Rajasthan Fairs & Festivals

Desert Festival
Place: Jaisalmer
Time: January-February
Rites & Rituals : The otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and displays some cherished moments of its illustrious past and affluent culture. Traditional dances backed by high-pitched music create an out-of-this-world environment. The Turban Tying Competition and Mr. Desert contest give a totally distinct touch to the festival.

The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire dancers leave the crowd enchanted and asking for more. The festival ends with a trip to the sand dunes where you can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride while viewing dancers and musicians displaying their skills. It will be a time that you will cherish for years to come.

Baneshwar Fair
Place: Dungarpur
Time: February
Rites & Rituals: Baneshwar Fair is predominately a tribal fair. It provides a unique opportunity to the local tribes to take a break from their routine and appreciate the various colors of the 'Mela'. In the morning, saffron is applied to the Shiva Linga in the temple of Baneshwar Mahadev. After that it is bathed and an aarti of burning incense is waved before it. Devotees offer wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chilies, coconut and cash.

The major attractions of the fair include acrobatic feats by the skilled jugglers, traditional songs and folk dances, magic shows and animal shows. A variety of joyrides including giant wheel, merry-go-round and others add to the excitement. The large number of shops in the fair provides an opportunity for buying and selling of essential goods and fancy articles.

Summer Festival
Place: Mount Abu
Time: June
Rites & Rituals: Rites & Rituals: If you think Rajasthan is all about ruined palaces, ancient forts and colorful fairs & festivals, think again. For a first hand experience of a distinct face of Rajasthan, come to Mount Abu during Summer Festival and savor the experience. The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and pleasant climate make it an ideal location for the festival.

The three-day festival begins with the singing of ballad followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances that enthrall the spectators. Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival. The festival comes to end with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Marwar Festival - Jodhpur
Place: Jodhpur
Time: September-October
Rites & Rituals: Marwar Festival showcases the best of Rajasthan's culture and lifestyle. The festival starts with a bash and for two days the city of Jodhpur reverberates with various festivities. Originally known as the Maand Festival, it features folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.

The festival offers a variety of attractions including camel tattoo show and polo. The various competition take place in and around the impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Fort, Mehrangarh Fort the symbolize the might and valor of this royal land.