Rajasthan – The land of maharajas and palaces, is also known for its incredibly unique culture and traditions. This desert land state is famous for its opulence, elegance, and royalty which can be experienced by taking a wholesome trip here. It is all about vibrant marketplaces, welcoming locals, delicious cuisines, and a rich collection of magnificent forts and palaces. Rajasthan has become one of the most preferred choices for international as well as domestic tourists who wish to take a look into the roots of Indian heritage.
Did Do you know that centuries ago, the Rajasthani landscape had served as the birthplace of civilization? It is evident due to the presence of numerous archaeological findings. This clearly depicts that this land serves as a thriving home for people from various backgrounds, tribes, and sub-tribes. All of them exist in peaceful co-existence and celebrate a variety of fairs and festivals together. Here are some festivals of Rajasthan which successfully showcases the incredible traditions and beliefs that make our nation one of a Kind:
01. Maha Shivratri
This is one festival that is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent with great excitement and vigour. this day is considered to be auspicious for a number of reasons, some of them being – It was a day when Lord Shiva had consumed the poison from Samudra Manthan, it is the birthday of Shiva and some believe that it was on this day that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had entered into the holy bond of marriage. In Rajasthan, the people start the preparations from a couple of weeks prior to the actual date with an aim to honour Lord Shiva who is also lovingly referred to as Bholenath. As a part of the ritual women perform fasting and the Shivlingas are doused with honey, flowers, bel leaves followed by chanting in the praise of the Lord.
02. Teej
This popular festival of Rajasthan generally takes place during the onset of monsoon season in India. As per the name goddess, Teej is worshipped by the Rajasthani folk women who sing traditional songs and dance while worshipping the grandeur of the goddesses. During this special day, as a part of most Indian traditions, women prepare traditional desserts and sweet delicacies like Malpua and Ghewar. Dressed up elaborately and colorfully in traditional Sarees and clothing the grand procession involves the carrying of the idol of goddess Teej in a golden palanquin across the city which is a mark of spreading joy and happiness. The palanquin is carried on camels, elephants, and horses. It is truly a sight to behold.
03. International Kite Festival
This is one day when the entire skyline of Rajasthan and even other states of India are filled with colorful kites of different types and sizes which looks like something straight out of a movie scene. Traditionally the kite festival marks one of the most awaited festivals of India i.e. Makar Sankranti that takes place during the beginning of the year annually. People perform puja rituals, observe a fun-filled holiday and of course relish delectable traditional meals and sweets. On this day not just in Rajasthan kite flying can be seen all over India and some localities even hold kite flying competitions which is an extremely fun experience. It would be wise of you to plan a holiday to Rajasthan especially to Jaipur and Jodhpur during this festival as it is not just a treat for the eyes but for the soul as well.
04. Pushkar Mela
This is probably one of the most unique fairs to take place in India. It is a camel fair which takes place for a duration of around a week and consists of thousands of camels. Yes, you read that right, camels, thousands of well-groomed nicely decorated camels are brought here by traders for trading purposes which have earned its names of Pushkar camel fair. As the name suggests this traditional fair takes place in the holy town of Pushkar and is attended by travelers, visitors, and explorers from all over the world. Apart from displaying the camel’s several other activities also takes place here to keep the visitors interested which includes hot air balloon rides, performances by acrobats, snake charmers, traditional and folk dances, magic shows, etc.
05. Kumbhalgarh Festival
Kumbhalgarh is a very famous and massive fort in Rajasthan which serves as the center stage for this festival. The main purpose of this incredibly colorful festival is to showcase the Rajasthani culture in a more elaborate and fun manner through various art performances. This fair is best known for its traditional folk Rajasthani musical and dance performances accompanied by vibrant light and fireworks shows and displays. It is sure a treat for everyone attending this celebration and is a time well spent especially for art and cultural traveler enthusiasts. Some contests like turban tying and Mehendi making takes place to keep the people and attendees interested and make the whole experience extremely fun and memorable.
06. Bundi Festival
This is another one of the most extravagant displays and celebration of the unique and one of a kind colorful culture of Rajasthan. This festival is a 3 day-long celebration of the culture that makes Rajasthan a unique state in itself. This carnival of culture and traditions is initiated and organized completely by RTDC. The main purpose of this festival is to highlight and push forward the age-old culture and traditions of Rajasthan like ethnic sports, folk music and dances of different tribes and sub-tribes residing in these parts and various other cultural events. the key attractions of this festival include different types of quirky competitions like Kabaddi, horse riding, camel race, bridal makeup, etc. where else can you see all these festivities at its best than in Rajasthan? This is probably truly one of the most incredible festivals that can be experienced.
Apart from the above-mentioned festivals and fairs, there are numerous other festivities that take place in this desert land and will definitely fill your holiday with memories worth a lifetime.
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