We all know that Rajasthan is the land of kings, but did you know it is also considered one of the most festival-friendly states in India over the past few years. The hospitality and cultural ethos, an exhibit of merrymaking and festivities with vibrant colours, display Rajasthani tradition and legacy exceptionally. The electrifying displays of fairs attract locals and are also a fantastic opportunity to witness for tourists.
The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are embedded with colours and brightness all around the year, enthralling tourists and passer-by alike. We have curated a handpicked selection of the best festivals and fairs of Rajasthan for you.
Most Famous Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan:
If you were wondering about where to find the curated list of some of the best fairs and festivals of Rajasthan before you plan a trip to this colourful state, look no further. Read on to know all the details.
1. Teej Festival in Rajasthan:
Teej is celebrated with absolute grandeur and worship of Goddess Teej. Performance of traditional songs & dance, fairs makes it one of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan. The goddess Teej is taken across the city in a grand procession in a golden palanquin with decorated camels, horses, and elephants.
Key Attraction:
Elephants, horses, and camels lead the procession of goddess Teej, and they are decorated at their best. Ghewar, Malpua, women in traditional dresses, mehendi, and bangles.
- When: July-August.
- Where: In and around Jaipur.
- Duration of Festival: One to two days.
2. Holi in Rajasthan:
Holi is one of the famous festivals not only in Rajasthan but all over the country. However, there are several ways people in Rajasthan celebrate this festival.
- Mali Holi is a well-known method where men throw colours on women and women and hit them with stick imprinting brotherhood.
- Gair Holi is celebrated in the areas surrounding Ajmer and pushes the festival to a heavenly celebration with the impact of bhang, thandai, and other sweets along with drums.
- Men toss water on each other in a vessel made with camel skin called Dolchi, hence the name Dolchi holi.
Key Attraction:
Music, dance, colourful environment, and several sweets and drinks.
- When: March.
- Where: All over Rajasthan.
- Duration of Festival: Two days.
3. Jaisalmer Desert Festival:
One of the main festivals of Rajasthan is the Desert festival, and it is celebrated in the expansive Thar desert amid the dunes. This cultural carnival showcases thrilling sports along with camel races, camel polo, gymnastics. It also represents Rajasthani folk culture through music and dance.
Key Attraction:
Camel polo, tug of war, turban tying, display of gymnasts on camel’s back.
- When: February.
- Where: Jaisalmer.
- Duration of Festival: 3 days.
[See Also: Famous Temples in Rajasthan]
4. Pushkar Camel Fair (Kartik Mela):
Among all the fairs of Rajasthan, the Pushkar fair is one of the most highly rated touristic experiences in India. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for first-time visitors. The livestock traders from the length and breadth of Rajasthan are gathered at this fair, and this fair is a combination of colour, culture, and camel. Camel, horse, and donkey races are conducted along with many other activities. You can also enjoy music and dance performances in the open-air theatre venues.
Key Attraction:
Well-decorated camels are paraded and beauty contests, hot-air balloon rides, handicraft bazaar, moustache competitions.
- When: October/November.
- Where: Pushkar.
- Duration of Festival: 5 days.
5. Bikaner Camel Festival:
Held in the traditional city of Bikaner, the Camel Festival is one of the biggest revenue-generators in Rajasthan. Bikaner has the largest camel breeding farm in India, garnering the name camel capital of the country and garners the attraction of both locals, international, and national visitors. Camel processions, sweets made of camel, camel processions, camel races, camel dances, tug-of-war are some of the events you can find in this festival.
Key Attraction:
Camel race, tug of war, firecrackers, aerobic and dancing skills.
- When: January.
- Where: Bikaner.
- Duration of Festival: 2 days.
6. Gangaur Festival of Rajasthan:
Gangaur festival is celebrated in honour of the goddess Parvathi and is one of the famous festivals in Rajasthan. Both married and unmarried women celebrate this festival with a lot of enthusiasm. Women deck up Goddess Gauri and participate in the processions. Elephant processions, folk dances, and ending with fireworks are the common accompaniments to this procession. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in Rajasthan, and the colourful affair lasts for 18 days.
Key Attraction:
Women singing songs and folk dances, Colorful processions.
- When: March/April.
- Where: In and around Jaipur.
- Duration of Festival: 18 days.
7. Mewar Festival of Rajasthan:
The Mewar festival of Rajasthan is organized in Udaipur with splendour and grandeur to celebrate the onset of spring. It is one of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan and is considered the world’s second living heritage festival. Along with festivities, this festival is celebrated with folk music, dance, and food.
Key Attraction:
Musical shows, display of classical dance, preservation of monuments seminars, firework display, food stalls.
- When: March/April.
- Where: Udaipur.
- Duration of Festival: One to two days.
8. International Kite Festival in Rajasthan:
The kite festival in Jaipur is one of the unique fairs and festivals of Rajasthan celebrated in January, where you can observe thousands of colourful kites dot on the skies. You can see kites with lights that lit up the night sky are flown popularly in Jodhpur and Jaipur. These kites look like celestial birds descended from the heavens, and it attracts kite lovers from all over the world. Several kite club members join the festivities, and there are various flying competitions held.
