11 Off-Beat Rajasthani Carnivals: The Land of Maharajas, Rajasthan has stunning forts, palaces, music, and art. But when we dive deep into its culture and festivals, there is a lot that is yet to be explored. Hence, this article provides a curated list of 11 Off Beat Rajasthani Carnivals you would like to visit again!
Magnetic Field Festival, Alsisar
Firstly, a celebration of contemporary and electronic music with an adorning backdrop of Rajasthani castle, Magnetic Field fest is the biggest music festival pioneered by Abhimanyu Alsisar in 2013. Also, diverse genres like EDM, folk music, Indie Folk are some of the highlights of this music gig performed by incredible musicians. Then, it goes unbeatable for 72 hours and assures to make you jump under the stars with its super fun experience. Besides this, yoga workshops, storytelling, and Folk music session are a couple of activities which are also a major attraction.
When: December 11-13, 2020
Tickets: Rs 13,350* onwards
How to reach:
- By Rail: Nearest Railway Station at Sadalpur.
- By Road
Accommodation: The tent and luxurious accommodation from starting 5K inclusive fest tickets.
Matsya Festival, Alwar
Surrounded by natural attractions and marvellous palaces, the Matsya festival is a most colourful and vibrant carnival, celebrated with great enthusiasm. Shehnai-wadan, Archaeological exhibition that is called Dharohar, and excursion are some of the greatest tourist attraction, set up for the amusement of travellers. ‘The Pride Of Alwar’ also combines the sports spirit of people with great adventure sports like trekking, hot air balloon rides, parasailing, and zorbing activities.
When: 25th – 26th November
Where: Alwar, Rajasthan
How to reach:
- By Rail: Alwar Junction Railway Station is the nearest station to reach Alwar.
Camel Fair, Bikaner
In the culture and history of Bikaner, Camel holds great significance. This festival glorifies the long association with the Ship of Desert at the magnificent fort of Junagarh. Throughout the festival, Camels are dressed gracefully in vibrant bridles, traditional jewelry, and heavy anklets. Moreover, mesmerizing Rajasthani folk songs, and dance performances, puppet shows add charm to the most exquisite festival. Moreover, the enchanting fire dance infuses glamour and zest in the festivities.
When: 12th-13th January 2021.
Tickets: Open for all
How to Reach
- By Air; By Jodhpur International Airport.
- Rail: Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Station.
- By Road
Abhaneri Festival, Dausa
Abhaneri festival is a treasure of diverse and glamorous traditional folk performances that has been organized at millennium-year-old Chand Bori step well. This festival has been dedicated to the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan, where the mainstream folk dances like Kachhi Ghodi and Bhawai fascinate the tourists to become part of it. Additionally, Raas-Leela, a famous mythological ballad of Radha- Krishna and Kalbelia dance, the famous snake charmer dance of Rajasthan, add glimmer to this alluring festival. However, this Rajasthani carnival is incomplete without its unique handicrafts and puppetry.
When: Usually in September or October
How to Reach: Private and Government buses as located at a distance of 90 km from Jaipur.
Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur
A quintessential blend of literature and art, the Jaipur Literature Festival one of the greatest events organized for literature lovers. More than 1 lac people attend this 5-day event. From various eminent personalities to the youngsters to oldies, everyone here is a trendsetter. The major highlight of this carnival is its royal connection with the Diggi Palace of Jaipur. Besides this, a magical performance by the Rajasthani dance troupe, enchanting music, colorful and grand decorations, and a beautiful display of merchandise and jewelry is the centerpiece of it.
When: Last week of January
Tickets: 150-250
How to reach: All means of transport available.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur
To celebrate the roots of traditional folk music and art, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival unites the diverse world of music. Organized at Asia’s Best Fortress, Mehrangarh palace by Maharaja of Jodhpur, HH Gaj Singh II. More than 200 musicians participate in these festivals. Rajasthani Artists like Jayateerth Mevund from the Kirana Gharana and Sondorgo are prime attractions for music buff and musicophile. Visit this Rajasthani carnivals that reflects the culture and flaunt the royal lifestyle.
When: 2nd week of October and 5-day event
Tickets: Starting from 5k
How to reach: Road transport is available
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
If you are excited to watch the biggest mustache festival, then here is one- the Jaisalmer Desert festival. Thar desert is the center of the Desert festival. The mesmerizing Rajasthani rag depicts the ancient stories of victories and tragedies of the desert. The highlights of 3-day affairs are delightful celebrations, longest mustache competitions, turban tying, and The Gair that fills the ambiance with enthusiasm and happiness.
When: February
Adventure Festival, Kota
Kota is the home of adventures. It is a life-changing experience for all adventure buffs. There are diverse kinds of adventure sports like rock climbing, parasailing, water skiing, angling, and many more that fascinates tourists from all over the world.
When: 30th September to 17th October
Sufi Festival, Nagaur
If you are the biggest fan of Sufi music, the festival is for you. The Sufi festival at Nagaur is of the most stunning and beautiful festival in the world. It is a small, intimate concert where you can connect with lovely ghazals, meet people, and interact with Sufi artists. The sumptuous delicacies and 5000 oil lamps lighting around Nagaur fort are magical!
When: 10th -12 February
Accomodation: starting from 2.30 lacs
Pushkar Festival, Pushkar
It is the biggest carnivals that enchant, lacs of people every year from across the world to witness the Indian desert life, art, and culture while enjoying the mouth-watering delicacies. Music, puppet shows, dance performances by gypsies, exhibitions of camel products like chocolates, milk cheeses and cakes, and artistic handicrafts and jewelry excites tourists.
When: November 22nd -30th
Lake Festival and World Music Festival, Udaipur
Udaipur is popularly known as Gharana of musicians as one can witness the most brilliant performances in the city of lakes. From about 16 countries, 150 artists participate and engage their music with the entire world. Kabir Cafe, London Community Gospel Chair, and Azam Ali are some prominent figures that won millions of fans through their performances.
When: February
While concluding the list, it is analyzed that, to have an ecstatic experience of music, appealing hospitality, local cuisine, these festivals are must-visit.
Also follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan studio and written by Prachi Batra.
1 Comment
11 off-beat Rajasthani Carnivals takes you on a cultural ride across Rajasthan. Amazing cultural aspects like mustache tying/turban tying etc are described. My personal favorite is about camel milk chocolate— didn’t know about this, so will definitely try it in the next fair.