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Rajasthan
Fair & Festivals, makes Thar desert as one of the most colorful
and celebrated desert in the whole world..
The Rajasthani's love for color and joyous celebrations, music,
dance and festivals makes it one of the most colorful desert in
the world. We have numerous fairs and festivals of the region.
In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims
and others, there are also the traditional fairs.
We have all sorts of fair and festivals like animal fairs,
religious fairs and there are fairs to mark the changing
seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and
are a splendid opportunity for you to gain an insight into the
life of the Rajasthani. Other than the traditional fairs,
recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel
races, dance and music have been specially organized for the
tourists. We recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you
are a part of any of the following fairs and festival to truly
know the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.)
Essentially an cattle fair, it provides an opportunity to
participate in some of the local sports.
Kite Festival (held on 14th Jan of
every year) A festival with a difference - as kites
take to the sky all over Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with
lights in them and fireworks brighten the skies above. The main
celebrations are in Jaipur and Jodhpur. If you like kite flying,
you should be here.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.)
One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into
the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a
charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts even
the much traveled visitor. Highly recommended. Be there.
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
tribal from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to
Lord Shiva.
Gangaur Festival, Jaipur (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.
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.
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 colors. A show is organized with the elephants
turning out in their best finery.
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 organized to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June)
Organized 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.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August) A
festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Women dressed in bright
colors 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.
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.
Pushkar Fair, Ajmer (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.
Recommended.
Camel Festival, Bikaner (January)
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and
dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an
opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel, race
camel dance etc. here.
Hindu lunar months
The months of the Hindus lunar calendar (Vikram Samvat) and
their Gregorian equivalents are as follows:
-
Chaitra
March -
April
-
Vaishaka
Aril -
May
-
Jyaistha
May -
June
-
Asodha June
-
July
-
Sravana
July -
August
-
Bhadra
August -
September
-
Asvina
September -
October
-
Kartika
October -
November
-
Aghan
November -
December
-
Pausa
December -
January
-
Magha
January -
February
-
Phalguna February - March
(source taken form
www.rajasthantravelguide.com)
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