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Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s fairs and festivals are a spectacular blend of culture, tradition, heritage, and spirituality. These celebrations showcase folk music, dance performances, camel processions, competitions, and religious rituals, making them an unmissable experience.
Below is an in-depth breakdown of the highlights of major Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan 2025, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
1. Bikaner Camel Festival
📍 Location: Bikaner
📅 Dates: 11th – 12th January 2025
Camel-Centric Events:
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Camel Beauty Contest – Camels are adorned with colorful accessories, intricate patterns, and painted motifs.
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Camel Dance Performances – Trained camels perform synchronized movements and formations.
Cultural Extravaganza:
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Traditional Kalbelia, Ghoomar, and Fire Dance performances.
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Fireworks Show – The sky over Junagarh Fort is lit up with a grand display.
Unique Rajasthani Delicacies:
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Enjoy Camel Milk Tea, Kesar Doodh, and Bikaneri Bhujia.
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Street stalls offer local sweets like Ghewar, Malpua, and Rasgulla.
Why Visit?
This is a unique and offbeat festival dedicated to camels, highlighting their importance in desert life.
2. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
📍 Location: Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
📅 Dates: 10th – 12th February 2025
Cultural Extravaganza:
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Gair and Kalbelia Dance – Traditional folk dances of Rajasthan performed against the stunning backdrop of sand dunes.
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Pabuji Ki Phad – A unique storytelling musical performance with hand-painted scrolls.
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Fire Dancers – Enthralling acts where performers dance with flames.
Camel-Themed Events:
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Camel Races & Polo Matches – Watch camels race through the golden desert.
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Camel Decoration Contest – Camels adorned with colorful attire and intricate patterns.
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Camel Tattoo Competition – Creative designs shaved into camel fur.
Fun Competitions:
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Mr. Desert Contest – Men flaunt their royal Rajasthani attire.
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Longest Moustache Contest – A unique competition where participants showcase their impressive moustaches.
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Turban Tying Competition – Tourists can even participate in this vibrant event.
Sunset & Night Events:
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Cultural Performances at Sam Sand Dunes – Enjoy mesmerizing folk music and dance under the starlit sky.
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Fireworks & Lantern Festival – The desert night lights up with colorful fireworks.
Local Cuisine & Handicrafts:
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Taste authentic Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, and Kachori.
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Shop for traditional Rajasthani jewelry, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
Why Visit?
Held in the heart of the Thar Desert, this festival is a spectacular showcase of Rajasthan’s desert culture. The golden dunes and vibrant festivities make it an unforgettable experience.
3. Nagaur Cattle Fair
📍 Location: Nagaur
📅 Dates: 03th – 06th February 2025
Animal Trading Hub:
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One of India’s Largest Cattle Fairs – Thousands of camels, horses, and bulls are traded.
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Horse & Bullock Races – Exciting competitions featuring Rajasthan’s finest breeds.
Traditional Rural Games & Competitions:
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Tug-of-War, Bullock Cart Races, and Kabaddi Matches.
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Turban Tying Contest – A visual delight as locals showcase their turban-tying skills.
Cultural Programs:
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Folk Music and Puppet Shows – Stories of Rajasthan’s history narrated through puppetry.
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Kalbelia & Ghoomar Dance Performances – Energetic dances that celebrate Rajasthani traditions.
Local Market Experience:
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Shop for Nagauri red chilies, handicrafts, leather goods, and traditional Rajasthani attire.
Why Visit?
This is a great festival for experiencing Rajasthan’s rural charm and trading traditions, where thousands of livestock traders gather in a vibrant setting.
4. Gangaur Festival
📍 Location: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner
📅 Dates: 31st March – 1st April 2025
Grand Processions:
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Women carry beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Gauri (Parvati) through the streets.
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The largest processions take place in Jaipur’s City Palace and Udaipur’s Lake Pichola.
Cultural Celebrations:
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Women dress in colorful sarees, apply mehendi, and perform special folk dances.
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Gangaur Songs & Rituals – Married women pray for their husband's well-being, while unmarried women seek a good match.
Special Delicacies:
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Enjoy festival treats like Ghewar, Malpua, and Kesar Thandai.
Why Visit?
One of the most important festivals for women, Gangaur celebrates love and devotion. Jaipur and Udaipur host the grandest processions, making them the best places to witness this festival.
5. Elephant Festival, Jaipur
📍 Location: Rajasthan Polo Ground, Jaipur
📅 Date: 14th March 2025
Grand Elephant Procession:
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Elephants are painted with intricate patterns and adorned with royal attire.
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The procession moves through the streets, accompanied by musicians and folk dancers.
Exciting Elephant Games:
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Elephant Polo Match – A rare and entertaining sport played on elephants.
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Tug-of-War – A fun competition between elephants and humans!
Folk Performances & Holi Celebrations:
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Ghoomar, Bhavai, and Puppet Shows enthrall audiences.
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Tourists can participate in Holi celebrations, throwing organic colors.
