20 Most Famous Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is also known as the land of kings, which is remembered for its majestic palaces, deserts and culture. Among the most fascinating features of this royal state are the festivals that let all sorts of traditions revive in the bliss of music, dance, and colors. From spiritual congregation to cultural extravaganzas on a large scale these celebrations attract travelers from around the world. This is a guide to the 20 most popular festivals in Rajasthan, ideal for someone planning a festivals tour in Rajasthan or a spiritual tour in India.

List of Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan

  • 1. Pushkar Fair
  • 2. Jaipur Literature Festival
  • 3. Teej Festival
  • 4. Gangaur Festival
  • 5. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
  • 6. Mewar Festival, Udaipur
  • 7. Elephant Festival, Jaipur
  • 8. Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
  • 9. Kite Festival, Jaipur
  • 10. Camel Festival, Bikaner
  • 11. Holi Festival
  • 12. Diwali
  • 13. Nagaur Fair
  • 14. Mount Abu Winter Festival, Mount Abu
  • 15. Brij Holi, Bharatpur
  • 16. Karni Mata Fair, Deshnok
  • 17. Dussehra
  • 18. Matsya Festival, Alwar
  • 19. Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur
  • 20. Cattle Fair (Pushkar)

Best Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan

Pushkar Fair

1. Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar Fair happens to be one of the most popular festivals in Rajasthan. The annual cattle fair held at Pushkar also features exciting cultural events with much latter addition of camel races and a sacred dip in Pushkar Lake.

Jaipur Literature Festival

2.Jaipur Literature Festival

A haven for literature lovers. The rendezvous boasts the presence of stalwarts who are celebrated writers, thinkers, and readers. In this setting, people hold discussions, work-shops, and book launches.

Teej Festival

3. Teej Festival

Teej is an occasion where women pray to get marital happiness. Colorful processions across Jaipur streets with traditional songs and folk dances fill the streets.

Gangaur Festival

4. Gangaur Festival

Gangaur Festival pays tribute to Goddess Gauri. Married women seek the longevity of their husbands, and these celebrations include processions, songs, and rituals.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

5. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

Organized at the golden dunes of Jaisalmer, the Desert Festival showcases Rajasthan’s cultural fervour in folk dances, camel races, turban-tying competitions, and traditional music.

Mewar Festival, Udaipur

6. Mewar Festival, Udaipur

The Mewar Festival is a celebration of the spring season and reflects the kingly traditions of Udaipur. Women attire themselves in bright dresses, moving in processions with idols of their gods to Lake Pichola.

Elephant Festival, Jaipur

7. Elephant Festival, Jaipur

During Holi, the Elephant Festival in Jaipur is one such celebration where beautifully decorated elephants participate in processions, races, and tug-of-war competitions.

Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

8. Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

Dedicated to the bravery of Rajasthani heroes, the Marwar Festival in Jodhpur features folk music, dances, and camel races in the shadow of Mehrangarh Fort.

Kite Festival, Jaipur

9. Kite Festival, Jaipur

Colourful kites populate the sky at Makar Sankranti. It is a festive celebration because the International Kite Festival invites kite fliers from around the world.

Camel Festival, Bikaner

10. Camel Festival, Bikaner

Camels are the lifeline of deserts. The event encompasses camel races, camel beauty contests, and traditional music performances.

Holi Festival

11. Holi Festival

The festival of colours is celebrated in a flamboyant way across Rajasthan. Some more colorful celebrations of dance, music, and playful throwing of colours take place at Jaipur and Pushkar.

Diwali

12. Diwali

Diwali is a mystical time for a spiritual tour in India, and in Rajasthan, this Festival of Lights turns it into a fairy tale of lighted palaces, bright bazaars, and cultural activities.

Nagaur Fair

13. Nagaur Fair

It is one of the largest cattle fairs. Apart from cattle trading, the fair includes bullock races, tug-of-war, and traditional Rajasthani dishes.

Mount Abu Winter Festival

14. Mount Abu Winter Festival, Mount Abu

The Winter Festival in Mount Abu celebrates Rajasthan’s hill station with processions, cultural performances, and sporting events like cricket and rowing.

Brij Holi, Bharatpur

15. Brij Holi, Bharatpur

Celebrated a few days before Holi, devotees can be seen participating in folk dances and Raslila performances while reenacting Krishna’s frolic-some pastimes.

Karni Mata Fair, Deshnok

16. Karni Mata Fair, Deshnok

The Karni Mata Temple fair happens twice a year. The fair is a spiritual experience wherein the devotees worship the prestigious rats as being incarnations of Karni Mata’s descendants.

Dussehra

17. Dussehra

Dussehra is festooned over in Kota, where colossal Ravana effigies are torched. Processions, fairs, and cultural programs go with the event, which is sure to reflect Rajasthan’s vibrant spirit.

Matsya Festival, Alwar

18. Matsya Festival, Alwar

The Matsya Festival showcases the cultural and archaeological heritage of Alwar through folk music, dance, and traditional sports. This is an offbeat addition to your festival tour in Rajasthan.

Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur

19. Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur

This southern Rajasthan tribal festival is a spiritual congregation for the Bhil community. It consists of religious rituals, cultural performances, and vibrant marketplace activities.

Cattle Fair (Pushkar)

20. Cattle Fair (Pushkar)

Apart from the camel fair, the Pushkar Cattle Fair is a major event where people come to buy and sell livestock. It also features traditional competitions and performances.

Why go to Rajasthan during festivals?

The festivals of Rajasthan present the beautiful heritage of the state in front of visitors and give them a multisensory experience. Be it spiritual fulfilment or cultural exploration, these festivals set perfect scenarios for memorable journeys.

Planning a Festivals Tour in Rajasthan

To make the most of your visit, plan your trip around the 20 most celebrated festivals in Rajasthan. From the colorful Teej Festival in Jaipur to the spiritual Urs Festival in Ajmer, every celebration offers a unique glimpse into the state’s traditions.
Rajasthan festivals are celebration of life, culture, and spirits. Join a spiritual tour in India, and let the festivities of Rajasthan be charmed with a timeless allure.

More reasons to visit festivals in Rajasthan.

Attending these festivals does not mean mere celebration, but connecting with the soul of Rajasthan. From spiritual peace at the Urs Festival to electrifying performances in the Desert Festival, all this can be experienced within those events. Whether strolling through lit palaces in Diwali or observing colorful attires at Gangaur, the impact that these festivals leave upon someone’s life is undeniable.

Go cultural and spiritual in Rajasthan with your trip by planning it on one of the 20 most celebrated festivals. Enter a festival tour in Rajasthan and allow the celebrations sweep you away to the heartbeat of Indian tradition.

Published On: November 8, 2022

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