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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-Tage 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.
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