Upcoming Fair and Festivals of Rajasthan in May-September 2018

May 13, 2018

11th-13th May'18 : Summer Festival - Mt. Abu

When the harsh summer beats down on the arid land of Rajasthan, its only hill station – Mount Abu provides more than respite as it comes alive with its unique three-day summer festival. Scheduled in the second week of May, the summer festival celebrates the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture for over three days. Soulful ballad singing kicks off the summer festival in style and is followed by mesmerizing folk dance styles of Gair, Ghoomar and Daph. The highlight is undoubtedly the Sham-e-Qawwali, which features some of the best folk singers from various parts of India. Along with a colourful showcase of folk culture, the festival also hosts horse racing events, tug of war, skating races, CRPF band show and boat races on the Nakki Lake. The festival concludes with a dazzling display of fireworks and the gorgeous landscape of Mount Abu, with its verdant hills and lakes, make it a one-of-its-kind experience. The Udaipur Airport is the closest and is located 175 kilometres away.

13th-14th Aug : Teej Festival - Jaipur

Teej refers to all the monsoon festivals observed particularly in the western and northern states of India. The festivals celebrate the bounty of nature, arrival of the monsoon, greenery and birds with social activities, rituals & customs. The festival is mainly for women, and includes dancing, singing, getting together with friends and narrating stories, applying henna on hands and feet, wearing brightly coloured lehariya saris, sharing festive foods and playing under trees on swings on Haryali Teej. The festivals are dedicated, in many parts of India, to Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata. Women pray to the goddess seeking the wellness of their husband. On this occassion, a royal procession of Goddess Teej comprising of camels, dancing folk artists, royal palanquins, chariots and bullock carts, starts from the City Palace, winding its way through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on both days. The traditional sweet Ghewar is closely associated with the festival and enjoyed heartily over its duration.

28th-29th Aug'18 : Kalji Teej - Bundi

The festival of Kajli Teej is unique to the city of Bundi. A dazzlingly theatrical and lively event, it is held every year in the month of Bhadra (July-August). This week-long celebration filled with gaiety and fanfare pays homage to Goddess Uma by the seekers of marital bliss and love. Women wear colourful traditional costumes, new sets of bangles and decorate their hands with beautiful henna designs. A local fair is held nearby which is extremely popular with the rural folk around Bundi. Handicrafts such as traditional kataar, paintings, bangles, rural handicrafts and fancy eatables attract many people from Rajasthan, other parts of India and foreign shores.

10th-13th Sep'18 : Abhaneri Festival - Jaipur

‘Abhaneri festival’ is named after the village Abhaneri in the Dausa district which is around 90 km from Jaipur on the Agra road. This two-day festival has gained immense popularity amongst the tourists around the globe. This year, it will commence from 10th to 13th September with various Rajasthani & local folk performances like Kachhi Ghori, Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, and Bhawai. Festival was initiated by Rajasthan Tourism in 2008, it is of great significance for Rajasthan. The village of Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, meaning “city of brightness”. The place is popular for the Chand Baori-step well, one of the largest step wells built over a thousand years ago. Be a part of the celebrations at Abhaneri and dip into the rustic charm of traditional Rajasthani music.