Events in Rajasthan is a vibrant picture of colour, brightness, celebrations, dance, music and vibrancy. Rajasthan packs the essence of all of India in itself. A good way to truly experience Rajasthan is to visit one of its myriad of festivals, fairs or events. In true Rajasthani style, they welcome you to the rest of the state.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
This festival is a cultural event that is celebrated amid the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. In fact it is an exhibition of Rajasthani folk culture showcased by dance performances, music, gymnastics, camel polo and camel races. A wide variety of traditional food items is also on sale.
Brij Holi
A Rajput version of the Hindu festival of Holi. Brij Holi is celebrated a few days before the Hindu festival. During Brij Holi devotees seek blessings of Lord Krishna through their dances and songs. This is one of the most looked forward to festivals in Rajasthan, not only amongst the locals but with the tourists as well. To end the festival on an even higher note, devotees take a dip in the Banganga Ghat and visit the local Radha Krishna Temple to offer prayers.
Summer Festival, Mount Abu
Annually on the day of Buddha Purnima, the Summer festival takes place in Mount Abu. Participants spend three days enjoying with cultural events, horse races, skating, boating in Nakki Lake, etc. Live band performances go on in the background to add more beauty to the festival.
Kite Festival
The kite festival is celebrated during Makar Sankranti. It draws travellers from the rest of the country and beyond. Just like Brij Holi, the kite festival brings beauty to the skyline through the myriad shapes, colours and sizes that deck up the desert sky. It is also a three day festival that holds kite flying competitions spanning across all three days. A number of helicopters release kites in the sky and children release balloons, making it a truly magnificent event.
World Sufi Spirit Festival, Jodhpur
Hosting artists from various parts of the state and the country and also from Mongolia, Afghanistan, Africa, Italy etc. It is a exclusive event that attracts a limited number of patrons. The festival is both entertaining and deeply spiritual. In addition to this, with the delicious food and ambience of the spectacularly lit-up Nagaur fort, you will surely have the experience to cherish for a lifetime!
Camel Festival, Bikaner
The Camel Festival is a great festival celebrated in Bikaner. Just like the other celebrations of Rajasthan, this festival kicks off with great pomp and show. Celebrated every year in the pleasant January, the Camel Festival is a two-day long affair. With a colourful line of the decked up camels against the backdrop of the magnificent Junagarh Fort. It includes camel racing, camel games and other cultural performances. This festival also includes the traditional Rajasthani folk performances. The festival concludes with an awe-inspiring display of fireworks, illuminating the majestic skies of Bikaner!
Mewar Festival, Udaipur
The city of Udaipur comes alive with colours of festivities during the Mewar Festival which marks the advent of spring in the region. The whole town is decorated with bright lights and a joyous mood reigns in the air. Therefore, this festival includes a number of practises, like dressing the idols of Isar and Gangaur and carrying them in a traditional procession through various parts of the city. People also engage in cultural dance and songs, revealing the colourful culture of Rajasthan.
To sum up, there is something about the events in rajasthan that is charm of small-town tourist festivals that still strikes a chord with everyone. We have some of the fondest childhood memories, thanks to these vibrant festivals. While these events serve as great photo opportunities for tourists. For the locals, they are a way to unite and catch up for the locals.
Also follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing travel content. Reach out to us on email atfcontact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan Studio and written by Samira sarin.