Key Attraction:
Kite flying challenges.
- When: January.
- Where: Jaipur.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
9. Jaipur Elephant Festival:
Jaipur elephant festival is one of the famous traditional festivals of Rajasthan and is held at the Jaipur polo ground on the day of Holi every year. Elephants are presented for the races, shows, and competitions by decorating them with colourful saddle cloth, heavy jewellery, and anklets for female elephants. For overall entertainment, there is a display of live folk dances and music programs.
Key Attraction:
Elephant tug of war, Polo match.
- When: March.
- Where: Jaipur.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
10. Gogaji:
Gogaji fair is famous among Hindus and Muslims which takes place to commemorate the hero Goga veer. The Samadhi is in Goga Medi with his idol seated on a blue horse with a statue of a coiled snake nearby. It is believed that once praying to him, anyone suffering from snakebite can get cured, and the statue of a saint was given to him by the Kayam Khani Muslims. Not only Rajasthan, but Gojaji also has devotees across many parts of North India.
Key Attraction:
The followers of Gogaji wrap up live snakes around their necks and lie near the temple.
- When: In the month of Bhadrapada.
- Where: Gongamedi.
- Duration of Festival: 3 days.
11. Urs Festival:
The Urs festival memorializes the symbolic unification of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti with Allah (God) and is celebrated at his tomb. This is considered a religious festival of Rajasthan and attracts followers worldwide, and is observed every year from the 1st to 6th day of Rajab (7th Islamic month). Devotees offer prayers and offerings after the tomb is cleaned with rosewater and draped with a silk embroidered cloth.
Key Attraction:
Qawwali and mehfil sessions, Sajjasa Nashin white flag hoisting.
- When: Seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Where: Ajmer.
- Duration of Festival: Six days.
12. Baneshwar Fair:
Baneshwar festival is of most significance to the Bhills tribe and is organized in the Baneshwar temple of Durgapur. This fair is considered one of the famous cultural and tribal festivals of Rajasthan. People of this tribe dip at the convergence of Mahi and Som river from Gujrat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. One of the main attractions of this fair is the aarti during the morning and evening.
Key Attraction:
Puppet dance and animal shows.
- When: January to February.
- Where: Dungarpur.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
13. Nagaur Cattle Fair:
This fair is celebrated annually primarily for cattle trading, hence the name. The owners dress up with multicoloured turbans and long moustaches, and almost 70,000 bullocks, camels, and horses are adorned extravagantly and traded. In addition, you can see the performances of storytellers, puppeteers, jugglers. There is a trade of spices along with animals.
Key Attraction:
Mirchi Bazaar, sale of iron crafts, camel leather accessories, wooden items.
- When: February.
- Where: Nagaur.
- Duration of Festival: 8 days.
14. Mount Abu: Winter Festival:
The winter festival in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, is one of the colourful and energetic festivals of Rajasthan that gives people a chance to break from their monotonous life. You can see the showcase of various art forms, handicrafts, food, and culture by bringing together artisans and artists from different corners of the state. This festival also includes poetry sessions and stunning fireworks, which further enhance the enchanting beauty of the location. In addition, the hospitality and the sports featured in this festival leave a positive impression on the visitors.
Key Attraction:
Rowing and kite flying competitions, Deep Daan.
- When: March/April.
- Where: Mount Abu.
- Duration of Festival: 3 days.
[See Also: Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan]
15. Braj Holi:
Braj Holi is one of the most vivid festivals in Rajasthan, where the festival of colours is celebrated uniquely. You can see people dancing to the musical folk music of Rajasthan dressed colourfully at the festival. During these musical moments, Raslila dance is the one thing you must not miss. Before diving into the holy water at Banganga river ghats, people offer prayers to the Lord.
Key Attraction:
Folk dances, tug of war, women wrestling, fireworks,
- When: March.
- Where: Bharatpur.
- Duration of Festival: Two days.
16. Rajasthan International Folk Festival:
The Rajasthan international folk festival is one of the prominent stages that celebrates Rajasthan’s musical heritage and provides a stage for folk artists worldwide to promote their talent. It also flaunts the cultural lifestyle of India and showcases the fusion of Indian and international music hosting more than 20 artists. UNESCO considers this festival as a people’s platform for creativity and sustainable development.
Key Attraction:
Musical concerts and cultural shows.
- When: October.
- Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.
- Duration of Festival: Five days.
17. Jaipur Literature Festival:
Jaipur literature festival is considered one of the greatest literary shows in the country and is one of the most spectacular fairs and festivals in Rajasthan. This literature festival brings together business people, sportspeople, historians, humanitarians, entertainers, people from all walks of life. This festival brings forward their ideas and thoughts by providing them with a powerful stage to share them.
Key Attraction:
Discussions, debates, readings.
- When: January.
- Where: Jaipur.
- Duration of Festival: One week.
18. Kabir Yatra:
Kabir Yatra is a music festival in Rajasthan that celebrates folk music of the state and is one of a kind. This is one of the festivals that give you a glimpse of the local Rajasthani folk music and is an excellent option for travellers. Bikaner acts as a stage for local musicians to express their skills and talents in its six-day journey, making the festival more unique.
