25 Festivals in Rajasthan to Experience
Festivals in Rajasthan : Rajasthan is renowned for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This essence is beautifully mirrored in its glistening lakes, vast deserts, bustling markets, and magnificent palaces and forts. Equally captivating are the state’s colorful and traditional festivals, each offering a unique glimpse into Rajasthan’s ethnicity, heritage, and cultural vibrancy. These celebrations truly embody the spirit of Rajasthan, showcasing its deep-rooted traditions and lively atmosphere. For tourists, these festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse hues of this royal land.
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Festivals Of Rajasthan
Some festivals in Rajasthan are deeply rooted in tradition and religion, while others are vibrant cultural fairs. Here’s a list of some of the most celebrated festivals in the state.
1. Teej – Worship Of Goddess Teej
Teej is one of Rajasthan’s most cherished festivals, celebrated with great pomp and splendor. The festivities include traditional songs and dances, vibrant fairs, and the worship of Goddess Teej. Women observe a fast on this day, praying for the well-being of their husbands. The festival also marks the arrival of the monsoon, bringing much-needed rain for crops and revitalizing the landscape. A grand procession featuring the golden palanquin of Goddess Teej winds through the city, accompanied by beautifully adorned elephants, horses, and camels. Undeniably, Teej holds immense cultural and traditional significance in Rajasthan.
2. International Kite Festival – A Vibrant Festival Of Rajasthan
The International Kite Festival is one of Rajasthan’s most lively and renowned celebrations, held annually around Makar Sankranti. During this festival, both locals and tourists take to the skies with kites of all shapes and colors while enjoying traditional sweets and local delicacies. In Jodhpur, the festivities reach new heights as helicopters release hundreds of giant kites, transforming the sky into a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors.
3. Jaipur Literature Festival – The Greatest Literary Show On Earth
Often hailed as the greatest literary spectacle on Earth, this festival brings together both emerging and renowned writers. From Nobel Laureates and Man Booker Prize winners to aspiring authors, literature enthusiasts gather at Diggi Palace to celebrate the written word. As one of Rajasthan’s most prestigious festivals, it offers a unique platform for visitors from across the globe to exchange ideas and gain insights from some of the most influential literary figures of our time.
4. Elephant Fair – The Traditional Festival Of Rajasthan
The Jaipur Elephant Festival, celebrated annually at the Jaipur Polo Ground on Holi, is among Rajasthan’s most renowned traditional festivals. Adorned with vibrant jhools (saddle cloths) and elaborate jewelry, these majestic elephants take center stage in a series of exciting events, including races, polo matches, and competitions. Some female elephants even wear anklets, adding to the festive charm. The event also features tug-of-war contests, dance performances by both elephants and folk artists, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors.
5. Winter Festival -Explore Various Forms Of Arts
The Winter Festival is a vibrant celebration that unites artisans and performers from across Rajasthan, offering a glimpse into the state’s diverse arts, handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural heritage. As one of Rajasthan’s most renowned festivals, it features mesmerizing fireworks displays and engaging poetry sessions. This three-day event is organized to promote tourism, with game stalls and food vendors enhancing the festive atmosphere. Each night concludes with a dazzling fireworks show, lighting up the sky in a grand spectacle.
6. Summer Festival – Summer Festival On The Day Of Buddha Poornima
The Summer Festival in Mount Abu, held on Buddha Poornima, is a two-day celebration of Rajasthan’s rich folk culture and traditions. In addition to captivating cultural performances, the festival features exciting events like horse racing, skating competitions, tug-of-war, and boating races on Nakki Lake, along with live band performances. Tourists flock to Rajasthan’s only hill station during both the summer and winter festivals, enjoying a perfect blend of cultural festivities and breathtaking natural beauty.
7. Brij Holi – The Worship Of Lord Krishna
Brij Holi, celebrated a few days before Holi, is a vibrant festival dedicated to Lord Krishna, marked by devotional music, energetic dance, and the joyful play of colors. As one of Rajasthan’s most renowned festivals, it holds deep spiritual significance. Locals begin the celebrations by taking a holy dip in the ghats of the Banganga River before offering prayers at the Radha Krishna Temple.
