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The Rajasthani's love for
colour and joyous celebrations is proved by the elaborate rituals
and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the  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.
There are animal fairs,
there are religious fairs and there are fairs to mark the changing
seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a
splendid opportunity for the visitor to gain an insight into the
life of the Rajasthan. Other than the traditional fairs, recently
established festivals that involve elephants, camel races, dance and
music have been specially organized for the tourists.
 Among the better known fairs of
Rajasthan are :
Nagaur
fair, Nagaur (January - February): Essentially an animal
fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local
sports.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (January -
February): One of the most popular of all festivals, it is
a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer
that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts
even the much travelled visitor.
Gangaur, Jaipur (March - April): A festival
devoted to goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time
for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of
their choice while the married woman pray for the well-being of
their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various
activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival
of Shiva to escort his bride home.
 Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March -
April): A festival to welcome the spring season. There is
song, dance, procession, devotional music and fireworks where almost
everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March - April): A
festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor
to watch several elephants sports and also play this festival of
colors. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their
best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar
calendar): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi Saint
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands of
believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All
of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programs are
organized to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt. Abu (June): Organized
in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at
this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of
gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample
time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July - August): A festival to
mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, woman dressed in bright
colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a
woman's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups
and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their
finery.
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur (October/November):
 A festival devoted mainly to music
and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the
visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of
the state.
Puskhar Fair, Ajmer (October/November): An
enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is
fast gaining popularity to see some unusual folk performances, camel
race, camel dance etc. here. | 
