Alwar is situated at the foothills of the Aravalli ranges and is famous for the Alwar Festival, Alwar which is organized in the month of February. From February 13 to 15 the Alwar Festival in Alwar displays the best of folk culture, music, handicrafts and colorful traditions of the region.
Alwar festival is a three-day festival which is being organized by the district administration to promote tourism and emphasize the legacy of rich culture in Alwar. An impressive procession through the streets of the town marks the inauguration of the festival on February 13.
The Alwar Collector and chairman of the festival committee usually organize a `Shilp Gram' (handicraft village) which emphasizes on the display of the hand-made items and promote the manual skills. It also reflects the diversity of the district. Alwar's Alwar Festival mainly focuses on the tourism of Alwar and the rural activities of the local people.
The events organized at the Alwar Festival include elephant polo, fancy dress and sketching competitions for children, flower show, exhibition of rare and antique items of the region and a film show on the culture and social customs of Alwar.
Usually tour operators from different cities of India arrange tours to Alwar during this period to enable the tourists visit the popular tourist places ahead of the festival. Some of the major draws for the tourists visiting Alwar include the Sariska wildlife sanctuary and the historic Kankwadi fort and Pandupol waterfall.
Sariska National Park, located some 37 kms from the district of Alwar, is a great place to spend exhilarating and daring vacations. Lined up by a number of hills of Aravalli, the region is bifurcated into many narrow valleys that join in number of places. Sariska National Park used to be the hunting grounds for the royal family of Alwar. It is mainly visited to catch a glimpse of tigers.
The huge fort of Kankwadi is worth a visit which was built by Aurangzeb. Every detail of these exciting tourist attractions in and around Alwar is available from Alwar festival in Alwar.
Baneshwar Fair in Rajasthan
Rajasthan dazzles every visitor by featuring, the majestic forts, placid lakes, sprawling palaces and terrific wildlife and thus form the cynosure of this popular tourist destination. The rich culture and tradition of Rajasthan as one the one hand attracts a large number of tourists, there are also a lot of other things to watch around in Rajasthan apart from the tourist attractions. The fairs and festivals of Rajasthan play a major role in attracting horde of tourists from not only the domestic but also from the international level. One such festival that catches the attention of the tourists is the Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar.
This festival is celebrated among the tribal people and involves a lot of religious events and rituals. The Baneshwar Fair in Rajasthan has got its name from the venerated shivalinga which is in the Mahadev Temple in Dungarpur. This festival holds a lot of importance for the people of the tribes and especially the Bhils. Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar is well liked by not only the people of Rajasthan but also by the people of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh who come down to this place to celebrate this gala event. A lot of tourists both domestic and international flock into Dungarpur to witness this fair and be a part of the event.
A lot of stalls and shops are erected and the fair is marked by a lot of cultural programmes, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats to enchant the visitors. Baneshwar Fair in Rajasthan takes place on a small delta which is formed by rivers Mahi and Som. This fair is actually the combination of two fairs which are the one held in reverence of Lord Shiva and the other one that commenced after the setting up of Vishnu temple by Jankunwari.
Banganga Fair
Introduction to Banganga Fair
Rajasthan is the place of wonderful forts, palaces and mesmerizing landscapes that keep beckoning a lot of tourists from the different parts of the world. Not just for the above mentioned things, Rajasthan is also known for lots of other interesting things and fairs and festivals are one of them. There are numerous festivals in Rajasthan, and Jaipur being the capital city of the state also has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and recreation.
Banganga Fair, Jaipur is one of the most sought after events amongst the other Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated with full zeal and gusto amongst the local people and also amongst the other people who come to witness this gala event.
Time for Celebration of Banganga Fair
This festival is celebrated by the people in the month of April and May. Banganga Fair, Jaipur has a lot of mythological significance for the local people and also for the people of India. If legend is to be believed, then it was here that Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth and a spring was formed that ultimately satiated the thirst of Bhishma Pitamah who was a great soldier and was injured fighting in the battle of Mahabharata, and it is here that a lake was created. Banganga Fair of Jaipur is celebrated with lot of zeal and gusto by the local people and is of great reverence for them.