8. Urs Festival – Celebrated At Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Dargah
The Urs festival is held at the sacred tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with Allah (God). Celebrated annually from the 1st to the 6th day of Rajab, the 7th month of the Islamic calendar, it is one of Rajasthan’s significant religious festivals, drawing devotees from around the globe. During the festival, the tomb is ritually washed with rosewater and adorned with a finely embroidered silk cloth, followed by prayers and offerings.
9. Pushkar Camel Fair – A Camel Trade Fair
One of Rajasthan’s most traditional festivals, this event sees thousands of camels gathered for trading, creating a unique and lively atmosphere. The carnival is filled with vibrant music, dance, magic performances, puppetry, acrobats, snake charmers, and carousel rides. The festival grounds are lined with stalls offering souvenirs, camel milk-based delicacies, and other local treats. Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural experience with local music, dance, and bonfire-lit celebrations every night.
10. Rajasthan International Folk Festival – A Celebration Of Traditional Folk Music And Arts
The Jodhpur RIFF, an annual festival held since 2007, celebrates and promotes traditional folk music and arts. It takes place every year on Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year, at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The festival attracts over 200 local and international folk musicians, offering a vibrant blend of music, dance, poetry, puppetry, and much more for attendees to enjoy.
11. Kolayat Fair – The Kapil Muni Fair
Known as the Kapil Muni Fair, this enchanting festival is one of Rajasthan’s most well-loved celebrations. During the event, all 52 ghats are exquisitely decorated, and offerings of sweets, milk pudding, and sugar desserts are made to the deity’s idols. The festival takes place along the scenic banks of Kolayat Lake, with the festivities beginning with a holy dip in its waters. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, local street food, and unique artworks, making it a popular destination for tourists.
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12. Mewar Festival – The World’s 2nd Living Heritage Festival
The Mewar Festival in Udaipur marks the arrival of spring with great grandeur and vibrancy. Renowned for its colorful displays and breathtaking beauty, it is one of Rajasthan’s most celebrated festivals. The festivities include folk music, dance, delicious food, and joyful celebrations. Locals decorate their homes, don traditional attire, and participate in a lively procession through the streets of Udaipur, carrying idols of their local deities on their heads.
13. Kumbhalgarh Festival – The Cultural Feast
The Kumbhalgarh Festival is renowned for its lively musical performances, dazzling dance recitals by local artists, and breathtaking fireworks displays. Set against the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, this celebrated festival of Rajasthan offers a cultural extravaganza that is a dream come true for art and culture lovers.
14. Matsya Festival – Discover Adventurous Sports During Festival
The Matsya Festival is another prominent celebration in Rajasthan, held annually for two days in November in the city of Alwar. Drawing both locals and international visitors, this festival highlights the region’s rich arts, culture, and heritage. It features an array of activities, including music, dance, theatrical performances, exhibitions, sports events, and various contests.
15. Bundi Festival – A 3-Day-Long Cultural Extravaganza
Bundi Utsav is a vibrant three-day cultural celebration, organized by RTDC, that features a grand procession as its centerpiece. The festival showcases a variety of traditional sports, folk dance performances, cultural events, and exciting competitions. Fun and quirky contests, such as the longest moustache contest, turban-tying competition, and other playful games and races, add to the charm of this spectacular festival, making it one of Rajasthan’s most memorable celebrations.
16. Desert Festival – The Expansive Thar Desert
The Desert Festival is one of Rajasthan’s most iconic celebrations, held annually in February amidst the vast dunes of the Thar Desert. This vibrant cultural carnival brings Rajasthani folk traditions to life with lively dance, music, gymnastics, camel polo, camel races, and various thrilling sports. Known as one of the most exciting festivals in Rajasthan, it beautifully captures the essence and allure of the desert in a way no other festival can.
