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Rajasthan is a land of vibrant traditions, with festivals that capture its rich cultural heritage. These celebrations, rooted in history, offer visitors a unique way to experience the state’s customs, music, and dance. Whether you’re drawn to colourful processions or folk performances, festivals in Rajasthan are an incredible way to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Here’s a guide to ten of the best festivals celebrated across the state, each offering something special.
Top 10 Festivals In Rajasthan
Rajasthan is renowned for its vibrant festivals that reflect its rich culture and traditions. Here are ten of the best festivals celebrated in Rajasthan.
1. Mewar Festival
Photo: Nikhil Vyas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mewar Festival is celebrated every April, marking the arrival of spring in Udaipur. This festival holds great significance for the people of the Mewar region as it honours their cultural heritage. The celebrations include grand processions, where idols of the Goddess Parvati are dressed in beautiful attire and carried through the city. Folk dances such as the Ghoomar add to the festive spirit, while cultural exhibitions highlight traditional crafts. The festival concludes with the immersion of the idols in Lake Pichola, a sight to behold.
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport
Nearest Train Station: Udaipur City
2. Desert Festival
Photo: Radiokafka / Shutterstock
Held in February, the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer showcases the vibrant culture of the Thar Desert. This three-day event includes camel races, turban-tying contests, and performances by folk artists. The stunning backdrop of the golden sand dunes makes this festival a visual treat. Local musicians and dancers perform traditional Rajasthani tunes, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Camel races and folk performances
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station
3. Pushkar Camel Fair
Photo: Endiae Genius / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Pushkar Camel Fair, held in October-November, is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. It attracts traders, tourists, and locals who gather for livestock trading, particularly camels. In addition to camel races, the fair includes cultural events, such as folk dances and music performances, making it a unique blend of tradition and entertainment. The spiritual significance of Pushkar adds to the festival’s appeal, as visitors can also take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake during this time.
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Camel trading and races
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kishangarh Airport
Nearest Train Station: Ajmer Junction
4. Gangaur Festival
Photo: Bhavesh Bhagchandani / Wikimedia Commons
The Gangaur Festival, celebrated in March-April, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the symbol of marital happiness. In Jaipur, the festival is marked by colourful processions, where women dressed in vibrant traditional attire carry beautifully decorated idols of Parvati. The processions are accompanied by singing and dancing, making it a lively event. It is especially important for married women, who pray for their husband’s long life and prosperity.
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Colourful processions and traditional songs
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jaipur Junction
5. Teej Festival
Photo: Rumbo a lo desconocido / Shutterstock
The Teej Festival is a monsoon celebration in Jaipur, honouring the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women participate in swinging ceremonies and wear green attire, symbolising nature’s renewal during the rainy season. Folk songs are sung, and traditional sweets such as Ghewar are enjoyed by all. The festival, celebrated in August, brings the streets of Jaipur to life with processions and decorated swings.
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Processions and swing ceremonies
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jaipur Junction
6. Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Photo: Soni Richa / Wikimedia Commons
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, also known as RIFF, takes place at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Held annually during Sharad Purnima in October, the festival promotes traditional folk music and arts. Artists from around the world come together to celebrate Rajasthani folk traditions, as well as global music genres. The fort’s majestic setting adds to the magic of this event, which is a must-visit for music lovers.
Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Folk music performances
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jodhpur Junction
7. Nagaur Fair
Photo: Jeremy Richards / Shutterstock
The Nagaur Fair, held in February, is one of India’s largest cattle fairs. Livestock trading is the main focus of the event, with cattle, camels, and horses being bought and sold. The fair is not just about business, though. Cultural performances, games, and competitions add to the entertainment, attracting visitors from all over the country. Traditional Rajasthani dishes are also available at the fair, making it a true cultural feast.
Location: Nagaur, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Livestock trading and cultural performances
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Nearest Train Station: Nagaur Railway Station
8. Elephant Festival
Photo: Mazur Travel / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
The Elephant Festival, celebrated on the eve of Holi, is a grand event in Jaipur. Elephants are adorned in colourful decorations and paraded through the streets, followed by activities such as elephant polo and races. The festival showcases the importance of these majestic animals in Rajasthani culture. Visitors can even interact with the elephants, feed them, and enjoy folk performances.
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Elephant polo and processions
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jaipur Junction
9. Mount Abu Summer Festival
Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mount Abu Summer Festival, held every May, is a two-day event that highlights the culture of Rajasthan’s only hill station. The festival features cultural performances, boat races on Nakki Lake, and traditional Rajasthani competitions. Visitors can enjoy folk music, dance performances, and delicious local food. The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks display, making it a memorable experience.
Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Boat races and cultural performances
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport
Nearest Train Station: Abu Road Railway Station
10. Bikaner Camel Festival
Photo: Meetu1980 / Wikimedia Commons
The Bikaner Camel Festival, celebrated in January, is a tribute to the camel, an animal deeply rooted in Rajasthani culture. The festival includes camel races, camel decoration competitions, and traditional folk performances. Visitors can witness the “Best Decorated Camel” competition and enjoy cultural events such as Rajasthani music and dance. The festival highlights the important role camels play in the lives of people in the desert regions of Rajasthan.
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
Major Attraction: Camel races and decoration competitions
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Nearest Train Station: Bikaner Junction
Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most vibrant and colourful festivals. From the camel races of Pushkar to the cultural performances in Jodhpur, each celebration offers a glimpse into the region’s rich traditions. Festivals in Rajasthan are not just events; they are an invitation to experience the state’s soul. Plan your trip to Rajasthan with TripXL to witness these unforgettable cultural celebrations firsthand.
Cover Photo: Harshal Sathe / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
