Festivals
of Rajasthan - 2008
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| BIKANER
21 - 22 Jan. Camel Festival
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A
unique blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival
begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert,
in the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort.
The festivity advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo
Grounds, followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting
design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics, camel
bands and watching all this, are the gaping spectators.
The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully
to the slightest direction of their riders.
Colourful bridles, bejewelled necks, jingling anklets and
long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell.
The jubilant, skirt-swirling Gair dancers, the awe inspiring
Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light up the fortified
desert city of Bikaner. |
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| NAGAUR
13 - 16 Feb. - Nagaur Fair
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The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of
Rajput townships stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. This
cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held
every year during the Hindu month of Magh (Jan-Feb).
The
Fair is renowned for the trading of cows, bullocks, oxen,
camels and horses which takes place here. Their owners are
seen wearing colorful turbans and flaunting long mustaches.
Wooden items, ironcraft and leather accessories are available
in abundance during the fair. Various games are organized
during this four day festival.
Tug-of-War, camel races ,cock & bull fights provide
entertainment to the tourists and locals after a hectic
day of trading. As the last rays of setting sun bid aide
to the day, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians
whose voices echo far & wide across the tranquil desert
sands. |
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| JAISALMER
19 - 21 Feb. - Desert Festival |
The
Desert Festival - an extravaganza of colour, music and festivity,
is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (February).
It has, on display, some of the most fondly preserved components
of Rajasthan's rich culture.
Add to this the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of
Rajasthan who welcome the tourists from the depths of their
hearts. The excitement heightens as the Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert)
Competition and the turban-tying competition gets underway.
In the turban-tying competition and tug of war, Indians
compete with foreigners which adds to the fun of the festival.
An interesting event of the festival is the Moustache Competition.
In this competition the prize is given to the man with the
longest moustache.
The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes on the moonlit
night, where one can also experience the pleasure of a camel
ride. The folk artistes performing on the sand dunes takes
the enchantment to its crescendo. Have a good time at the
Desert Festival - a unique blend of colour, rhythm and melody.
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DUNGARPUR 17 - 21 Feb - Beneshwar Fair
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The
name Beneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which
is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. "Beneshwar"
means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language
and this name was given to the Shiva Linga. The Beneshwar
fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and
mahi, from magh Shukla Ekadashi to magh Shukla Poornima.
The Beneshwar fair in its present form is actually a merger
of two fairs : one which used to be held in honour of Beneshwar
Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after
the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law
of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation
of Lord Vishnu. |
Two disciples of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi
Narian temple near the confluence of rivers Som and Mahi.
The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols was performed
on Magh Shukla Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held
on this day.
The priest called the Mathadish, arrives at the fair site
from Sabha, in huge procession. A 16 cms. silver image of
Mavji on horseback is also brought here. The river water
supposedly becomes holier when the Mathadish takes a bath.
Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi-Narayana
and Brahma. Brass gongs are struck at the time of aarti.
During the fair, aarti of Mathadish is also performed and
Raslila takes place at night in the Lakshmi Narayana temple.
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JAIPUR 21 Mar. - Elephant Festival
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India
is the original homeland of the Asiatic Elephant. It’s
association with the gods and king goes back to the dawn
of history. India the King of Gods, rides on a white elephant,
Airavata. The elephant is also associated with the Lord
Buddha, and Jainism. The colossal size of the animal evokes
awe but its docile nature, its graceful movements and its
doleful eyes have always fascinated man. It’s majestic
presence has been associated with regal splendor and the
elephant has always remained as the most important paraphernalia
of the king. Jaipur has a long colorful association with
elephants. Huge mountain-like male elephant chosen for their
size and beauty of trunk, tusks tail and ears, were procured
for the exclusive use of the Maharaja. In royal processions
the Maharaja sat on a gold and silver ‘howda’
placed on the back of the most favorite elephant. Scores
of others tastefully decorated with dazzling ornaments and
gold embroidered velvet Jhalars followed the royal elephant.
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There were deadly and fierce elephant-fights in the Chaugan
of polo-field, the venue of the Elephant Festival. Rajasthan
Tourism revived the tradition by including the Elephant
Festival in the cultural calendar. During Holi, the festival
of Colors, to herald the advent of Spring, the Jaipur Chaugan
is brought alive with elephants, dancers, musicians and
onlookers from all the globe. The Festival starts with an
impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted
and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered
velvets.