Why Visit?
This festival showcases the royal connection of elephants in Rajasthan’s history and is a visual treat for visitors.
6. Mewar Festival
📍 Location: Udaipur
📅 Dates: 31st March – 2nd April 2025
Procession of Goddess Gauri on Boats:
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Women dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire carry beautifully adorned idols of Goddess Gauri (Parvati).
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The procession moves through the streets and reaches Lake Pichola, where the idols are placed in decorated boats.
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The boat procession on the lake under the moonlight creates a mesmerizing visual experience.
Cultural Festivities:
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Classical music and dance performances are held at City Palace and Jagmandir Island.
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Ghoomar, Bhavai, and Kalbelia dance forms showcase Rajasthan’s artistic heritage.
Light & Sound Show:
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A grand light and sound show narrates the royal history of the Mewar Dynasty at City Palace.
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Illuminated palaces and decorated streets add to the festive atmosphere.
Traditional Handicraft Displays:
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Exhibitions of miniature paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and pottery.
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Artisans from across Rajasthan display their finest craftsmanship.
Why Visit?
This festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with joy, devotion, and grandeur in Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
7. Teej Festival
📍 Location: Jaipur (City Palace)
📅 Dates:26th August 2025
Vibrant Procession of Goddess Parvati:
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A beautifully adorned idol of Goddess Parvati is carried in a royal palanquin.
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The streets are decorated with flowers, rangoli, and traditional motifs.
Women’s Festival of Joy:
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Women dress in green sarees, wear bangles, and apply mehendi.
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Traditional swings (jhoolas) are set up in gardens for celebrations.
Folk Dance & Music:
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Songs dedicated to monsoon, love, and married life are sung.
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Ghoomar and Kalbelia Dance Performances.
Traditional Delicacies:
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Special sweets like Ghewar, Malpua, and Kesar Lassi.
Why Visit?
Teej is a monsoon festival celebrating love and marital bliss, making Jaipur the best place to witness its grandeur.
8. Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
📍 Location: Mehrangarh Fort & Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
📅 Dates: 16th – 17th October 2025
Tribute to Rajput Warriors:
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The festival celebrates the valor and bravery of Rajput warriors.
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Folk songs and ballads narrate historical tales of Rajasthan.
Traditional Folk Performances:
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Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Terah Taali Dance Performances.
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Camel Tattoo Show – Intricate patterns are shaved into camels’ fur.
Why Visit?
A celebration of Rajasthan’s warrior heritage, set in the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
9. Pushkar Camel Fair
📍 Location: Pushkar
📅 Dates: 30th October – 5th November 2025
Camel & Cattle Trading:
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Largest Camel Fair in India – More than 50,000 camels and livestock are traded.
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Camel Beauty Contest – Camels adorned with jewelry and painted in vibrant patterns.
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Camel Acrobatics & Races – Experience thrilling events in the golden sands.
Adventure & Fun:
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Hot Air Balloon Rides – A breathtaking view of the fair and Pushkar Lake.
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Ferris Wheels, Acrobat Shows, and Street Performers.
Cultural Events & Competitions:
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Matka Phod Competition – Participants try to break earthen pots while blindfolded.
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Longest Moustache Contest – A crowd favorite!
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Bride & Groom Competition – Tourists can dress up as Rajasthani royalty.
Religious & Spiritual Activities:
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A sacred dip in Pushkar Lake during Kartik Purnima is considered highly auspicious.
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Grand Aarti on the Ghats – Experience spiritual chants, diyas, and flowers floating on the water.
Why Visit?
This is one of the most famous festivals in Rajasthan, attracting travelers from across the world.
10. Kumbhalgarh Festival
📍 Location: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
📅 Dates: 1st – 3rd December 2025
Majestic Fort Celebrations:
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The historic Kumbhalgarh Fort is beautifully illuminated.
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A grand light and sound show narrates its history.
Traditional Art & Cultural Performances:
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Classical music and dance performances by renowned artists.
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Puppet Shows, Handicraft Stalls, and Live Folk Music
Why Visit?
A perfect blend of history and culture, celebrating Rajasthan’s architectural and artistic brilliance.
Why Should You Experience Rajasthan’s Festivals?
Rich Cultural Immersion: Witness Rajasthan’s grand folk traditions, dances, and music.
Authentic Rajasthani Cuisine: Taste festival specialties like Dal Baati Churma, Ghewar, and Mawa Kachori.
Best Time to Visit: The festivals take place during the most pleasant months (October–March).
Photography Paradise: Capture the vibrant attires, grand processions, and breathtaking landscapes.
Spiritual & Religious Significance: Participate in sacred rituals and temple ceremonies.
The Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan 2025 offer a spectacular showcase of heritage, adventure, and spirituality. Whether you want to witness elephants playing polo, camels dancing, royal processions, or grand temple celebrations, Rajasthan’s festivals have something for everyone!
Would you like help in planning your visit, including travel tips and accommodation recommendations? Let me know!