|
The Rajasthani's
love for color and joyous celebrations, music, dance and
festivals makes it one of the most colorful desert in the
world. We have 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.
We have all sorts of fair and festivals like animal fairs,
religious fairs and there are fairs to mark the changing
seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year
and are a splendid opportunity for you 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 organized for the tourists. I recommend you to
plan your tour in a way that you are a part of any of the
following fairs and festival to truly know the rich
heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.) Essentially an
cattle fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in
some of the local sports.
Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of every year) A
festival with a difference - as kites take to the sky all
over Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with lights in them
and fireworks brighten the skies above. The main
celebrations are in Jaipur and Jodhpur. If you like kite
flying, you should be here.
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. Highly
recommended. Be there.
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 Festival, 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 colors. 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 programmes are organized 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.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August) A festival to mark the
advent of monsoon. Women dressed in bright colors 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.
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. Recommended.
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.
|