Key Attraction:
Folk music of Rajasthan.
- When: October.
- Where: Bikaner.
- Duration of Festival: One week.
19. Bundi Festival:
Bundi is known for its natural beauty and is located in the Kota district in Rajasthan. And, Bundi Festival is a culmination of crafts, arts, and culture, and you can enjoy numerous activities during this time, such as dances, musical performances, etc. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you can observe multiple things happenings at once, making your experience an enthralling one. The main attraction of this Bundi festival is that women carry pitches on their heads and walk in a procession called the Shobha yatra. Thus, you can enjoy the events and culture that are specific to the region with beautiful visuals.
Key Attraction:
Lively Shobha yatra, rural sports events, folk music performances, bridal attire challenge, turban competition, firework display.
- When: November.
- Where: Kota.
- Duration of Festival: Two to three days.
20. Marwar Festival:
Among the several Jodhpur festivals, the Marwar festival, which is held in the memory of the state’s heroes, is the most popular one. The festival was called Maand festival initially and its highlight being folk dance and song performances, it is celebrated over two days. Marwar festival presents the audience with great performances by the best of folk dancers and musicians, reminding them about the battles fought, sacrifices made, and the people who martyred for the homeland making it one of the famous festivals of Rajasthan. This festival is conducted in two main venues; they are the Mehrangarh fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace. The people of Rajasthan take pride in their ancestry, and you can feel it in the performances.
Key Attraction:
Tattoo show and Camel polo.
- When: September to October.
- Where: Jodhpur.
- Duration of Festival: Two days.
21. Kolayat Fair:
Kolayat fair is quite famous in Rajasthan that happens in Kolayat and is celebrated in November which is held as a commemoration of the ancient sage Kapila. This fair comes with its rituals and legends because it is believed that sage Kapila is an incarnation of the Lord Vishnu, making it one of the important fairs among all the fairs in Rajasthan. Kolayat was previously called Kapilastan since the Kapila muni lived here. Devotees take a dip in the water to purge their sins during the festival, and people light oil lamps float them in the lake in the evening.
Key Attraction:
Best breeders are felicitated with certificates and awards, and livestock is also sold. Devotees take a dip in the holy water.
- When: November.
- Where: Bikaner.
- Duration of Festival: 10 days.
22. Deepawali:
Like many other parts of India, Diwali is celebrated with great happiness and joy in Rajasthan. Starting from Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Padwa, and Baidu, which spans five days. So the preparations for this bright festival begin well in advance. Diwali occurs on Amavasya, brightening the night with clay oil lamps called diyas. People believe, by doing so, will welcome goddess Laxmi and Ganesha into their homes who keep your household wealthy and remove obstacles, respectively. Relatives and neighbours exchange sweets and gifts and burn firecrackers.
Key Attraction:
Firecrackers.
- When: September-October.
- Where: All over Rajasthan.
- Duration of Festival: Five days.
23. Mahashivratri:
Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated to honour Lord Shiva and is observed all over India and is a holiday in many states. The great night of Shiva is the literal translation of Maha Shivratri. This is the day Lord Shiva performs the sacred dance or tandav, according to legend. This festival has many mythological beliefs associated with it, and Lord Shiva is adorned with flowers bel leaves, honey. Many men and women fast on this auspicious day, and they stay throughout the night singing hymns.
Key Attraction:
The Shiva temple is decorated colourfully.
- When: March.
- Where: All over Rajasthan.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
[See Also: Best Honeymoon Destinations in Rajasthan]
24. Dussehra:
Dusshera festival is celebrated with great pomp all over the country. Still, if you want to experience the uniqueness in Rajasthan, you need to look at the celebration in Kota, which is located on the banks of the Chambal river. Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and you can view a completely different look of Kota, making it a unique experience for tourists. Actors perform a skit of Ramayana as per Hindu mythology, and it ends on burning the replica of the giant head of Ravana burning to shreds with fireworks and crackers.
Key Attraction:
70 feet tall effigy of king Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt by a young child dressed as Lord Rama.
- When: September to October.
- Where: Kota.
- Duration of Festival: One day.
The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan showcase the rustic charm of the state and are infused with a new life with the folk songs and folklore of Rajasthan. If you are looking for a way to experience the electrifying celebrations, it is time to go through the curated list from this article and plan your trip accordingly. Don’t forget to share the information with your friends.
FAQ:
1. What are the things you must buy when you visit Rajasthan?
Ans: Although you can buy anything online these days, here are a few things you should buy that represent the culture and heritage of the place:
- Rajasthani painting.
- Jewellery and gemstones.
- Metal crafts.
- Carpets.
- Wooden articles.
- Puppet toys.
- Textiles.
- Pottery.
2. Is it safe for solo female travellers to visit Rajasthan?
Ans: Rajasthan is safe for solo female travellers as long as they follow the precautions. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and research the destination well.
3. When is the right time to visit Rajasthan?
Ans: The average temperature hovers around 10 degrees C during November and February, which will help you enjoy your touring activities. July to September is also suitable for a visit to this beautiful state.