Description of Banganga Fair
People from all over the country flock down to this lovely place take bath in the rivulet and worship. Performing this ritual at the Banganga Fair of Jaipur is considered to be a good omen by the people. This fair is of great importance not only to the local people but also to the merchants and traders who come here to sell their products. A lot of excitement and a pleasant atmosphere can be experienced at the Banganga Fair, Jaipur, which ensures that each and every person visiting this holy place has a smile on his or her face. The shopping freaks will also have a good time being here as they will get ample scope to purchase a lot of goods ranging from household to the general items. This fair also serves as a lovely carnival for the children who will definitely have a good time being here and will find a lot of things for entertainment and recreation, like rides on the Merry-go-rounds.
The devotees all gather at the temple of Lord Krishna in the morning. After that, they take a holy dip in the Banganga River. People are of the view that taking a bath at the river would wash away the misdeeds of the people and thereby purify the soul of then person. After this they also pay a visit to the temple of Ganga Bihari and Hanuman and also to the Shiva temple and the Goswamiji Math. Banganga is located in Bairath which is adjacent to Jaipur and can be reached conveniently by taking the road transport which is easily available.
Biswakarma Puja Rajasthan
Introduction to Biswakarma Puja in Rajasthan
Lord Biswakarma is regarded as a divine engineer. He is said to be the solution to all kinds of troubles related to manual work and so people who belong to the working section of the society generally venerate this Lord and pray for his mercy. Like everywhere else in the country, Biswakarma Puja in Rajasthan also has some special significance.
History of Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan, India
With the very essence of excellence and precision, Lord Biswakarma is said to have created the earth, heaven and underground. With the quintessence of craftsmanship he creates everything that is required by this earth. For example he is believed to be the creator of missiles that was used by Lord Indra. This Vajra, which he created from the bones of sage Dadhichi, is of special significance. It is said that Lord Indra uses this weapon to fight against all the evils forces.
Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan, India is celebrated by the workers of factories to celebrate the celestial power of the divine Lord who grants them the energy and power to do manual works. The Lord is said to have four hands and he carries a water pot, a noose, a book and a craftsman's tool.
Description of the Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan, India
In Rajasthan, the celebration of Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan is quite unique to the state. A plethora of colors can be seen on the roads of Rajasthan during the celebration of this festival. People bedeck themselves with their ornaments and use various colorful costumes to in order to look gorgeous and lovely. Not only is Lord Bishwakarma venerated but his faithful elephant is also worshipped.
Decorative pandals are seen along the roads. The sounds of drums and bells remind us of the descent of the Lord Bishwakarma to hear the grievances of his followers and also to solve them.
Amidst excessive pomp and gaiety this festival is celebrated and this is also accompanied by a small amount of drinking. The industrial area and town becomes alive with the blessings of Lord Bishwakarma during the Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan, India. The ritual is culminated in the distribution of Prasad and consequent Bhashan. Another significant aspect of the Bishwakarma Puja is the Kite Flying Ceremony.
Often there is a competition and the sky becomes filled with colored Kites. Chadials, Mombattis, Chowrangees, Petkattas, Mayurpankhis, Baggas tries their best to establish their supremacy in the sky. Therefore, the sky becomes the war zone and one can almost hear the similar cry everywhere "Bho-Kattaaa" from the far-away roofs or parks. The sky thus dotted with variegated colors is another way of paying tribute to the mighty Lord.
Time for the celebration of Biswakarma Puja, Rajasthan
In all Industrial Houses, Home of Artists and Craftsman and weavers, Biswakarma Puja is celebrated during the day of Kanya Sankranti Day (September) which follows the Ganesh Puja.
Brij Festival
The Brij Festival in Bharatpur is held in the month of March, a few days before Holi, the festival of colors. During this festival people or devotes of Lord Krishna gather at one particular place and celebrate with lot of zeal and dedication. The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and His beloved Radha.
The main draw of the Brij Festival is the Raslila Dance, illustrating the undying love story of Radha and Krishna. Draped in colorful costumes villagers of Bharatpur perform this dance and remembers Lord Krishna and His companion. The town of Bharatpur gets alive on the eve of Bharatpur Brij festival with the sound of folk songs which fills the air and enthralls people. All the people, men or women, young or old, participate in the Rajasthan Braj Mahotsav and get carried away by the spirited flow. The entire place is painted in brilliant colors and no one is spared from being splashed with colors.
