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Experience
the vibrant Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan during your royal
journey aboard the Palace on Wheels. As the Palace on Wheels chugs
through the heart of Rajasthan in the kind of royal style that only
the Maharajas of yesteryear could have enjoyed, you not only
experience the romance of old-fashioned rail travel, but also get to
experience the splendid architecture, colourful bazaars, the rich
culture, the myriad topography of the Thar Desert, the vibrant
people and colourful fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state in India where tradition and
royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of
sand and desert. Referred to as the Desert Jewel of India, Rajasthan
shimmers with even more vibrancy during the time of its colourful
fairs and festivals. The desert glitters with the colors of joyous
celebration and gay abandon with every fair and festival of
Rajasthan. There is a celebration for every religious occasion,
every change of season and every harvest, all invariably a
reflection of the genius of their arts and crafts and their ascetic
refinement.
In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid
opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into the life of the
Rajasthan during their travel. Other than the traditional fairs,
recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races,
dance and music have been specially organised for tourists. Among
the better known fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are:
Pushkar Fair, Pushkar (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.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.):
One of the
most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert
festival is a journey into the heart of the Rajasthan desert, the
golden city of Jaisalmer. A true show on the sands which attracts
even the much traveled visitor. Folk performers like musicians,
ballad singers, snake charmers, and puppeteers all exhibit their
traditional skills. There are exciting camel dances, camel
acrobatics, camel races, and camel polo, competitions for the best
decorated camel, tug-of-war between musclemen, a turban tying
competition and a Mr. Desert contest. The culmination is a sound and
light spectacle on a moonlit night amidst sand dunes.
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.
Gangaur Festival (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.
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. Organized by
the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Marwar
Festival was originally known as the Maand Festival. Maand is a
classical style of folk music centered on the romantic life style of
Rajasthan's rulers, and Maand Raag recreates the old world charm and
graceful dances of the desert. A must for those interested in folk
music during their holidays in Rajasthan.
Camel Festival, Bikaner (January):
An
enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance during
the famed Camel Festival of Bikaner. It is fast gaining popularity
as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk
performances, camel, race camel dance etc.
Teej Festival, 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.
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.):
Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to
participate in some of the local sports. Situated half way between
Bikaner and Jodhpur, Nagaur awakens with the thronging of cattle,
horses and camels accompanied by their colorfully turbaned owners.
There is earnest bargaining between owners and buyers, and plenty of
fun and festivity. Games, tug-of-war contests, camel races and
strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere with the setting sun
in the background.
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.
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.
Not to be missed during your Rajasthan tour and travel.
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 festival.
Summer Festival, Mount 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. |