17. Nagaur Cattle Fair – The Ramdeoji Cattle Fair
As the name implies, this annual fair is primarily focused on cattle trading. Along with the Pushkar Camel Fair, it stands as one of the largest animal fairs, with nearly 70,000 bullocks, camels, and horses being traded. The animals are beautifully decorated, and their owners don colorful turbans and sport long, impressive moustaches. In addition to livestock, spices are also traded, with numerous stalls offering local spices, street food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The fair is further enlivened by jugglers, puppeteers, and storytellers, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
18. Baneshwar Festival – The Tribal Festival Of Rajasthan
The Baneshwar Festival is one of Rajasthan’s most celebrated tribal and cultural festivals, held at the Baneshwar temple in Dungarpur. It holds special significance for the Bhills tribe, who travel from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Mahi and Som Rivers. Due to its importance to the tribal community, the festival is often referred to as the Mahakumbh of the Adivasi tribes.
19. Chandrabhaga Fair – A Religious Cum Cattle Fair
This religious and cattle fair attracts pilgrims, cattle herders, travelers, and explorers from across the country, who gather on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River to take a holy dip and offer prayers. While the spiritual aspect is important, the fair holds even greater significance for the locals, who primarily come for cattle trading. Once the religious rituals are completed, the celebration continues with vibrant dance, music, competitions, and other festivities.
20. Kota Adventure Festival – A Heaven For Adventure Enthusiasts
Kota is a paradise for adventure lovers from around the globe. Visitors flock to this festival to enjoy an exciting array of adventure sports and embark on rural expeditions along the banks of the River Chambal. Join in one of these incredible festivals in Rajasthan and experience an unforgettable time in Kota.
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21. Gangaur Festival – Symbolises Togetherness Of Lord Shiva And Goddess Parvati
The Gangaur Festival, one of Rajasthan’s most well-known celebrations, is held in honor of Goddess Parvati. Both married and unmarried women celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festivities include grand processions featuring a beautifully adorned Goddess Gauri, often accompanied by elephant parades and folk dances, concluding with a spectacular display of fireworks. This vibrant celebration lasts for 18 days and is among the most widely celebrated festivals in Rajasthan.
22. Mahashivratri – In The Honour Of Lord Shiva
Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated across India and considered one of the most significant festivals in Rajasthan in 2025. It is a public holiday in many states and is rich with mythological significance. Devotees honor Lord Shiva with offerings of flowers, honey, and bel leaves, while many women observe fasting on this auspicious day.
23. Ashwa Poojan – The Regal Festival Of Worshipping
Ashwa Poojan is a royal festival held in Udaipur on the 9th day of Navratri, dedicated to honoring the horse. Celebrated as one of Rajasthan’s most renowned festivals, it highlights the deep connection between honor and the horse. The eldest member of the family performs the worship of the horse, followed by a delightful feast of traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
24. Kabir Yatra – The Folk Music Of Rajasthan
Kabir Yatra is a unique festival that celebrates the folk music of Rajasthan. This traveling music festival takes place across various parts of Rajasthan, offering a fantastic experience for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the state’s rich folk music tradition. What sets this festival apart is its 6-day journey around Bikaner, where local musicians showcase their talents, transforming the entire route into a lively stage for musical expression.
25. Ramdevra Fair – Celebrated In The Memory Of Baba Ram Dev
The Ramdevra Fair is an important event held in honor of Baba Ram Dev in a small village near Jaisalmer. Each year, devotees from all over visit the Ramdevji temple, where his samadhi is located, to offer their prayers. The fair is particularly meaningful as it brings together people from diverse religious backgrounds and walks of life, uniting them in the shared spirit of celebration and devotion.
Festivals in Rajasthan : Now that you’re aware of the dates and traditions of Rajasthan’s festivals for this year and the next, which ones are you planning to attend? With festivals happening throughout the year, you’re bound to have an amazing time. Start planning your trip to Rajasthan and immerse yourself in these vibrant celebrations!