20 Most Famous Festivals of Rajasthan 2023

Gangaur Festival, Jaipur
Gangaur Festival, Jaipur

Rajasthan conjures images of vibrant colors, regal hospitality, feasts and festivities, music and dance, culture and tradition, and historical significance. Rajasthan encapsulates Incredible India in a single state. And without experiencing at least one of Rajasthan’s numerous fairs and festivals, your visit would not be complete. In true Rajasthani fashion, they are a celebration of life, culture, legacy, and nature. Here are a few Rajasthani festivals you really must attend at least once in your life. we will discuss the famous festivals of Rajasthan that are celebrated across the Rajasthan state.

Rajasthan, a land covered with sand and famous for its powerful rulers, is also renowned for its rich culture. The state hosts various events, fairs, and festivals for the locals and tourists to showcase their unique culture. Besides the festivals, you’ll also get to taste some of the most delightful dishes like dal bhatti churma, gatte ki sabzi, etc. There’s so much to explore here. Through this article, we’ll be sharing a list of 20 famous festivals of Rajasthan that take place in this state.

Famous Festivals of Rajasthan

1. Pushkar Fair, Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar Show, the forefather of all desert celebrations, is a magnificent five-day camel and animal fair held in Rajasthan’s Pushkar town on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Additionally, it falls on Kartik Ekadashi, a Hindu holiday marking the day that Lord Brahma was thought to have created the lake at Pushkar.

The Pushkar fair, which is primarily a livestock fair for the buying and selling of camels, draws throngs of tourists, transforming it into a veritable cultural extravaganza of art, music, dance, puppet shows, gypsy dance, races, and competitions with a variety of vendors selling mouthwatering snacks like camel milk cheeses and cakes, jewelry, shawls, and other trinkets. Over the course of these five days, the entire joyful and spiritual atmosphere lights up the desert.

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Pushkar Fair, Pushkar
Pushkar Fair, Pushkar

2. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

It is a three-day celebration of the wonders of the desert that is put on by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation in the month of February. The artists are costumed in vibrant colors and traditional finery, singing and dancing as they portray the tragedies and triumphs of the desert.

It will be a fantastic three days thanks to a display of desert customs and lifestyle, camel races, gymnastic feats, competitions for the longest mustache, the best turban, Mr. Desert, etc., excellent cuisine, and intriguing kiosks selling handicrafts and other mementos.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

Image Source: Karen

3. Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

RIFF is an annual music and art festival for the promotion of traditional folk music and arts. It has been hailed as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development” and is supported by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Sir Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. It is held at Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort during Sharad Purnima, the year’s brightest full moon night, and is a singular celebration of both Indian and foreign music. This event is a true treat for music and art lovers, drawing more than 200 musicians from around the world. It falls on the Marwar festival weekend.

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Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur
Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur

Image Source: Wikimedia

4. Gangaur Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, women celebrate this event, which also honors the goddess Parvati and her return home, with great fervor. Everyone takes part in the procession of a decked-out Goddess Gauri across the city, which is frequently accompanied by elephant processions, antique palanquins, chariots, folk music and dance, and fireworks. In Udaipur, it falls during the Mewar Festival. This is one of Rajasthan’s most well-known festivals.

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Gangaur Festival, Jaipur
Gangaur Festival, Jaipur

Image Source: Saurabh Chatterjee

5. Teej Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Teej, one of the greatest celebrations in west India, honors a woman’s devotion to her husband as well as the beginning of the monsoon season. In order to commemorate the merger of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the ladies of the community observe fasting, decorate their hands with mehndi, take leisurely swing rides, sing and dance with other women, share tales, and dress in festive clothes.

Jaipur’s markets and bazaars are brimming with enticing apparel, jewelry, and treats like Ghewar and Malpua. Numerous devotees flock to Jaipur to witness a procession of a decked statue of Goddess Parvati, as well as the ancient palanquins, folk music, and dance, and to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.

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Teej Festival, Jaipur
Teej Festival, Jaipur

Image Source: Wikimedia

6. Nagaur Fair, Nagaur, Rajasthan

The country’s second-largest fair, which is mostly a cattle fair, draws more than two lakh animal owners who bring their horses, cows, bullocks, oxen, camels, and other animals to participate in a sizable trade display. Both tourists and animal owners are drawn to the area because there are several animal races and cockfights during the day and dancing and music performances at night. It highlights Rajasthan’s authentic Rajput flavor and is put on by the Department of Animal Husbandry.

