The
love for colour and joyous celebration is evident in all fairs &
festivals of Rajasthan. The indulgence of elaborate rituals and the
high-spirited merriment proves, Rajasthan love for fun and fair in the
festivals. In addition to the traditional festivals of Rajasthan there are
many other festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others
communities.
Fairs and festivals are splendid opportunity for the visitors to gain an
insight into the life of Rajasthan. There are fairs and festivals to mark
every changing seasons and for every reason. Infact, festival takes place
almost round the year. Among the better known fairs and festivals of
Rajasthan are :
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.) :
One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of
the desert,the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true
show on the sands which attracts even the much traveled visitor.
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.) :
A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the
centre of attraction of a large number of tribals from the neighboring
states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan
in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Gangaur, Jaipur (March-April) :
A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati,the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time
for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their
choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands.
This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a
grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April) :
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance,
processions,devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody
participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April) :
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to
watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show
is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar) :
Held in the memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it
is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and
offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several
programmes are organised to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June) :
Organised in the only hill station of Rajasthan,this is the coldest place
at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety
prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax
and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August) :
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon.Processions,women dressed in
bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails during
Teej. Essentially a
women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at
various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Marwar Festival,Jodhpur (October) :
A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This
is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk
traditions of this part of the state.
Camel Festival,Bikaner (January) :
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is
fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some
unusual folk performances,camel, race camel dance etc.
