A complete guide to experiencing the local festivals in Rajasthan

Do you want to dive into a world full of vibrant colours, rhythmic folk music, and rich cultural heritage? Rajasthan is famous for its grand palaces, large deserts and rich cultural heritage. Rajasthan has some of the most amazing and lively festivals in India. If you are someone who cannot refrain from seeking new experiences then the local events in Rajasthan are unlike anywhere else. Each festival from the Pushkar camel fair to Teej with its religious zeal has different stories about Rajasthan’s rich heritage. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to immerse yourself in these unforgettable events.

Pushkar camel fair

The Pushkar camel fair is one of the most famous fairs in Rajasthan held annually at Pushkar town. It is a unique blend of commerce and culture involving thousands of camels, horses and cattle traded during it. It begins with the grand camel parade where beautifully decorated camels walk through the town. This view is stunning as these camels decorated with bright ornaments and delicate designs march to different routes.

The Pushkar camel fair is an epicentre for cultural activities beyond animal trade. You can listen to Rajasthani folk music and also watch competitions such as “Matka Phod” or take part in contests like “Longest Moustache”. This always makes the fair livelier because both locals and tourists have fun.

Camel Taxi in Pushkar Mela | Credits: Canva

Mewar festival

Meant for Goddess Parvati, the Mewar festival held in Udaipur happens to be one of Rajasthan’s most remarkable occasions. During this festival, all participants carry statues representing females across Lake Pichola with traditional music and dance performances. The idols are then put into boats before being let loose onto the water.

This festival also gives a glimpse into royal practices that have been maintained till now by Rajasthanis. Some places within the city serve as arenas where cultural activities like Ghoomar or Kalbeliya folk dances take place. You can visit there to relish indigenous food items besides shopping for various traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.

Mewar Festival | Credits: Canva

Desert festival

The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is a three-day spectacle that honours the Golden City’s cultural heritage. It takes place amid the majestic sand dunes of Thar Desert which make it a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds. A parade from Jaisalmer Fort to the sand dunes starts off the festival, where participants take part in several activities amidst others.

The Desert Festival is renowned for various kinds of folk performances such as Ghoomar and fire dances. You can also enjoy local musicians playing tunes on instruments like Sarang and Algoza which fills the evenings with music.

Kite festival

Everywhere across Rajasthan, people joyfully enjoy Makar Sankranti which is also called The Kite Festival. This festival signifies the sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), an act that brings blessings. Colourful shapes and sizes light up all skies as people go on their rooftops for friendly kite-flying challenges.

The Kite Festival does not just mean flying kites, it also means eating delicious foods. As part of marking this special occasion, families prepare special dishes like til ke laddoo and gajak. The festive atmosphere is further heightened by the street vendors selling kites.

Kite Festival | Credits: Canva

The festival of colours - Holi

The celebration of Holi is held countrywide but in Rajasthan, especially in Udaipur, it has a special meaning. At the City Palace, the Mewar royal family organises Holika Dahan. On the next day, people go out into the streets playing with gulal making the whole place vibrant with so many colours. On top of ordinary festivity noises at Holi time in Udaipur, there are also traditional folk music as well as dance performances.

Holi | Credits: Canva

Teej

Rajasthan has one of the most important feasts for women, which is called Teej. Teej marks Lord Shiva’s reunion with his wife Parvati during the monsoons. There are some rituals that women do at this time. These include dressing up in beautiful saris, adorning themselves with traditional jewellery, and applying intricate mehendi designs on their hands. They perform puja (prayers) and often keep a fast to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati for a happy and prosperous married life.

Teej Festival in Jaipur | Credits: Jasper Levi 

Conclusion

In Rajasthan, festivals are not simply functions. Instead, they provide a glimpse into the innermost part of the state. Every festival is an occasion that offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness the cultural diversity and hospitality that Rajasthan is proud of. You can be sure this way that there is no better way to learn about Rajasthan than by being part of its festivities.Why don’t you stay in one of The Hosteller properties in Rajasthan for an unforgettable experience? With great locations in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, staying at any The Hosteller property during these festivals will give you a great opportunity to get into the local culture, meet other travellers and make memories. Be a part of the colourful celebrations taking place in Rajasthan and then back to your warm cosy hostel like home. Make your reservation now and embark on a cultural journey like none!