Rajasthan is a state with an old history and deep cultural ties, all of which are reflected in its various festivals that are celebrated through the year. The desert state bursts into colour with every celebration held in and around its ancient cities. Skyscanner tells you about some bright, vibrant festivals in Rajasthan that will add colour to your trip.
Festival | Where | Date |
| Teej | Jaipur | 3-4 August, 2019 |
| Pushkar Camelm Fair | Pushkar | 3-12 November, 2019 |
| Mewar Festival | Udaipur | 27-29 March, 2020 |
| Brij Holi | Bharatpur | 3 days ahead of Holi |
| Kite Festival | Jaipur | 14-16 January, 2020 |
Teej
What: Teej in Rajasthan is celebrated to mark the arrival of the monsoon season. As the rains hit the region, swings are hung from trees, women dress in traditional green attire and there is a general air of celebration for the two days of the festival. Traditionally, prayers are dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva is celebrated at this time.
When: Teej 2019 will be celebrated on August 3-4.
Why: A visit to Rajasthan at this time is a visual and cultural treat, especially in Jaipur, where Teej is celebrated with great fervor. Expect folk songs and dances to be performed and traditional foods like ghewar to be served along with ritual prayers and fasting.
Read more: Kite Festivals to Know – Let Your Kites Soar High
Pushkar Camel Fair
What: Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as the Pushkar Mela, is a livestock and cultural fair that spans a few days. An annual affair, it is always held in Pushkar and has become a huge travel attraction over the years. This rural fair coincides with a pilgrimage to Pushkar Lake, the banks of which are also the location for the fair.
When: The Pushkar Camel Fair will be held from November 4 to November 12 in 2019.
Why: The Pushkar Mela is on many travel bucket lists for its colourful and varied offerings. Expect everything from locals trading in livestock to rural competitions like longest moustache and camel races. There are handicraft stalls, exhibitions, cultural shows and lots of song, dance and music.
Read more: Experience Exotic India Through the Festivals of India
Mewar Festival
What: An Udaipur centric event, this festival welcomes the arrival of the spring in the region. Celebrated with fanfare and religious significance, the festival sees the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati dressed up by locals, paraded through the city in processions and finally immersed into Lake Pichola. Celebrations follow the ritual.
When: The Mewar Festival in 2020 will be held over three days from March 27 to March 29.
Why: The parade of the decked up idols through the city is quite an experience. Not only are the idols decorated, even the locals dress up in their traditional best, making for a beautiful and colourful sight. It is after the immersion of the idols that the real celebrations begin. Expect fireworks, song and dance, food and drink, and cultural shows to follow the religious ceremony.
Read more: Teej Festival – 2019 Teej Festival in India
Brij Holi
What: Brij Holi is observed a few days ahead of Holi. Celebrated in the Bharatpur region of the state, it is a three day affair which sees locals making merry dressed up in colourful clothes. True to the spirit of Lord Krishna, who is the celebrated deity during these festival days, there is a lot of song, dance, colour and revelry.
When: Brij Holi is celebrated for three days ahead of Holi every year in the month of March. The exact dates depend on which dates are decided for Holi.
Why: Witness the story of Lord Krishna and Radha played out in the famous Rasleela. Join the locals as they sing, dance and throw colour on each other and make merry. This is one of the most enjoyable festivals in Rajasthan, and an apt one for a tourist to participate in. If you are planning a Rajasthan trip in March, make sure your dates overlap with the festival.
Read more: Goa Carnival Festival: A Guide to the Most Popular Carnival in India
Kite Festival
What: The city of Jaipur marks the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti by coming out and filling the skies up with colourful kites. The day starts with a local pilgrimage and a holy dip in Galtaji. Locals pray for a good crop and spend the day outdoor flying kites and participating in kite flying competitions.
When: The International Kite Festival 2020 will start on January 14 and carry on for the next two days.
Why: Visit Jaipur at this time and you can be part of the annual International Kite Festival organized by the administration. Experience Jaipur at its colourful best, and the pleasant January weather will definitely add to the charm of your trip. This is a very popular festival which attracts tourists from India and from around the world. Make sure you book your flights and accommodation way in advance to avoid the inevitable surge pricing!
Read more: Tulip Festival at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar
FAQs
- Which is the famous festival in Rajasthan?
Rajasthan is a state of many vibrant festivals that addcolour to it. Some famous festivals that are unique to Rajasthan are the KiteFestival, Teej, Brij Holi, the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Mewar Festival.
- Which is the mostfamous festival in Jaipur?
Jaipur hosts a number of high profile festivals through theyear. It is famous for its annual International Kite Festival and Teej Festival.
- Why is Teejcelebrated in Rajasthan?
