18th Oct - 5th Nov'18 : Dussehra - Kota
Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated all over the country. As the name suggests, it is the ‘Tenth Day’ of the fierce battle fought; when Lord Rama killed King Ravana. This holy day marks the victory of good over evil. The Dussehra Festival of Kota is quite a unique experience for both, the residents and tourists. Villagers dress themselves in colourful traditional wear and join long processions to offer their prayers to Lord Rama. Cultural programmes are organised and include scintillating performances by well-known artists. However, the highlight of the festivities is the theatrical representation of the encounter popularly known as ‘Ramleela’. The drama is so highly anticipated among the locals that spectators start chanting the name of Lord Rama during the show. The climax of the show holds most appeal as it ends with setting alight gigantic effigies of the 10-headed Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath. These 75-feet tall statues are stuffed with crackers and once set on fire, they burst to create an extravagant show.
18th Oct - 5 Nov'18 : Adventure Festival - Kota
The Kota Adventure Festival is held every year during Dusserha (October). Originally started off to boost tourism, this festival is a paradise for adventure-sports lovers. Tourists from across the world can witness various events such parasailing, rafting, wind surfing, water skiing and kayaking. Apart from these activities, visitors can also indulge in rock climbing, gliding, trekking, angling and rural excursions. The panoramic and stunning view of the Chambal River adds to the beauty and excitement of the Adventure Festival.
23rd - 24th Oct'18 : Marwar Festival - Jaipur
The most popular festival in Jodhpur is the Marwar Festival. The two-day festival is held every year in the month of Ashwin (between September and October) in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. It was originally known as the Maand Festival. The main attraction of this festival is the folk music centering around the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers. The music and dance of the Marwar region is the main theme of this festival. The folk dancers and singers assemble at the festival and provide lively entertainment. These folk artists give you a peek into the days of yore, of battles and of heroes who live on through their songs. Among other attractions at the festival is the Camel Tattoo Show and various competitions like Moustache, Turban Tying, Tug of War, Matka Race, Traditional Dress Competition and many more. The venues of this festival include the famous Clock Tower & Osian’s sand dunes.
21st - 23rd : Kolayat Fair - Bikaner
The Kolayat Fair of Bikaner holds great importance for the locals who eagerly await it. Tourists also experience a great time as the fair is celebrated on an expansive scale. Also known as ‘Kapil Muni Fair’, it is held in the month of November. The pomp and show of the fair is not its only attraction as it also possesses great religious significance. A large number of devotees visit the fair to take a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake. It is believed that a holy dip can absolve them of all their sins.
22nd - 24th : Chandrabhaga Fair - Jhalawar
Every year, the Chandrabhaga Fair in Rajasthan welcomes thousands of visitors and participants from all over the nation. It is held at Jhalrapatan, situated at a distance of about six kilometres from Jhalawar, in the month of Kartik (October and November). This fair attracts travellers, pilgrims and explorers alike with rituals and traditions practiced in this region. A lot of pilgrims assemble on the banks of river Chandrabhaga during the fair and participate in this gala event. The festival, named after the river Chrandrabhaga, is considered very sacred by the people of Rajasthan. People travel from far just for a dip in the river as they believe this will purify their souls. A huge cattle fair is also organised here, where livestock such as cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are purchased from various parts for resale. The fair includes several spiritual and traditional activities. During the fair, the Department of Tourism organises activities over a course of 3 days like traditional Deepdan, Shobha Yatra and various competitions as well as cultural evenings.
25th - 26th : Matsya Festival - Alwar
The Matsya festival of Alwar held in November over two days is the foremost of all fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. It is celebrated to glorify the prosperity, traditional values and colourful customs of the region. This festival is renowned for its colourful processions, cultural performances, an array of sporting events and impressive artistic exhibitions. The magnificence of Alwar’s numerous palaces and forts, lakes, hunting lodges, archaeological sites and thick forests, make it a delightful setting for a flamboyant celebration.
26th - 28th Nov'18 : Bundi Festival - Bundi
The Bundi Festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) and includes several spiritual and traditional activities. It is a remarkable cluster of traditional art, culture and craftsmanship and visitors are left charmed by its magnificence. The program includes a colourful Shobha Yatra, arts & crafts fair, ethnic sports, cultural exhibition, classical music & dance program, turban competitions, bridal clothing, musical band competitions, and a sparkling fireworks display. Early in the morning, after the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, women and men clad in attractive colourful costumes light diyas or lamps on the banks of River Chambal and seek blessings.
1st - 3rd Dec'18 : Kumbalgarh Festival - Kumbalgarh, Udaipur
The Kumbhalgarh fort, cradled in the Aravali Ranges, north of Udaipur, hosts the vibrant and colourful Kumbhalgarh Festival. This three-day festival is an incredible effort by the Department Of Tourism of the state to promote the culture and heritage of Rajasthan. The event is divided into two parts- day and night. In the daytime there is the folk performances by traditional artistes and competitions like turban tying and henna applying. On the other hand, the night is filled with impressive explosions of lights, sound, colours and dance. The Kumbhalgarh Festival is a must visit for ardent patrons of art, music and dance. Visit Rajasthan Tourism Facebook Page for more details. The Udaipur Airport is the closest and is located 98 kilometres away.
21st - 22nd Dec'18 : Ranakpur Festival - Ranakpur, Pali
Located in district Pali is the city of Ranakpur that becomes the delightful setting for one of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan. Organized by the Department of Tourism, this festival offers a unique insight into the local culture and heritage. With fun activities like yoga, nature walks at the foothills in forests of aravallis, visits to the Ranakpur Jain temple, hot air ballooning, interesting activities like : tug of war, beautiful decorations, cultural programmes, the open air amphitheater at Sun Temple showcases attractive folk and classical performances every evening and much more, the Ranakpur Festival is something you simply cannot miss. This festival is usually held on the 21st and 22nd of December every year, playing host to tourists from all corners of the globe, to immerse them in a colorful affair of cultural festivity!
If we have missed any Festival or Fair upcoming in Rajasthan in Oct-Dec’18 period, do message us at The Invincible India
