A Complete Guide To Music Festivals In Rajasthan: What To Expect

The music festivals in Rajasthan showcase traditional and contemporary performances.

Popular for its lively culture and traditions, Rajasthan hosts numerous music festivals that showcase the region’s rich heritage. These music festivals in Rajasthan offer visitors a chance to enjoy a diverse array of musical genres, ranging from traditional folk to contemporary global performances. Spread across various cities, these events draw both local and international audiences. Whether you’re a passionate music lover or simply looking to delve into Rajasthan’s culture, these festivals provide a memorable experience, blending music, art, and amazing locations.

About Music Festivals In Rajasthan

Music festivals in Rajasthan in forts and lakes offer a rich cultural experience.

Photo: Siddharth 36 / Wikimedia Commons

Music festivals in Rajasthan take place in diverse locations, offering unique backdrops that enhance the experience. Cities like Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, and Kumbhalgarh host these popular events. Each location adds its historical charm, with performances often held at iconic sites such as forts, lakes, and deserts. The beauty of these places enhances the appeal of the festivals, making it more than just a musical experience but a journey through the state’s cultural tapestry.

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5 Places Hosting Music Festivals In Rajasthan

Here is a well-curated list of some places that host the best music festivals in Rajasthan.

1. Udaipur World Music Festival

Udaipur World Music Festival features global artists and diverse music genres.

Photo: Siddharth 36 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Udaipur World Music Festival offers a platform for global musicians to present a wide variety of music genres. Hosted at lakeside venues, the event features a unique blend of international and local music. The festival’s charming setting, surrounded by historic architecture, enhances the experience, making it a celebration of diverse cultures. It allows visitors to enjoy various performances while appreciating the scenic beauty of Udaipur’s iconic lake. The event attracts music lovers from across the world, ensuring a memorable celebration.

Timings: 3 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1000 / $12
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan

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2. Pushkar Fair

 Pushkar Fair showcases Rajasthani folk music, trade, and vibrant festivities.

Photo: Sheshagiri Shenoy / Wikimedia Commons

The Pushkar Fair, while famous for its camel trading, has grown into a cultural hub with music and festivities. Traditional Rajasthani folk music fills the air as the fair presents performances that reflect the region’s cultural richness. Visitors can experience the vibrant interplay between trade and entertainment as the music performances highlight local artistry. The fair offers an unforgettable journey through Rajasthani culture, blending traditional music with lively market scenes. This event has something for everyone, from musicians to traders.

Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹500 / $6
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan

3. Kumbhalgarh Festival

Traditional Rajasthani music and dance enliven Kumbhalgarh Fort’s festival atmosphere.

Photo: Meetu1980 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Kumbhalgarh Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan with music and dance at the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort. The grandeur of the fort provides an impressive backdrop for traditional performances, immersing the audience in a celebration of the region’s artistic traditions. This festival offers a mix of local music and lively dance routines that bring the fort to life. Visitors can explore the fort during the day and enjoy cultural performances in the evening, creating a distinctive experience.

Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 / $2.50
Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan

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4. Mewar Festival

Mewar festivals in Udaipur celebrate spring with music, dance, and rituals.

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The Mewar Festival is a celebration of spring and Udaipur’s cultural legacy, marked by music, dance, and rituals. Visitors can enjoy folk music performances and ceremonial activities that reflect the traditions of the region. The event’s location along Lake Pichola offers a stunning setting, making the festival not just a cultural event but also a visual treat. As spring blossoms, the festival brings Udaipur to life with colours, sounds, and traditional festivities, offering an authentic cultural experience.

Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan

5. Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrates Rajasthan’s heritage with musicians and dancers.

Photo: Endiae Genius / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrates the heritage of Rajasthan through captivating music and dance performances in the heart of the Thar Desert. Musicians and dancers showcase traditional art forms against the expansive desert backdrop, creating a unique cultural atmosphere. This festival offers an immersive experience of Rajasthan’s culture, with locals and tourists alike coming together to enjoy the music, costumes, and traditions. The open desert setting enhances the performances, giving a raw and authentic feel to the event.

Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: ₹800 / $10
Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

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6. Jodhpur RIFF

A picture of Rajasthani people in traditional attire singing and dancing at a festival

Photo: Soni Richa / WIkimedia Commons

Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival) transforms Mehrangarh Fort into a vibrant stage for India’s biggest roots music celebration each October. Now in its eighteenth year, the event showcases local Manganiyar and Langa musicians alongside artists from Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Sunrise concerts in the fort’s majestic courtyards merge into moonlit jam sessions beneath the Sharad Purnima sky, creating rich musical encounters. UNESCO has recognised RIFF as a ‘people’s platform for creativity and sustainable development’. For travellers seeking authentic open-air performances and cultural immersion, it ranks among the most inspiring things to do in Rajasthan.

