Fair & Festivals in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan's live for colour and joyous celebrations is provided by the elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the nuimerous fairs and festivals of the region. There are animal fairs, there are religious fairs and there are adirs to mark the changing seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year.

Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are :

Nagaur fair, Nagaur( January - February ) :

It is esentially an annual fair which provides an oppurtunity to participate in some of the local sports.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmner( January - February ) :

One of the most popular of all the 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 people from all around the globe.

Gangaur Festival, Jaipur( March - April ) :

A festival devoted to Godess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is a 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 procesion marking the arrival of Lord Shiva to escort his bride home.

Elephant Festival, Jaipur( March - April ) :

A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion 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.

Summer Festival, Mt. Abu( June ) :

Organised in the 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 ill resort.

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.