FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Festivals and Fairs of Rajasthan in 2017-18

Aditi Mathur Kumar

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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A display of the state’s affluent legacy, catchy folk songs and dances, interesting artefacts, lip- smacking cuisine and traditional Rajasthani attires, the various festivals and fairs in Rajasthan only add to the appeal of this incredibly stunning and colourful state. Here are the best of the lot, worth planning your travels around.

Pushkar Fair, Ajmer

Dates: 28 October 2017 - 4 November 2017

The Pushkar Fair is a riot of colours that attracts travellers in huge numbers every year. Known for its beautifully dressed camels, there are a variety of activities like races and competitions. The camels are dressed up in colourful garbs, and so are the owners. The events is a photographer’s dream.

Book Your Flight to Jaipur (nearest airport)

Bundi Utsav, Bundi

Date: November (2 days, dates still to be announced)

Organized by the Rajasthan State Tourism Department, the festival is a magnificent mix of traditional art and handicrafts, Rajasthani attire and home décor items. The artisanship of the traditional Rajasthan is at its best at the Bundi Fair, where it is displayed for sale. The Bundi Utsav enthrals international tourists as well with its varied cultural programs and competitions.

Kajli Teej, Bundi

Date: 9 October 2017 - 10 October 2017

This is almost a month-long celebration taking place in the historical town of Bundi on the third day of Bhadra. The main attraction is the large procession of Goddess Teej that travels through the main markets of Bundi and ends at Azad Park. The procession includes performing artists, elephants, camels and folk music bands.

International Kite Festival, Jaipur

Date: 14 January 2018

One of the most-attended festivals in Rajasthan, the International Kite Festival is celebrated every year on Makar Sankranti. People come to Jaipur from all parts of the world to fly kites and to enjoy the revelries. The festival is inaugurated at the impressive Jaipur Polo Ground, and is divided into two parts—The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying Session.

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Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

Date: 25 October 2017 - 26 October 2017

The Marwar Festival in Jodhpur pays homage to the heroes of Rajasthan, and is one of the most awaited festivals in the state. It is held for two days every year in September or October, and is marked by cultural events like folk music and dance performances that are held at the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace in Mandore, as well as the Mehrangarh Fort.

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Winter Festival, Mount Abu

Date: 29 December 2017 - 31 December 2017

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, and the three-day-long Winter Festival is its highlight. You can enjoy glorious Rajasthani folk dance performances including Daph, Ghoomar and Gair, along with sporting events like cricket and rowing competitions. Another big attraction of the festival is the Deepdan, which involves floating numerous lamps on the Nakki Lake.

Book Your Flight to Udaipur (nearest airport)

Camel Fair, Bikaner

Date: 13 January 2018 - 14 January 2018

Rajasthan witnesses a huge number of international tourists around this famous festival. This festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, and takes place every year in January. The main focus of this festival is the Ship of the Desert—the Camel. Apart from the cultural experience and the contagious fun, the event includes amazing camel performances like camel dances, camel races and more.

Book Your Flight to Jodhpur (nearest airport)

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

Date: 29 January 2018 - 31 January 2018

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event that commences with a procession starting from the picturesque Jaisalmer Fort and ending at the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. It takes place in the Hindu month of Magh (February), three days prior to the full moon. Celebrated amidst the beautiful Thar Desert in the Sam Dunes, this is a rich Rajasthani cultural experience. From Camel Polo to Desert Safaris, the festival has something for everyone, including delicious local food, handicrafts on sale and Rajasthani folk concerts.

Urs at Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer

Date: May or June (Date to Be Announced)

The annual pilgrimage of six days, known as Urs, is a major festival at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Ajmer Sharif houses the tomb of Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, who preached Islam and spread the message of peace among humanity. This spiritual fair commemorates the saint’s death anniversary. The Urs is held for the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar), and is attended by a number of devotees and tourists alike.

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Nagaur Fair, Nagaur

Date: 22 January 2018

This is the second largest fair in India—a cattle fair, to be precise—where over two lakh animals are brought every year for the purpose of trade. This includes horses, cows, bullocks, oxen and camels. The colourful attire of the locals is one of the biggest tourist attractions here.

Book Your Flight to Jodhpur (nearest airport)

Hope this list will help you plan your Rajasthan trip. Let us know about your experience in the comments below.

*Please verify all festival dates from Rajasthan Tourism website before visiting. Dates may vary.

Comments

Pinkcity Royals | on 07 August 2018

Swirling skirts, colorful turbans, intricate leather work, mirrors, and more, Jaipur is perhaps one of the only cities in the Indian subcontinent that reflects the fusion of modernity and heritage this beautifully. A city with perfect combination to one for enjoying their holidays here..