Exploring Rajasthan’s Cultural Festivals: A Month-by-Month Calendar

Exploring Rajasthan’s Cultural Festivals: A Month-by-Month Calendar

Rajasthan is a place of festivals and traditions, surrounding its traditional demure and royal history. The festivals in the Rajasthan calendar showcase the age-old customs and the richness through the different months of celebrations. From the grand fairs to religious celebrations and traditional festivals of Rajasthan, there are several joyful camaraderie that showcase the traditional music and dance of Rajasthan. It is not just limited to cultural attractions, but there are literary events that stage the state’s age-old practice. Let’s look at a month-by-month calendar as per Rajasthan cultural festivals so that you can plan a great tour for yourself.

1. January: Jaipur Literature Festival

If you are someone who lives in the world of books, the Jaipur Literature Festival is the best place to fulfil your dreams of meeting the best possible writers and artists from around the globe. January takes into storm the welcoming of intellectuals and bookworms at the mesmerizing Diggi Palace, and it holds activities such as book readings, and discussions and gives the audience a window to experience Rajasthan’s cultural richness. JLF happening in Jaipur every January involves interactive sessions with authors and writers. There are cultural events in Rajasthan that happen in the evening and showcase local cuisines and crafts.

2. February: Desert Festival, Jaisalmer 

Jaisalmer observes a three-day-long Desert Festival which creates a lot of hype, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The extravaganza showcased by this festival highlights the Rajasthani culture of worshipping nature at its best. There are folk dances, traditional music, and camel races that add aesthetics to the golden dunes of the Thar desert. The main highlights of this festival include Gair and Kalbeliya Dances, followed by Camel Polo and Turban tying competitions. The grand finale of this festival often happens under the open sky with magical starry nights complimenting it. 

3. March: Holi in Pushkar 

Holi in Pushkar is renowned for the colourful ambience it builds around itself. This festival brings the parade of colours through its unmatched enthusiasm while bringing tourists and locals together to celebrate unitedly. During Holi, the town transforms completely showcasing traditional folk music and dance. Bhang thandai and sweets are distributed as a speciality while people play Holi around the ghats of this holy town.

4. April: Mewar Festival, Udaipur

In Udaipur, the Mewar Festival is a huge celebration of the incoming spring season. Goddess Gauri is worshipped through this festival as processions of beautifully adorned idols are carried on. On the side of the Lake Pichola, cultural performances are held which are comprised of folk music and dance. Lake Pichola looks adorned with beautifully decorated boats floating on its surface. The highlights of this festival are the delicious treats and the local crafts it provides.

5. May: Summer Festival, Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. The Summer Festival is one of the most beautiful festivities that happen in Rajasthan at Mount Abu giving a refreshing touch to the otherwise scorching heat. It is a two-day event featuring the region’s cultural and traditional aspects with music and dance as its prime highlight. Sporting events are also a part of this event. In Nakki Lake, boat races happen with fireworks at night. Traditional ballad songs are practiced during the festival, along with popular fairs and festivals in Rajasthan.

6. June: Teej Festival, Jaipur

In June, Jaipur holds the famous Teej Festival with the arrival of monsoon. It is in regard to celebrating the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Teej is celebrated by women as they adorn themselves in green attire and apply mehendi on their palms. There are decorated swings that define the stunning aesthetics of the city. As they swing through, traditional songs are sung to celebrate the culture with utmost fervour. The highlight of the festival is how the processions of Goddess Teej are carried on along with elephants and camels. Ghevar is a specialized delicacy during this festival.

7. July: Kumbhalgarh Festival 

The Kumbhalgarh festival is celebrated in the Kumbhalgarh Fort depicting the majesty and the importance of its culture. The beauty of the fort looks enhanced with the arrival of monsoon, and the celebration of it becomes well-organized and well-celebrated. Rajasthan’s art and culture are beautifully reflected in the Kumbhalgarh Festival. Dance and music performances are a major part of this. Puppet shows and traditional games are arranged for the entertainment of the visitors. At night, light and sound show attracts several visitors every year.  

 8. August: Kajli Teej, Bundi 

In Bundi, Kajli Teej happens which is a rare festival that is celebrated for the upcoming monsoon festival. A grand festival followed by a procession is organized which includes cultural festivals as well, highlighting folk music and dance by local artists. In the month of August, elephants and camels are decorated for the purpose of procession through the old city. Traditional fairs are organized where local crafts are displayed to enhance the background of Rajasthan’s culture. 

9. September: Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

In September, the Marwar Festival is celebrated in Jodhpur and is dedicated to the brave warriors from the history of Rajasthan. The tales of the brave warriors are portrayed through cultural dance and music, while there are camel tattoo shows which are once in a while for their great visuals. Mehrangarh Fort holds evening shows as well which attracts several visitors every year.

10. October: Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur 

In October, Jodhpur experiences the Rajasthan International Folk Festival which is a global platform for folk artists. Musicians and enthusiasts come from all around the world to this festival. This festival in Jodhpur coincides with Sharad Purnima, making it fall on a full moon celebration. The highlights include a fusion of international and Rajasthani folk music. Concerts on full moon nights occur while workshops on traditional music and dance are a plus factor in the festival. 

11. November: Pushkar Camel Fair

In November, the Pushkar Camel Fair happens with a lot of celebration in hand. Considering that it is one of the largest livestock fairs happening in the world, cultural performances such as traditional dance and music occur. Camel trading is one of the major factors of this festival, and it coincides with the spiritual aura of the Kartik Purnima festival. The highlights of the festival include Camel beauty contests and races. Spiritual dips in the Pushkar Lake are a ritual, while hot air balloon rides attract so many admirers.

12. December: Winter Festival, Mount Abu

In December, Mount Abu celebrates the Winter Festival to welcome warmth and hospitality. During this aesthetic fest, the hill turns into a cultural spot with traditional Sufi dance and music. Kite Flying and skating racing are the highlight sports of the events.

These monthly celebrations are the best festivals to attend in Rajasthan and they keep the calendar occupied with joy and enthusiasm. If you are visiting Rajasthan, it is a good idea to attend any of these month-wise Rajasthan festivals as it will give you an insight into how Rajasthani culture works. If you are worrying about your travel plans, JCR Cab Service is here to assist you as a Rajasthan festival guide for tourists. JCR makes your journey hassle-free and affordable with all sorts of options to fit into your budget. So what are you waiting for, jump into this joyful ride!