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Rajasthan Tour Packages
Rajasthan Festival Tours
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.
Rajasthan Festival Tours, Rajasthan Tour Packages
