Rajasthan is India’s largest and the only desert state. However, it’s not just these 2 features that make the state of Rajasthan what it is today.
The royal state of Rajasthan is known throughout the world for its undying hospitality, hundreds of years of culture and traditions, carefully-preserved cuisine, and a plethora of fairs and festivals. These are things that attract thousands of people from all walks of life to Rajasthan, each year.
When I think of Rajasthan, I think of colours and cuisine and royalty and heritage. I think of celebrations and feasts and fairs and festivals. The very essence of India, it can be found in Rajasthan.
And today, I’ll dedicate this post solely to Rajasthan festivals and fairs.
Let’s begin.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Often dubbed as People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development, this is an annual art and music festival that takes place is Jodhpur. Each year, the festival is celebrated around Sharad Purnima, the night with the brightest full moon.
1. Pushkar Fair
Drawing in more than 200000 people and 50000 camels, Pushkar Camel Fair is widely considered to be one of the largest camel trade fairs in the world. Lasting about 13 days, each day of the fair has its own set of trading activities and competitions. As a bonus, you can also enjoy camel safaris and hot air ballooning.
2. Desert Festival
This 3-day running festival is organized by Rajasthan Tourism and is held in February each year. Desert festival in Rajasthan is undoubtedly Jaisalmer’s most revered festivals and celebrates the delights of the desert like no other place possibly can. Keys attractions during this festival includes turban tying and longest mustache competition, local gigs by folk artists and camel races.
3. International Kite Festival
Held both in Jodhpur and the state capital Jaipur, the international kite festival is celebrated around Makar Sankranti, each year. One of the most popular festivals celebrated in Rajasthan, it’s a splendid spectre of kites decking you the entire desert sky.
4. Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur Literature Festival is sometimes referred to as the greatest literary show on this planet, which in my opinion, is not far from the truth. Inviting the creme de la creme of the literary landscape, this literary summit takes place in the last quarter of January, each year. From Nobel laureates to literature enthusiasts, and everyone in between, all flock to Jaipur’s Diggi Palace to be a part of this literature fiesta.
This, of course, is not an exclusive list of the state’s countless festivals. But there’s only so much a single post can accommodate. However, there’s a lot more to Rajasthan than meets the eyes. And in order to experience the unknown, one must be prepared to venture into places where most fear to tread.
