Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan : A Riot of Colors

Fair and festivals in Rajasthan are grandiose affairs, celebrated with great gusto and zeal. Also referred to as the land of Maharajas, Rajasthan is renowned for its world famous festivals which are celebration of the rich heritage, culture and art of Rajasthan.

Fairs and festivals in Rajasthan offer a great way to have cultural interactions and glimpse the very soul of this vibrant and colorful state. Mentioned below are the top festivals in Rajasthan to have a peek into the rich cultural traditions of this land of maharajas.

Mentioned below the list of Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan :

1. Teej Festival, Jaipur 

Considered as the most important festival of Jaipur, Teej is celebrated with reverence all over the state. Also known as the ‘Festival of Swings’, Teej marks the arrival of monsoon season. It falls on the 3rd day of the bright lunar half of the August month. Married women and young girls both frolic during the festivities. It is celebrated in the honor of goddess Parvati.

When : Teej Festival will start on 17th August 2015 in Japiur

2. Kajili Teej, Bundi

Kajili Teej Festival in Bundi

Celebrated on the 3rd day of the 5th Hindu month ‘Saawan/Shravan’, Kajili Teej is a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna. The deity is honored by the women by singing prayers & devotional songs and performing sacred ‘Neem Pooja’. Although Kajili Teej takes place for 2 days, its celebrations are generally extended till Janmashtami. 

When : Kajili Teej festival will be held on 31st August 2015. 

3. Rajasthan International Folk Festival 

International Folk Festival in Rajasthan

Touted as India’s first annual folk festival, The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) celebrates the traditional folk music and arts. The idea for organizing ‘Rajasthan International Folk Festival’ is to provide an open platform to all the musicians and folk artists from India and around the world.

[ Read More about Folk Sounds of Rajasthani Music ]

It offers a series of programs, concerts and events based in and around Mehrangarh Fort. It is home to more than 250 art performers and musicians from India, Rajasthan and Overseas together. The fort has been voted as ‘Asia’s Best Fortress’ by Times Magazine.

When : Rajasthan International Folk Festival will be held on 23rd October 2015. 

4. Marwar Festival, Jodhpur 

Touted as the ‘Blue City of Rajasthan’, Jodhpur celebrates the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan every year in the month of Ashwin. It is the most popular festival celebrated in the city of Jodhpur. Originally known as Maand Festival, Marwar Festival is a traditional way of folk music that focuses on the romance and politeness of Rajputana rulers.

When : Marwar festival will be celebrated on 26th - 27th October 2015 in Jodhpur.

5. Pushkar Festival, Pushkar 

The Pushkar Festival is the largest cattle fair in the world and took place in November every year. It attracts traders from far-off places throughout the year. Several cultural activities such as urban tying competition, dance & music performances and camel races are organized during the festival. The food stalls offer a variety of traditional dishes of Rajasthan.

When :  In 2015, Pushkar Fair will be held on 18th Nov till Nov 25th in Pushkar.

6. Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar 

Celebrated in the month of November, the Chandrabhaga Fair in Rajasthan welcomes thousands of visitors and participants from all over the nation. It is held at Jhalrapatan, located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Jhalawar. The festival has derived its name from the famous River Chandrabhaga itself and is considered very sacred by the people of Rajasthan.

When :  Chandrabhaga fair will be held on 24th November 2015 in Jhalawar.

7. Winter Festival, Mount Abu 

Celebrated during the last week of December, the Winter Festival takes place every year in Mount Abu, one of the top hill stations in India. It celebrates the happiness and cheerfulness among the people of this picturesque hill station. It is a three day long festival that emphasizes on the beauty of this hill station. It is a joint initiative taken by the Rajasthan Development Tourism Corporation and the Municipal board of Tamil Nadu.

When : This year winter festival in Mount Abu will begin from 29th December.

 8. Jaipur Literature Festival

Jaipur Literature Festival is the largest literary festival of the world. It is one of the most important national and international literature event organized in India. Free and open to all, this colorful festival includes a number of events and activities including of performances, readings, talks, debates, children’s workshops and other interactive activities, headed renowned authors, literary and other eminent personalities. The festival is organized in the month of January every year in Jaipur, between 21st January and 25th January. This is one festival that every literature buff looks forward to. 

When : Jaipur Literature Festival will be held on 21st January in 2016.