They greet the visitors, offer garlands to the guests and
walk past the ramp before a jury of experts and tourists
to select the best amongst them for the ‘Best decorated
Elephant’ Shield! Witness a game of elephant polo
a newly-introduced sport. Though they lack the speed and
ability of the polo ponies it is great fun to watch the
enormous pachyderms moving around the field after the ball
in great speed.
To get a feel of their true strength join your hands with
the ten add people in the tug-of-war with the largest elephant.
Then there is the unique ‘Gaj Shringar’ exhibition
displaying everything connected with the elephant-ornaments,
textiles (Jhoo) parapernalic howdahs and carriages, paintings
medicines and food.
A program of Dhaph and Gair dance to demonstrate the spirit
of Holi and a dazzling display of fireworks complete the
day leaving unforgettable memories. Come! Celebrate! You
are most cordially welcome to the Elephant Festival. |
| Udaipur
03 April - Mewar Festival |
The
Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring.
It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and
has a unique charm about it.The festival of Gangaur is very
significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them
to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the
festival.
They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and
then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different
parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur
Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to
special boats amidst much singing and festivity.
Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time
for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portayed
through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival
culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other
fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there
is a lot of activity which keeps the participants in a joyful
frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment of the celebrations.
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JAIPUR
08 - 09 April - Gangaur Festival |
Gangaur
Festival, a spirited celebration gets underway every year
during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April) in Jaipur
- A city of pomp and pageantry. Gangaur Festival marks the
end of winter and the coming of spring. Mists fade away
and the sun shines bright through a clear blue sky. Trees
sprout forth new leaves and buds. It is a time to rejoice
and celebrate. |
'Gan is a synonym for lord Shiva and 'Gaur' or 'Gauri' for
Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and a symbol
of conjugal bliss and marital happiness. During the festival,
the ladies decorate their palms and fingers with henna (Mehndi).
The decorations comprise motifs of flowers, 'swastika',
'chaupar', Sun, Moon, Stars or some Geometrical Designs.
A traditional procession commences from the Zanani-Deorhi
of the City Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri
Bazaar, Chaughan and finally converges near the Talkatora
with the image of the deity being immersed in the lake.
The procession is headed by a colourful pageantry of elephants,
camels, horses, musicians, old palanquins, chariots and
bullock carts. |
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People
purchase colourful idols of Gauri and Isar and put them
up in their homes to worship at the commencement of the
festival. The walls of the room where 'pooja' (Prayer) is
performed are whitewashed and the women paint the figures
of Isar and Gauri. |
KARAULI
08 - 09 April - Kaila Devi |
The
fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the
goddess of wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated
fairs of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village Kaila
in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra, starting from
Chaitra Budi 12 and lasting for a fortnight. |
The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the
Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut, 2 kms. to the north-west
of Kaila village. It houses the images of Mahalakshmi and
Chamunda. Kaila Devi has been regarded as the guardian deity
throughout the ages by the khinchis, the yadavas and the
princes of Karauli. The devotees bring with them cash, coconuts,
kajal (kohl), tikki (vermilion), sweets and bangles as offerings
to the goddess. The rutual of Kanak-Dandoti is observed
by the staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to
20 kms. to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate,
making lines with their hands in that positioin, advancing
upto the line drawn and repeating this procedure till they
reach the temple.
The fair is visited by a large number of traders who set
up their shops and sell a variety of indigenous products.
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Groups
of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety-dancing,
singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard
becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of
the deities. |
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14- 20 April - Mahavirji Fair |
The
Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi
to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (march - April ) to commemorate
the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara
(saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon. Among the visitors
to the fair are the principal followers of Mahavir Swami
- the Digambar Jains, who come from far and wide to pay
homage to the Saint at the shrine.
The
Mahavirji temple is located in an enclosure known as 'katala'
and houses the image of Mahavir Swami believed to have
been dug out by a leather worker from 'Devta-Ka-Tila',
a nearby hillock.
