Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan
The
Rajasthani’s love for colour and joyous celebrations is proved by the elaborate
rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the numerous
fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated by
the Hindus,Muslims and others,there are also the traditional fairs.
There are animal fairs,there are religious fairs and there are fairs to mark
the changing seasons. Infact,celebrations occur almost round the year and are
a splendid opportunity for the visitor to gain an insight into the life of the
Rajasthani. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals
which involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been specially organised
for the tourists.
Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially an animal fair, it provides
an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.): One of the most popular of all
festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert,the golden city of Jaisalmer
that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts even the
much traveled visitor.
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.): A religious festival with simple
and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number
of tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join
their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Gangaur, Jaipur (March-April): A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati,the
consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery
and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being
of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and
culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his
bride home.
Mewar
Festival, Udaipur (March-April): A festival to welcome the spring season.
There is song, dance, processions,devotional music and fireworks where almost
everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April): A festival to celebrate Holi,
this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and
also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with the elephants turning
out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar): Held in the memory
of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands
of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer
seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organised to mark
the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June): Organised in the only hill station of
Rajasthan,this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and
a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist
has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August): A festival to mark the advent of monsoon.Processions,women
dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially
a women’s festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups
and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur (October): A festival devoted mainly to the
music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor
to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.
Pushkar
Fair, Ajmer (November): The well-known and marked with largest participation
of all the festivals of Rajasthan,Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as well
as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars,auctions,music and sports are
highlight of this event.
Camel Festival, Bikaner (January): An enchanting desert city which comes
alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds
an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances,camel, race camel dance
etc.
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