Desert Festival is a three-day festival which is celebrated every year in the month of February in Jaislamer, Rajasthan. The golden Sam Sand Dunes comes to the life during the celebrations with so much of fun and excitement. To see the attention of tourists across the world, this festival showcases rich culture, heritage and traditions of Rajasthan. Several cultural events and competitions take place such as, longest mustache competition, camel races, Mr.Desert Contest, Cricket match and turban tying. Folk dancers and music artists are there to entertain tourists. Moreover, don’t forget to enjoy the camel safari/ jeep safari over the golden sand dunes.
The Gangaur Festival lasts for 18 days when goddesses Parvati is worshipped. Married women pray for their happy married life and well-being of husband whereas, unmarried women pray for getting a good husband in future. The idol of Parvati is well-decorated with colorful attire and jewelry. Women apply henna on their hands, sing songs and adorn themselves with traditional attire. Witness the heritage and culture and religious beliefs in Rajasthan. A procession is carried out where an idol of goddess Gauri or Parvati is taken for city tour along with band, musicians, horses and women. Mostly, the festival is celebrated in the month of March, after 15 days of Holi festival.
Every year Kite Festival is celebrated on 14th January, also known as the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. This day is marked as the beginning of summer from winters, also the harvesting of crops starts from this day. On this day, sky is flooded with the colorful kites in various shapes, sizes and designs. In the evening, fireworks and lamps are lit have a blast and fun. International Kite Festival in Jaipur and Ahmedabad is one of the most enjoyed festivals in India. People take leave from their work and gather on the rooftop to enjoy kite-flying with their families. In fact, children are so excited for that they start kite-flying before a month of this festival.
Marwar Festival is a two-day festival which is celebrated in the month of September-October in Jodhpur, Rajasthan to mark the sacrifices and devotions made by Heroes of Rajasthan in the bygone era. This is one of the most awaited festivals of Jodhpur where the footfall of large number of tourists can be seen. Several cultural events like music shows, folk dance performance and camel polo take place during this 2-day festival that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan. Get a deep insight of the rural lifestyle and culture of Rajasthan by witnessing the celebrations and enjoy your trip to Rajasthan.
Teej Festival is celebrated in Rajasthan and some other parts of the country to welcome the monsoons for good harvest. Especially, in Jaipur, this festival is celebrated for three days when women are on fast for well-being of husbands and unmarried girls are on fast to pray for getting a good husband in future. Women are adorned with traditional attire and jewelry. They apply henna in various designs of hands. An idol of Goddess Parvati is worshipped and her procession is carried out with musicians and band for city tour. Locals treat themselves with delicious food and sweets like Ghevar and Malpua. According to hindu month, it is celebrated in the month of Sharvan/ Sawan on the third day.
Holi is a festival of colors when people take gulal or colors and apply on people’s faces to enjoy the festival. A day before holi, a bonfire is lit which is referred as Holika to mark the victory over evil. Children play with pichkari available in various shapes, colors and sizes in the market. Gujhiyas, laddoos and bhang are consumed by locals on this day. According to the hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated in the month of Phagun on full moon day which corresponds to the month of March. Holi is not about enjoying lonely, it is about to enjoy in a group of large number of people. People play with colors and water to add more fun on this festival.
The annual Taj Festival is a much awaited 10-day event, celebrated from 18 February to 27 February. Artists get an opportunity to display their finest specimen at Shilpgram near Taj Mahal. Elephants and camels are adorned traditionally where one can enjoy ride on their back. Wood carvings of Saharanpur, Banaras silk, pottery of Khurja, Lucknow chickan work, brassware of Moradabad and handmade carpets of Badohi are available for shopping. A food festival is organized where multi-cuisines of country can be tried out to relish the taste buds. Plan your trip to Agra during the Taj celebrations to explore the charm of Tajamahal and enjoy the extravaganza of Taj Mahotsav.
Diwai is a 5-day long festival which is celebrated in every nook and corner of the country with fun and enthusiasm. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped to get good wealth and health. People decorate their houses, offices and buildings with Rangoli (or colors) and illuminate with lights all around in the nights. Delicious sweets are made and distributed to friends and relatives to ad sweetness in their relationship. Deepak (or lamps), fireworks and lights altogether make the festival more charming. People wear new dresses and start preparations before a month. This is the largest festival in India when people take leave from work to celebrate it with family, relatives and friends.
Pushkar Fair is one of the largest camel fairs in the world which lasts for 5 days. A large number of cultural events and competitions take place such as, Harmony Marathon, Matka Race, Camel Race, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Cricket Match, Turban Tying, Mustache Competition, Kite Flying and Horse Dance Contest. The Shilpgram bazaar of handicrafts, paintings and jewelry is organized for shopping. The evening camel safari and other adventurous activities can be experienced during the fair. Cultural and folk dance performances can be also enjoyed. At last, scrumptious cuisine of Rajasthan- Dal-Bati-Churma is a must try food.