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The pilgrims gather at the temple to worship, meditate and
seek the blessings of the saint with folded hands. The image
of Mahavirji is washed early in the morning, the ritual being
called prakshalan. This is followed by pujan and ashta-argha
(eight oblations).
In the evening aarti is performed. Ghee deepaks are lit and
the offerings comprise of rice, white and yellow flowers,
sandalwood, camphor, saffron, mishri (crystallised sugar),
and dry fruits.
The fair of Mahavirji reaches its peak on Baisakh Krishna
Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken to the bank of
river Gambhiri in a grand procession for Kalash Abhishek.
The golden chariot (rath) is drawn by bullocks. Four persons
wave chanvars (fly whisks) over the image and the site resounds
with "bhajans" and religious songs with intermittent
solgans of 'Shri Mahavir Swami Ki jai. After the ceremony,
the procession returns with the same gradeur and the image
is restored at the vedi of the temple. |
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MOUNT
ABU 18 - 20 May - Summer Festival |
Mt. Abu is a major pilgrim center located in south-west
of Rajasthan. This picturesque hill station stirs to life
during three day Summer Festival. The festival begins with
an enthralling ballad, followed by folk dances of Rajasthan
like Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap.
The evening is enlivened by a Sham-e-Qualwali. Qualwals
or high pitch singers from all over the state come to perform
here and captivate the audience with their vocal skills.
Other gripping events include a boat race on the Nakki Lake
and roller skating race. The grand finale of the festival
is a display of dazzling fireworks. Refresh yourself in
the tranquil surroundings of Nakki Lake.
It is believed that the Gods formed the lake-bed by digging
it with their fingernails - 'nakh' - hence the name nakki
lake. Other places worth visit, include : Dilwara, Jain
Temples, Adhar Devi Temple, Gaumukh Temple, Sunset Point
and Honeymoon Point. |
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JAIPUR
04 - 05 August - Teej Festival |
When the rains come down, spirits soar high in celebration.
Song & dance mark the gaiety of the Teej Festival celebrated
in Jaipur. Teej is held every year during the Hindu Month
of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoons. While the
rains quench the thirst of the land and every tree turns
a lush green, every flower blooms in gay abandon, the young
girls, the newly married lasses, the married womenfolk all
pray to Goddess Parvati to bless them with good husbands
and thereafter to give them conjugal bliss and happiness.
The fair is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates
the day when she was united with Lord Shiva. Young girls,
newly wedded girls and old women can be seen attired in
flashy traditional costumes and ornaments. Basically a women's
festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups
all over the city and in the colourful bazars.
Ample arrangements are made for the tourist for the bird's
eye view of the procession.The Teej idol is covered with
a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open. |
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BUNDI
18 - 19 August - Kajli Teej |
Teej
festival is celebrated all over the state with each region
having its own unique touch. Kajli Teej of Bundi is different
in several ways, while Teej is celebrated on the third day
of the month of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the
third day of the month of Bhadra.
The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej
in a decorated palanquin from the beautiful naval Sagar.
It passes through the main bazaars and termintes at Azad
Park. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, bands,
performing artists and colourfully dressed people.
The people who gather here from surrounding areas also get
to watch and participate in the cultural programmes that
are organised in the evenings.It provides a very good chance
to see performances by local artists from Hadoti region.
Though the main function of Teej is held only on two days,
the celebrations continue upto Janmashtami, which marks
the birth of Lord Krishna. |
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JAISALMER
09 - 10 September - Ramdevra Festival |
Situated
about 12 kms. to the north of Pokhran (Jaisalmer), the village
of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and
a Saint who took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal
body) in 1458 A.D. He had miraculous powers and his fame
reached far and wide. Legend goes that five pirs from Mecca
came here to test his power and after being convinced, paid
their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims
also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation
of Lord Krishna. |
Near the village, there is tank known as Ramsar tank which
is believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev himself.
A large step well, the Parcha Baori is also situated nearby.
Baba Ram Dev believed in the equality of all human beings,
both high and low, rich and poor.
He helped the down - trodden by granting them their wishes.
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner consturcted a temple around
the Samadhi in 1931 A.D. Rice, coconuts, churma and wooden
horses (toys) are offered to Ramdevji by the devotees.
