RAJASTHAN FAIR & FESTIVALS
Elephant Festival
Place: Jaipur
Time: March (Phagun), on the eve of Holi
Rites & Rituals: Elephant Festival attracts visitors
from every nook and corner of the world. The festival begins with a procession
of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. Attractively decorated mighty
jumbos striding majestically is a sight to behold. Female elephants are
made to wear anklets, which tinkle as they walk. There are prizes for the
most beautifully decorated elephant.
In addition to this, several other exciting events also take place including
elephant race, the tug-of-war between elephant and playing of Holi on elephant
back.
Gangaur Festival
Place: The festival is observed throughout the state
Time: March (Chaitra), the day following Holi
Rites & Rituals: The festival holds a special place among the
newly wedded girls in Rajasthan. For them, it is binding to observe the
full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. The ladies
decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with mehendi (myrtle paste).
Images of Isar and Gauri are made of the clay for the festival. On the evening
of the 7th day after Holi, unmarried girls go around singing songs of ghudlia
carrying pots with a burning lamp inside, on their heads. The festival reaches
its climax during the last three days when women, carrying the idols of
Gauri, take out processions and bid farewell to Gauri in the end.
Nagaur Fair
Place: Nagaur
Time: January-February
Rites & Rituals: The picturesque town of Nagaur stirs to life
with the arrival of Nagaur Fair. The cattle fair here is reputed as the
second largest in Rajasthan and offers some of the best sight of Rajasthan.
The fair attracts visitors from all corners of the world for the trading
in cows, camels and horses.
Various games are organized during this four day festival that include tug-of-war,
camel races, cock fights and countless others. It offers tourist a memorable
extravaganza of fun and frolic. As the sun goes down, the folk musicians,
whose voices echo far and wide across the tranquil desert land, create a
joyous atmosphere.
Camel Festivals
Place: Bikaner
Time: January
Rites & Rituals: Camel Festival is just the right
place to see and admire the Ships of the Desert. It begins with a colorful
procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the
Junagarh Fort. The festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the grounds
followed by a variety of competitions including war contest, camel dance
and acrobatics.
The camels display spellbinding footwork, dancing gracefully to the direction
of their trainers. The jubilant skirt swirling dancers, the awe-inspiring
fire dance and the dazzling fireworks light up the fortified Desert City.
The festivities reach to the peak with a different tenor as the renowned
artists display a medley of folk dances and songs
Desert Festival
Place: Jaisalmer
Time: January-February
Rites & Rituals The otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer
comes to life and displays some cherished moments of its illustrious past
and affluent culture. Traditional dances backed by high-pitched music create
an out-of-this-world environment. The Turban Tying Competition and Mr. Desert
contest give a totally distinct touch to the festival.
The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire dancers leave the crowd
enchanted and asking for more. The festival ends with a trip to the sand
dunes where you can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride while viewing dancers
and musicians displaying their skills. It will be a time that you will cherish
for years to come.
Marwar Festival
Jodhpur
Place: Jodhpur
Time: September-October
Rites & Rituals: Marwar Festival showcases the best
of Rajasthan's culture and lifestyle. The festival starts with a bash and
for two days the city of Jodhpur reverberates with various festivities.
Originally known as the Maand Festival, it features folk music centered
on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.
The festival offers a variety of attractions including camel tattoo show
and polo. The various competition take place in and around the impressive
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Fort, Mehrangarh Fort the symbolize the might
and valor of this royal land.