Interested in planning your holidays in Rajasthan? Browse through Rajasthan Tour Packages at IndianHoliday.Com

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Beginners Guide to Rajasthan Tours
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Contributed by Ashish Gupta

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Jaisalmer: The Golden City

Jaisalmer Fort

The golden city, Jaisalmer, is in the state of Rajasthan, situated on the western frontier of India. The city has close proximity to Pakistan and Thar Desert. For an unforgettable experience, one should enjoy Desert Safari in the sand dunes. The Jaisalmer Fort is one of the major attractions; therefore, this fort is different from other Indian forts. The main difference is that Fort of Jaisalmer is a living fort as there are hotels, shops, ancient havelis, etc.

History:

Panorama of Jaisalmer

The position of Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156, between Central Asia and India, on the camel-train routes, earned huge wealth to the city. The locals and merchants of the city built various magnificent mansions and houses, making use of carvings made of sandstone and wood.

The Rajput Jauhar in the 13th century made Jaisalmer experience sieges and sackings, thus, prevented huge harm from the Mughals. In the 17th century, due to cordial relationship with Delhi, Jaisalmer witnessed another golden age, and more of palaces and havelis were built during this time.

Culture & Cuisines:

Men in traditional dress celebrating Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Rich by cultural ethnicity and tradition, the Jaisalmer city is acknowledged all around the globe. The culture of the city has made great contribution to the rich culture of the Rajputs. The various facets like heroism, staunchness, and gallantry has also made the part of rich culture of Jaisalmer. Thus, there is clear reflection of the cultural exuberance in the cuisines, lifestyle, dance and music. Adding life to the culture of Jaisalmer, the feats, festivals and fairs also play an important role.

The succulent and boneless strips of chicken, murgh-e-subz is stir-fried with shredded vegetables. This delicacy is simply not to be missed. Or else, you may taste ker sangria, a delicacy made of capers and desert beans. Ker sangria is very popular in the regions of Jaisalmer where meat was found in very low quantity. In case, you have a substantial appetite, you can order tandoor thali, which comprises of two chicken preparations, vegetable kebab, mint sauce, and naan. Kadi pakorao, dumplings made of flour cooked in sauce of yogurt, or bhanon aloo, mint paste stuffed potatoes and simmered in gravy, are some of the other specialties of Jaisalmer.

Handicrafts:

The craftsmanship of Jaisalmer is praiseworthy. The exquisite pieces of traditional silver jewelries, decorated leather products, printing works, fine and delicate embroidery work, etc., are some of the specialty of Jaisalmer when it comes to handicrafts. The traditional crafts of Jaisalmer reflect the essentials of people, festivals, and culture along with legacy of the ancient era.

Tourist Attractions:

Lodurva, Jain Tample

Jaisalmer is praised for being of the major tourist attractions in India. One can take pleasure in excursion to Desert Cultural Center, Jain Temples, Tazia Tower, Gadsisar Lake, and Jaisalmer Fort. The Havelis like Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, and Salim Ji Ki Haveli, are worth visiting. The place is also admired by adventure seekers for amazing Camel Safari and Jeep Safari. Part from visiting attractions in Jaisalmer, one could also enjoy attractions around Jaisalmer like Lodurva, Bada Bagh, Phalodi Travel, Khuri Sand Dunes, Amar Sagar Lake, Wood Fossil Park, Sam Sand Dunes, Mool Sagar, Desert National Park, and many more.

Best Time to Visit:

During the months from October to March, it is considered ideal time for visiting Jaisalmer. Apart from this, the city bustles with tourists across the year.

How to Reach

Jaisalmer, nestled in the core of Rajasthan, is one of the major attractions of India drawing tourists from every nook and corner of the globe. The place is well-connected with different modes of transportations like airways, roadways and railways.

•    Airways: Jaisalmer does not have any airport. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, 300 Km away. Jodhpur is connected to different metro cities via government or private airlines. As per your preference, you may hire cab or opt for train journey.

•    Railways: Jasialmer has its own railway station, with direct trains from various regions of India. You may also reach Jaisalmer through the Palace on Wheels train.

•    Roadways: The well-maintained roads make the connectivity of Jaisalmer to different regions of the state easy and convenient. There are Deluxe as well as ordinary buses   and also private buses that are functional from Jaisalmer to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Barmer, Ahemdabad, Bikaner, Jalore, etc.

You may find following post interesting:
 
Beginners Guide to Rajasthan Tours
Hill Forts of Rajasthan inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Written by Neelam Talreja
 

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