Nagaur Fair, Nagaur
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur

Image Source: Nick Leonard

7. Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The JLF is the largest free literary festival in the world, though perhaps not as glitzy as some of the other festivals on this list. The literary who’s who congregates at the Diggi Palace in Jaipur for five days of readings, discussions, and debates, including Nobel laureates, Booker award winners, and debut novelists. It is a terrific opportunity that nobody should pass up because it gives users access to some of the world’s finest writers and philosophers while also inspiring young people to dream and envision.

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Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Image Source: British High Commission, New Delhi

8. Summer and Winter Festivals, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan

Both of these famous festivals of Rajasthan, which are conducted over the course of three days in May and December, respectively, are held to highlight the friendliness and culture of the people who reside in the lone hill station in Rajasthan. They are observed with processions throughout the city, a variety of competitions, folk music and dance, and spectacular fireworks displays to honor the spirit of the community. During the festival days, a significant number of tourists are drawn to the area by a special blend of divine hospitality and an unusual environment.

Summer and Winter Festivals, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan
Summer and Winter Festivals, Mt. Abu, Rajasthan

Image Source: Pinterest

9. Camel Festival, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Bikaner hosts the amazing Camel Festival, which is held in honor of the ship of the desert. This event begins with a lot of fanfare, just like the other festivals in Rajasthan. The Camel Festival, a two-day event held each year in lovely January, features a colorful parade of camels dressed in costumes against the majestic Junagadh Fort. There are camel races, camel contests, and other cultural displays. Although this festival honors Rajasthan’s camels, it also features authentic Rajasthani cultural acts. An impressive fireworks show that illuminates Bikaner’s regal skies marks the festival’s conclusion.

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Camel Festival, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Camel Festival, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Image Source: Wikimedia

10. Kota Adventure Festival, Rajasthan

The Kota Adventure Festival is one of the famous festivals of Rajasthan that combines adventure and spirituality. One of Rajasthan’s most intriguing events takes place during Dussehra in the month of October. Adventure sports are organized during this festival, attracting visitors from all across the nation. The festival’s primary goal is to increase statewide tourism. Since the main events include rafting, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, angling, and rural excursions, it is a week-long haven for adventure fans. The festival’s major attraction is kite flying. The Kota Adventure Festival likely hosts any adventure sport you can think of.

Kota Adventure Festival
Kota Adventure Festival

Image Source: Pinterest

11. Urs Festival

The Urs Festival takes place at the sacred tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. It commemorates his symbolic union with Allah (God). It occurs annually from the 1st to the 6th day of Rajab, which is the 7th month in the Islamic calendar. This religious festival is significant in Rajasthan and draws devotees from around the globe. During the celebration, the tomb is cleansed using rosewater and adorned with intricately embroidered silk fabric. Afterward, there are prayers and offerings made as part of the festivities. The festival offers a very soothing experience to the visitors.

Urs Festival
Urs Festival

Image Source: Wikimedia

12. Matsya Festival

The Matsya Festival is a renowned celebration in Rajasthan. The festival is two days long. It takes place in November in the city of Alwar. This highly anticipated event garners the enthusiastic participation of both locals and tourists from abroad. The festival showcases the region’s rich culture. It offers an array of traditional performances, delightful cuisine, and colourful displays. With its roots deeply embedded in Rajasthani heritage, the Matsya Festival provides a beautiful glimpse into the artistic and cultural history of the region. It leaves the visitors with cherished memories of an authentic and lively Rajasthani experience. It’s a cultural extravaganza, and trust me, it is definitely worth a visit.

Matsya Festival
Matsya Festival

Image Source: Outlook Traveller

13. Ramdevra Fair

The Ramdevra Fair is a big event that honours Baba Ram Dev in a small Jaisalmer village. Every year, many people visit Ramdevji’s temple, where he is remembered and worshipped. People from different religions come to pray at the temple. What makes this fair special? It is that people from different backgrounds and beliefs come together to celebrate this event happily. It shows how everyone can enjoy and celebrate together despite their differences, making the Ramdevra Fair an important and loved event for all who take part. It teaches us about coming together in unity, no matter who we are.

Ramdevra Fair
Ramdevra Fair

Image Source: Sourabh Chatterjee

14. Kumbhalgarh Festival

The Kumbhalgarh Festival is famous for its lively music, traditional dances by local artists, and stunning fireworks. It’s a well-known celebration in Rajasthan that happens near the beautiful Kumbhalgarh Fort. The festival is a big cultural event. It is especially loved by people who enjoy art and culture. There’s energetic music, captivating traditional dances, and amazing fireworks, making it a wonderful celebration of Rajasthan’s rich heritage and traditions. If you want to experience the lively culture of this region, this festival is a must-attend. It promises a memorable and enjoyable time for everyone.