Held in honor of Lord Krishna Brij Festival in Bharatpur is marked by vitality and zest. Villagers, in gay, multicolored attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance. All of Bharatpur echoes the sound of folk melodies at Bharatpur Brij Festival held on the eve of Holi. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all are moved by the spirit of this festival. Energetic revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing color on everyone around.
Bharatpur is situated on the Delhi - Mumbai main railway line and also on National Highway no. 11 (Bikaner - Agra). The nearest airport is in Agra which is about 56 km away from Bharatpur. Bharatpur is well connected to major cities by impressive road network.
During the Brij Festival the devotees gather at the Shri Radha Krishnaji's temple in the morning and take a bath at the ghats (a flight of steps leading to the water) of the Banganga river. It is believed that the holy waters have powers to purify the soul. The people then head for the nearby shrines of Hanuman and Ganga Bihari and also visit the Shiva temple and the Math of Goswamiji.
Camel Festival Bikaner
Camel Festival in Bikaner, counted among one of the important fairs and festivals in Rajasthan, is a cultural extravaganza. The festival is a sort of a tribute to the "ship of the desert" that is an integral aspect of life in a desert. January is the apt time to indulge oneself in a desert spree and that's what makes Bikaner's Camel Festival such a big hit. In Bikaner, the common sight that one might come across is that of the camels pulling heavy cart loads, transporting grains and working laboriously at the wells. The Camel Festival, Bikaner is kick- started by a procession of gaudily dressed-up camels. The procession is flagged off from the Junagarh Fort but does not remain restricted to that particular area.
The camels are engaged in the task of outshining each other in a number of innovative competitions. These competitions comprise of camel dance, tug of war, acrobatics, the best dressed camel and the camel with the best hair cut amongst others. The onlookers will be surprised at the way the camels tap their food at the instruction of the trainers. During the festival the guests are offered desert sweets that are made of the purest form of camel milk. The camels are literally the star of the show. The Camel Festival, Bikaner extends for a period of two days. The bedecked camels, the snake charmers, the fortune tellers, folk musicians and dancers contribute in their own way to the charm of this extravaganza. The festival reaches its culmination with the spectacular fireworks that are a virtual treat for the eyes.
Chandrabhaga Fair
Rajasthan has occupied an important place among the various tourist destinations. There are numerous tourist attractions in Rajasthan that make for a great time for the tourists who come here to pay a visit. The indomitable forts, splendid palaces, fascinating wildlife and serene lakes are some of the things that form the hallmark of this place. One of the most striking things that truly deserve the attention of the tourists is the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. There are numerous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan and each fair has its own significance. The Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar is one such fair that really calls for a glimpse of it.
Chandrabhaga Fair in Rajasthan is held in great reverence and a lot of people take part in this gala event. A lot of pilgrims flock into Jhalawar on the banks of river Chandrabhaga on the holy occasion of the full moon night that takes place in the month of October and November. The festival is named after this festival and this river is considered very sacred by the people. In the Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar a lot of people flock by the holy river and take a dip into the river since they are of the view that by doing so they will have their souls purified. The people also offer the prayers at this sacred place of worship.
This fair is marked by a large number of livestock that include: cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks that are brought from the distant places and are displayed for the purpose of sale. Both religious and commercial purpose served. The traders also flock at the Chandrabhaga Fair from the far off places such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh since it is a good opportunity for them to do business and make money. Jhalawar is well connected by both rail and road and can be easily accessed from Kota, Bundi and Jaipur by rail network.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
It is unlikely that a person touring Rajasthan skips a visit to Jaisalmer. The beauty of the city has often led the poetically inclined ones to refer it as a poem in sand. Even the sheer mention of Jaisalmer evokes the picture of magic and brilliance. Few cities in Rajasthan can boast of such magnificence as Jaisalmer. The unmistakable charm of Jaisalmer is further enhanced by the Desert Festival of India, Jaisalmer. In fact it falls in the league of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.
Desert Festival of India, Jaisalmer takes place sometime during the months of January-February. Desert is the predominant theme of this festival and this festival is a sort of a tribute to this all-pervasive and ubiquitous factor in Rajasthan. The golden city takes on a new verve and vigor during the Desert Festival of India in Jaisalmer. To state laconically, the festival is a showcase of the performing arts of the region.
