Rajasthan
is the 'Land of Celebrations' with a lot of colourful fairs and festivals in
every season and every religious occasion. Its rich heritage manifests
itself in terms of numerous festivals, that gave an insight in to the life &
culture of Rajasthan. The festivals are marked by folk dances and music
played on a variety of traditional instruments. All the fairs and festivals
are widely participated by people of all walks of life. Some of the well
known festivals of Rajasthan are :
Pushkar Festival
The holy town of Pushkar is known for its fair and festivals, especially
the Pushkar Fair. It is held in the month of Kartik and invites tourists
from far and wide. The major highlight of the fair is the trading of camel
and camel & horse races. The fair also brings a large number of pilgrims
from all over India to take a holy deep in the sacred Pushkar Lake.
Nagaur Fair
Held
every year during the month of January and February, in Nagaur, it is
essentially a cattle fair. Besides, trading of cattle takes place, various
local games, camel & horse races, cock fights are organised in this four
day festival. The local music and dance creates a joyous atmosphere across
the tranquil desert sand.
Camel Festival
The live & colourful event, the Camel Festival is organised by the
Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner every year in
the month of January. Colourful procession of camels, folk music & dance
performance, camel dance, camel dance are the major attractions of the
event.
Desert Festival
Held in the month of January-February, the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is
one of the most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan. During the three
days event, Jaisalmer comes to life with colourfully dressed people,
traditional dance, music, camel races and dances, puppet show, camel polo
etc. It attracts visitors from all over the world.
Elephant Festival
The Elephant Festival of Jaipur gets underway in the month of March on the
eve of Holy (the festival of colours). Procession of elephants, camels,
horses, folk dances polo match, elephant race are the main features of the
festival. The most colourful being the playing of Holy on elephant back.
Gangaur Festival
It is one of the most important local festival of Rajasthan celebrated in
the month of March-April. Gan is the name of Lord Shiva and Gaur stands for
Gauri or Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. During this festival, young
girls worship Goddess Parvati for being blessed with good husbands while
married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their spouses.
Teej Festival
The Teej Festival of Jaipur is held every year during the month of
July-August. It marks the advent of monsoon in which young girls and women
dressed in green clothes and sing songs to welcome monsoon. This festival is
dedicated to the Goddess Parvati commemorating her union with Lord Shiva.
Marwar Festival
Organised
by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, it is held every year
in the months of September-October. This festival of Jodhpur is celebrated
in the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. This two days long festival
showcases the folk dance and music of Marwar.
Summer Festival
The Summer Festival of Mount Abu is held every year in the month of June.
The three day festival is a feast of folk dance and classical music and a
gateway to the tribal culture of Rajasthan. The picturesque location of the
hill station is an ideal destination for the festival.
Shekhawati Festival
Held on the 10th and 11th February every year, the Shekhawati Festival
represents the culture of Shekhawati region. Camel & jeep safaris, rural
games, cultural programmes, fire works are some prime events of the
festival.
