International Kite Festival, Jodhpur
This festival held in Jodhpur every year for three days during Makar Sakranti. The best kite flyers from all over the world come here to participate in kite flying competition. The final competition between top kite flyers held at the lawns of Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace.