Festivals of Rajasthan

The festivals of Rajasthan are absolutely enjoyable. The rich culture and tradition are portrayed beautifully during the major festivals of Rajasthan. The riot of colors against the backdrop of the golden desert is a contrasting picture of vibrancy and silence. In Rajasthan, the festivals are celebrated with much fanfare and joy. Some festivals are exclusive to the state of Rajasthan, while some are celebrated only in some regions of Rajasthan. The state of Rajasthan comes alive in vibrant colors when a festival is celebrated. If in India, do not miss these major festivals of Rajasthan that are an absolute delight to attend.

Camel Festival...
Known as the Ship of the Desert, the Camel has been a fundamental part of the lives of the Rajasthani lifestyle since time immemorial. In order to acknowledge the importance of this useful animal, the Camel Festival of Bikaner is celebrated on a grand scale in Rajasthan. Every year in the month of January, Bikaner comes alive with the grand celebration of the Camel Festival. This grand spectacle should not be missed in case you traveling in India in January. The Tourism Department of Rajasthan Government organizes it. Read on about Camel Festival of Bikaner.

The camel dance is something that enthralls all visitors who come to Camel Festival. The trainers train their camels very skillfully and they present a very fine synchronization of footwork. This is one event that leaves everyone almost breathless. To see camels dancing together to drumbeats and music is truly an awe-inspiring incident. The dancing shadows of the camels on the golden sands of the desert against the setting sun is truly a picture perfect moment. It is sure to bedazzle you when you come to visit this beautiful festival of Rajasthan. The handicrafts and curios stalls are the best places to shop for small souvenirs and knick-knacks. One of the most popular and sought after events of Rajasthan, the Camel Festival attracts lots of visitors from not just India but also the rest of the world.

Desert Festival...
One of the most famous festivals of Rajasthan, Desert Festival is celebrated every year in the months of January or February. It is celebrated for a duration of three days and is concluded on the day of the full moon, known as Purnima. The highlight of the Desert Festival is the display of rich culture of Rajasthan. The Desert Festival of Rajasthan is one of the most colorful festivals of India. The venue of the festival, Jaisalmer, comes alive with the celebration of Desert Festival in Rajasthan. Read further to know more about the famous Desert Festival of Rajasthan.

The people of Rajasthan dress themselves in the most colorful attires and sing local folk songs that speak of the lives of local heroes of the state. The energetic dances and the powerful singing set the perfect mood to indulge in festivity and grand celebration. The plethora of activities that take place in the Desert Festival are sure to keep you amused for three whole days. Even after that, you would want more! The main attractions of the festival are the folk dancers in their vibrant costumes and attires. They perform some very traditional dances that are exclusive to the state of Rajasthan.

Gangaur Festival...
A very important festival in Rajasthan, Gangaur Festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. Exclusive to the state of Rajasthan, Gangaur Festival is celebrated nowhere else in India. This is one reason why it is held in high esteem in Rajasthan. The Gangaur Festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati who is supposed to be the goddess of abundance. Young married girls keep fasts for their husbands and pray for their well-being. Even unmarried girls can keep fasts to get a good spouse. The Gangaur festival of Rajasthan is also celebrated to mark the end of winter and the onset of spring season.

The Gangaur festival is celebrated in different styles in different parts of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm in all major cities of Rajasthan. Young girls dress up in their best clothes and look absolutely stunning. They make elaborate designs on their palms with henna, popularly known as "Mehndi". The first part of the celebration is to collect the ashes from the sacred Holi fire and put seeds of wheat and barley in it. They are carefully watered and when they germinate, they are taken to the temple and worshipped alongwith the idols of Gan and Gaur (Lord Shiva and Parvati).

Mewar Festival...
The best time to visit Udaipur is during March-April. This is the time Mewar festival of Udaipur takes place. The whole city of Udaipur is decorated beautifully in colorful streamers and one can feel that a grand celebration is just round the corner. The Mewar Festival of Rajasthan is celebrated to mark the advent of Spring season in India. The main highlight of this festival is the grand procession that takes place. Women are the main organizers of this procession and it is their job to decorate the idols of Isar and Gangaur beautifully.

The procession begins with enthusiastic performers singing and dancing and leading the procession through all major streets and roads. Lots of people, particularly women take part in the procession. The festival is celebrated for three days. To keep people entertained, the organizers encourage local artists to come and display their talents. Many cultural programs and plays are organized for the amusement of people. The three-day festival comes to an end when the idols are taken to Lake Pichola.

Teej Festival...
The Teej Festival of Rajasthan is one of the most important and the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Teej Festival is also known as the "Festival of Swings" as women tie swings on the branches of trees and enjoy swinging on them. In Rajasthan, Teej Festival is celebrated by all women irrespective of their caste and creed. The Teej Festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after many years of tough penance on the auspicious day of Teej. Young women dress up beautifully and sing songs about their lovers and husbands while swinging on the swings.