FAIR & FESTIVALS of Rajasthan

Camel Festival

Fair and Festivals of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a place of its rich culture and heritage.There are many small communities in different parts of Rajasthan,these communities have its different tradition and culture.So there are many festivals which are celebrated to enjoy their rich culture.Some of them are discussed here like Puskar Fair,Desert Festival,Chandrabhaga Fair,Nagaur Fair.etcWe will discuss them one by one in briefly.

Festivals hold an unusual lure for the people of Rajasthan and they find any number of reasons to celebrate. Some of these occasions for revelry have been recently introduced by the Rajasthan Tourism Department to showcase the heritage of the region. Chances are, while traveling in the state, you will come across a number of local fairs and festivals in which you can participate.

However, some of the larger and more important celebrations are listed below. (This list does not include those festivals that are common to all parts of the country such as Holi - Festival of Colors, Diwali - Festival of Lights and Dussehra - Festival celebrating victory of Good over Evil.)

Pushkar Fair,Ajmer

The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.

This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, ‘sadhus’ and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ‘ashtmi’ 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (‘Poornima’). The camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation.

This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for cattle, camel and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenirs. The camel and horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds.

Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazines. According to the Lonely Planet: "It’s truly a feast for the eyes. If you are any where within striking distance at the time, it’s an event not to be missed."

Chandrabhaga Fair,Jhalarapatan

Chandrabhaga Fair: (5 - 7 Nov.2014) The Chandrabhaga fair is held every year at Jhalarapatan (6kms from Jhalawar) in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).

The River Chadrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the Full moon night of 'Kartik ', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot which is known as Chandravati.

A big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like Cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya-Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions. Ramganj Mandi is the nearest Railway Station(25kms). Jhalawar is well connected to Kota, Bundi and Jaipur. National Highway No.12 passes through Jhalawar. Buses are available from all major cities.

Desert Festival,Jaisalmer

Desert Festival: Jaisalmer exercises immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January ? February), it is one of the stretching sands around this desert citadel. A number of amusing events at the stadium include turban tying competitions and camel races.

Nagaur Fair

Nagaur Fair: This eight-day fair held every year during the month of January - February, is popularly known as the cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan.. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. The town becomes a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt their colorful turbans and long moustaches.

From shearing sheep to handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one fair. Attractions include the ‘mirchi?bazaar (largest red chilly market of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories.

Sports like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cockfights; jugglers; puppeteers, storytellers; and exciting campfire evenings are held to entertain the tourists. Folk music of the Jodhpur variation echoes the tranquil desert sand. Nagaur is well connected to the major cities by road and rail. Nearest airport is Jodhpur, some 135 kms away.

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