A large fair is held here from Bhadon Sudi 2 to Bhadon Sude
11 (Aug - Sept) which is attended by lakhs of devotees who
come in large groups from far and wide. Irrespective of
their caste, creed or religious affiliations, these devotees
throng the shrine dedicated to the saint. These groups organise
night long singing of bhajans and kirtans to pay homage
to Baba. Visitors to Ramdevra are not allowed to indulge
in vices. |
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JODHPUR
13 - 14 October- Marwar Festival |
Fairs
in Rajasthan are mythological in nature relating to Gods
and Goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the
brave deeds of medival heroes. The Marwar Festival, held
in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example.
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin
(Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province.
The festival has on display the music and dance of the Marwar
region. The spirited folk dancers assembled here, perform
with gusto and entertain the audience with Rajasthani folklore.
These folk artists bring to life the myth and legends of
the area and sing songs in memory of the brave heroes. Other
attractions include of the festival include horse riding
and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held
during the festival. |
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KOTA
07 - 09 October - Dussehra Festival |
The Dussehra Festival mela is held in Kota, every year in
the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept-Oct). The festival of Dussehra
is celebrated with fervour not only in Kota but throughout
India in myriad ways. It marks the victory of Lord Rama
over the Demon King Ravana. This fiery battle between the
good and the evil lasted ten days. The theatrical enactment
of this dramatic encounter are held throughout the nation
in which both children and elders participate.
A major attraction for the children, in these enactments,
are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the
monkey God Hanuman. The air resounds with slogans in praise
of Lord Rama. Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along
with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath, made
of paper & bamboo and stuffed with crackers are set
alight.
Legend has it that Ravana had ten heads. So the effigies
of Ravana had ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographers
delight. The worship of weapons during this festival was
essential for the martial Rajput race. Festivities and the
cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of the
Ravana is burnt. |
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AJMER
05 - 13 November - Pushkar Fair |
The
world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town
of Pushkar, 11 kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into
a spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month
of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people
from all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environment
of Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle
fair in the world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle
wealth is the home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
A large number of cattle converge here and brisk trading
takes place. The fair is predominantly a rural gathering
and is overwhelming in its magnitude and visual impact.
Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds
of roadside stalls.
Evenings at the fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas,
Music and Dances are organized for the entertainment of
the tourists. The camels, horse and donkey races are great
crowd pullers and enthrall the tourists. |
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JHALAWAR
12 - 14 November - Chandrabhaga Fair |
Jhalawar
or the Land of the 'Jhalas', is situated on the banks of
the holy river Chandrabhaga. A three day long fair is celebrated
every year in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when an air
of celebration pervades the whole area. Chandrawati, located
on the river bank is considered the most sacred spot by
the devotees.
Thousands gather on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima
to take a holy dip in the river. A big cattle fair which
blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock include
Cows, Buffaloes, Camels and Bullocks.
The fair provides ample opportunity to the tourist to acquaint
themselves with the people of this region, their culture
and traditions |
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BIKANER
09 - 18 Nov. - Kolayat Fair |
The
Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner district
held on Kartik Poornima at Kolayat--originally Kapilayatan--named
after the sage Kapil who is believed to have done tapasya
(meditation) here for the redemption of mankind. Kolayat
is situated in an arid area. Ther is a lake with 52 ghats
shaded by banyan trees around the lake. A temple dedicated
to Kapil Muni is situated on the Kapil Muni ghat and it
has a marble statue of the saint.
It is considered very auspicious to take a dip on Kartik
Poornima in the Kolayat lake. Visiting Kolayat has been
considered to be a tirtha or pilgrimage of great importance
and it is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat benefits
as much as 10 years spent at any other sacred place. |
The legendary Maharishi Kapil and the Kapilayatan lake find
mention in the Puranas and Kapil Muni is believed to have
descended from Lord Brahma.
Worship
in the temples is performed by Sewag Brahmins whose priesthood
is hereditary. Aarti is performed twice daily and bhog is
offered. On the day of Kartik Poornima, the day of Kapil
Muni Fair, Deep Malika is performed in the evening. People
float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as a part of the
rituals and this creates a beautiful sight. Offerings are
made at the temples consisting of coconut, batasha (sugar
drops), dry fruits, mishri(sugar cubes) and cash.
A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the Kapil Muni
Fair. Buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates
and prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.
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