The Rajasthani's love for color and joyous celebrations, music, dance and festivals makes it one of the most colorful desert in the world. We have numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others, there are also the traditional fairs.

We recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you are a part of any of the following fairs and festival to truly know the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
 

Camel Fair	Kite Festival	Nagaur Fair
Baneshwar Festival	Brij Festival	Pushkar Fair
Desert Festival	Elephant Festival	Gangaur Fair
Mewar Festival	Summer Festival	Teej Fair
Dusshera Mela	Marwar Festival

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Teej Fair, Rajasthan (India)

Introduction: (15 and 16 August.)
Held during the monsoons, July-August Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. Though celebrations are held all over the state, it is particularly colorful in Jaipur where a procession winds its way for two days through the Old City. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

Activity:
Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej. The festivity revolves around singing and dancing in praise of Parvati. The rituals allow the women to pamper and enjoy themselves, to feast, to dress in the best of cloths, finery and jewellery, in fact to look the stunning best.

All over Rajasthan, even in remote villages, Jhoolas (swings) are hung from trees and decorated with leaves and flowers. Ladies and girls can be seen enjoying on these swings, playing games, singing folk songs and applying Mehandi (henna) on their palms. In Jaipur an idol of Goddess Parvati (Teej Mata) is taken out in a royal procession from the city palace so that the general public can have a chance to pay homage to the Goddess. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, gaily decorated elephants with silver haodas, horses, camels, brass bands, and group of dances all form a part of this grand spectacle. The Palanquin of Goddess Paravati is carried by 8 men dressed in red color. This kilometer long procession winds its way through the lanes of the old city.

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Dusshera Fair, Rajasthan (India)

Introduction: (19th to 21st October.)
One of the big festivals celebrated in most parts of India is Dussehra. The festival is celebrated with zest and festivities as it also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot summer. Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana, and the rescue of his wife Sita. In north India, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy.

Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana.

Activity:
Dussehra is one of the significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with much joy and happiness in the entire country. The occasion marks the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravana, the victory of good over evil. Brilliantly decorated tableaux and processions depicting various episodes from Ram's life are taken out. On the tenth day, or the Vijayadasami, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are placed in vast open spaces. Actors dressed as Ram, his consort Sita, and brother Lakshman arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies, which are stuffed with firecrackers. The result is a deafening blast, and an explosion of sound and light enhanced by the shouts of merriment and triumph of the spectators.

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Marwar Festival, Rajasthan (India)

Introduction: (25th to 26th October.)
Held in October in Jodhpur, this annual event attempts to showcase the art and culture of the Jodhpur region. It is devoted almost exclusively to songs and dance, and the Maand Festival has become a part of this huge regional celebration.

Activity:
The massive Mehrangarh fort and the impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace which are symbols of might and valour of the Rajputs, make Jodhpur an ideal location for the festival. It was originally known as the 'Maand Festival', a classical style of folk music centred on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. The festival is held for two days during the full moon of Sharad Purnima. The Marwar festival displays the music and dance of the Marwar region. The spirited folk dancers gathered here, perform with zest and entertain the audience with Rajasthani folklore. These folk artistes bring to life the myth and legends of the area and sing songs in memory of the brave heroes. Other attractions of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held during the festival.

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