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Introduction
The Rajasthani’s
love for color and joyous celebrations is proved by the
elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders
himself to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In
addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims
and others, there are also the traditional fairs.
There are animal
fairs,there are religious fairs and there are fairs to mark
the changing seasons. Infact, celebrations occur almost round
the year and are a splendid opportunity for the visitor to
gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthani . Other than
the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which
involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been
specially organised for the tourists. Among the better known
fairs 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.
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.
Pushkar Fair,
Ajmer (November): The well-known and
marked with largest participation of all the festivals of
Rajasthan,Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well as the
venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and
sports are highlight of this event.
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. 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.
Nagaur
Fair,Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially
an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in
some of the local sports.
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 tribal
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 organized 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 programmers are
organised to mark the festivals.
Summer
Festival, Mt. Abu (June): Organized
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. | 
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