Timings: 5:30 AM onwards for dawn concerts
Entry Fee: Starts from ₹5,900
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Fort Rd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

7. World Sufi Spirit Festival

A group of folk artists from Rajasthan, getting clicked after a musical performance

Photo: Idontsaycheese / Wikimedia Commons

World Sufi Spirit Festival is a spiritual confluence that unites Sufi traditions and devotional music within the royal settings of Nagaur Fort and Mehrangarh Fort. Held each February, it features qawwali performances, sufi mehfils and mystical dance, with artists arriving from Iran, Egypt, and India. Under thousands of candles, audiences experience soul-stirring verses and rhythms that transcend cultural boundaries. Workshops introduce guests to the philosophy and poetry behind Sufism, while reflective strolls through ancient ramparts offer moments of calm. For cultural enthusiasts charting places to visit in Rajasthan, this festival provides an immersive journey into the heart of spiritual music.

Timings: 7 AM onwards
Entry Fee: ₹4,500
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Fort Rd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

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8. Magnetic Fields Festival

A picture of a musical performance at one of the best music festivals in Rajasthan

Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Magnetic Fields Festival is a three-day celebration of music, art and community set within the baroque courtyards of Alsisar Mahal each December. Since 2013, the festival has blended local Rajasthani folk performances with cutting-edge electronic sets by global DJs, all framed by a seventeenth-century palace and desert landscape. Attendees wander between art installations, wellness workshops and open-studio sessions beneath painted walls and starlit skies. After a decade at Alsisar, the 2026 edition, reborn as Magnetic Fields Nomads, will shift to the Khetri region, promising fresh surroundings and renewed artistic focus. It remains a highlight for those seeking Rajasthan’s vibrant festival scene.

Timings: The festival runs for 3 days with evening and night performances
Entry Fee: ₹15,000 onwards (Includes accommodation)
Location: Alsisar Mahal, Alsisar, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan

Where To Stay

 Budget hotels to luxurious heritage can be booked at Music Festivals In Rajasthan.

Photo: Arian Zwegers / Wikimedia Commons

Rajasthan offers a wide variety of accommodations, from affordable hotels to opulent heritage properties. For a lavish experience, Udaipur’s Lake Palace and Jaisalmer’s Havelis are excellent choices. Pushkar also has charming boutique hotels that cater to different preferences. Budget travellers can find comfortable rooms starting from ₹2000 or $25 per night. Those seeking more luxury can explore options priced around ₹15000 or $180 and above, providing exceptional comfort and service for a memorable stay.

Where To Eat

Savor dal baati churma and laal maas while attending Music Festivals In Rajasthan.

Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons

Rajasthan is known for its rich culinary heritage. After enjoying a music festival, you can visit local restaurants to savour traditional dishes such as dal baati churma and laal maas. Popular dining destinations like Ambrai in Udaipur and The Trio in Jaisalmer offer authentic Rajasthani meals. Meals at these renowned places start from ₹500 or $6, giving travellers a taste of the region’s diverse and flavourful cuisine in a welcoming setting.

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Attending music festivals in Rajasthan offers a deeper experience beyond music, allowing visitors to dive into the region’s vibrant culture. Held in stunning historical settings, these festivals feature performances that capture the essence of Rajasthan’s heritage. Plan your trip to Rajasthan with TripXL and explore the enchanting world of music festivals, where culture and art come together to create an unforgettable event.

Cover Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Udaipur World Music Festival, Pushkar Fair, and Jaisalmer Desert Festival are among the most popular music festivals in Rajasthan.
You can purchase tickets online through official festival websites or via local travel agencies.
Yes, the Kumbhalgarh Festival and Mewar Festival feature classical music performances
Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Pushkar host some of the largest and most famous music festivals in Rajasthan.
Wear light, comfortable clothing, especially if attending desert festivals.
Major music festivals are hosted in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Pushkar, and Alsisar, offering a perfect blend of royal architecture and soulful music performances.
Yes, international musicians often collaborate with local artists at events like RIFF and Magnetic Fields, making Rajasthan cultural events globally renowned.
The Pushkar Music Festival is unique for its fusion of folk, Sufi, and contemporary music, held alongside the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, attracting both locals and international travellers.

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