Kumbhalgarh Festival
Kumbhalgarh Festival

Image Source: Facebook

15. Kabir Yatra

The Kabir Yatra stands out as a distinctive festival honoring Rajasthan’s folk music festival. This extraordinary event is like a traveling music festival that traverses various regions of Rajasthan. It offers a delightful musical experience to travellers. Do you know what sets this festival apart? It is a six-day journey in and around Bikaner. It provides a platform for local musicians to showcase their remarkable skills and talents. As the journey unfolds, the vibrant sounds of traditional folk music fill the air, attracting the audience and allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It’s an exceptional celebration of music and heritage that should not be missed by any chance.

Kabir Yatra
Kabir Yatra

Image Source: Rajathan Kabir Yatra

16. Kolayat Fair

The Kapil Muni Fair is often referred to as an extravaganza event. It stands as one of Rajasthan’s most beloved festivals. The festival adorns all 52 ghats with splendid decorations. People present offerings like sweetmeats, milk pudding, and sugar drops to the idols. Devotees participate in a sacred ritual, immersing themselves in the holy Kolayat Lake. This act of taking a dip holds immense spiritual significance for the pilgrims. It’s as significant as taking a dip in the holy river Ganga. The festival blends religious devotion with vibrant festivities, attracting various devotees and visitors. It is a cherished and eagerly awaited event in Rajasthan.

Kolayat Fair
Kolayat Fair

Image Source: Pinterest

17. Chandrabhaga Fair

Jhalawar, a princely state situated in the southeastern part of Rajasthan, hosts the Chandrabhaga Fair annually. It typically takes place in October and November. This fair primarily focuses on cattle and is held on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima when numerous individuals come to bathe in the sacred Chandrabhaga River. Locals know this place as Chandravati, and it holds great religious significance for them. Similar to the renowned Pushkar Fair, this event also features a cattle fair, where livestock is showcased for sale. Traders and merchants from all corners of the country gather in this city to participate in this Rajasthan fair.

Chandrabhaga Fair
Chandrabhaga Fair

Image Source: Nevil Jaweri

18. Mewar Festival

Hosted in the beautiful city of Udaipur, the festival usually takes place during the onset of the spring season. This year it was held from 24th to 26th March. The Mewar Festival in Udaipur during March is a must-see event. Do you know why? It fills the entire city with vibrant colors, lively dances, and intricate rangolis. Not only that, you will see people dressed in stunning outfits. This celebration revolves around the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women, adorned in traditional and colorful clothing, beautifully decorate idols or images of these deities. The festival’s preparations start several weeks before the actual festival, and the festivities kick off with the collection of ashes from the Holika Dahan.

Mewar Festival
Mewar Festival

Image Source: Wikimedia

19. Bundi Festival

Bundi, as you may know, is often known as “Chhoti Kashi” among Indians. Know why? It draws a comparison between the cultural richness of Varanasi and the magnificent forts of Rajasthan. The 3-day Bundi festival is truly the spirit of Rajasthan. It draws visitors from around the globe to the Hadoti District. What makes this festival unique is that it welcomes everyone and interestingly, there are no entry charges. The festival hosts a variety of activities that are crafted to leave tourists with a memorable experience. These activities include arts and crafts exhibitions, classical music and dance performances, cultural displays, musical competitions, traditional sports, and showcases of bridal attire and turbans. The entire city of Bundi glows during this festival.

Bundi Festival
Bundi Festival

Image Source: Pierre Doyen

20. World Sufi Spirit Festival, Gangaur, Jodhpur

This festival is more like an event. It is quite unique as it features artists from diverse places like Mongolia, Afghanistan, Africa, Italy, and various regions within the state and country. It attracts a select group of attendees. It’s a very different yet simple event that allows you to have conversations with talented artists and even the royalty of Jodhpur. Plus, you can enjoy mouth-watering cuisines amidst the enchanting ambiance of the beautiful Nagaur fort, thus, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It is one of the famous festivals of Rajasthan.

World Sufi Spirit Festival
World Sufi Spirit Festival

Image Source: Wikipedia

These are the top 20 famous festivals of Rajasthan. Kindly share and post your comments.

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