Desert Festival of India, Jaisalmer is funded by the Rajasthan Tourism Corporation. The festival brings with it a characteristic ebullience. It seems that someone spins the magic wand over the otherwise blanch desert that comes alive with festivities. The hordes of colorfully attired people and the musical strains wafting from the desert sands create an ambience that would compel even an inveterate sluggard to come out of his shell and participate in the celebration of life. The sounds of music and the rhythms of dance infuse a spirit of enthusiasm in the people. A lot of excitement goes into the organization of the actual event. Musicians and performers from all across Rajasthan start flocking to the place for the gala event.
Jaisalmer's Desert Festival of India is made more interesting by a number of competitions and contests that are incorporated in the celebrations. Some of the unique and innovative contests that warrant special mention are the turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest that involves a lot of excitement and fun. The camel races contribute in a large extent to the gaiety that characterizes Desert Festival of India, Jaisalmer. The colorful craft bazaar selling a variety of wares is the ideal place to satiate your shopping urge. You can't overcome the temptation of buying embroidered skirts, wood and stone carvings, rugs, hand woven shawls, ethnic jewelry and leather bags. The performance of the genuinely talented folk artists will leave you thoroughly mesmerized. The reputed Gair dancers add to the enchantment.
Desert Kite Festival in Jodhpur
There are numerous Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan that have their own unique appeal and significance in the life of the people. Festivals in Rajasthan are marked by gusto and enthusiasm. The Desert Kite Festival is known for whole lot of excitement and enthusiasm that fills the air with delight and the excited people gather to be a part of this festival. The healthy competition amongst the different kite flyers adds a charm to this festival.
Desert Kite Festival in Rajasthan takes place in the Jodhpur Polo Ground. The huge ground is an apt place to hold this mega event in Rajasthan. The visitors can take delight in the various types of kites that fly in the air in the different shapes and sizes. When these kites fly high up in the air they simply add to the beauty of the clear skies and thus make for a wonderful experience for the visitors who take pleasure in watching the colorful kites fly high up in the sky. Color, gaiety, and enthusiasm are the main attributes of this festival.
Desert Kite Festival is also celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm in Jaipur just as it is celebrated in Jodhpur. This wonderful festival attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of the country as well as world to come and be a part of this lively festival. Desert Kite Festival in Rajasthan is celebrated in the month of January and generally takes place on January 14th or on the Makar Sakranti which is considered to be an auspicious day in the Hindu almanac. There are also a lot of cultural programs that take place in this festival to mark the exhilaration that exudes in this festival such as dancing and singing.
Dussehra
Introduction
In the calendar of Hindu Festivals, Dussehra is a significant one. Like other parts of the country, amongst the various Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan, India, Dussehra is also celebrated with much fanfare. This festival is also called by the name of Vijay Dashmi.
History
Dussehra has the legend of Sri Rama and Ravana attached to it. Ravana was a powerful demon who was killed by Sri Rama as a punishment for abducting Sri Rama's wife Sita and taking her to his kingdom in Lanka. Sri Rama had great belief in the powers of Goddess Durga. So, he prayed to Her, nine days at a stretch, before entering the battleground on the 10th day.
The word Dussehra is a combination of two words- 'Dus' which stands for 'Ten' and 'Hara', referring to 'annihilated'. It is believed that Lanka's king Ravana had 10 faces. These 10 faces were symbolic of the 10 evil aspects of his character. So, Dussehra is celebrated as that day in which these 10 facets of Evil were wiped out.
It should be kept in mind that Ravana, besides being a great scholar, was also a great worshipper of Lord Shiva. His weakness turned out to be his desire to possess Sita. This was the reason that finally led to his destruction. However, it is a thing of surprise that Ravana's enmity and therefore a kind of obsession with Sri Rama led him to his liberation. Hindu Scriptures assert that you can think of the Lord in any way that you please- you may offer prayers to Him, talk to Him, complain to Him, Fight with Him etc. It would be your obsession with the Lord that would liberate you from the somewhat perennial Wheel of Life and Death. The holy scriptures even suggest that Sri Rama could not wound Ravana while this demon had his mind fixated on Sri Rama. The destruction of Ravana came in at that moment when his concentration got unfocused, albeit for a short time.
Description
As Ravana was conquered on the 10th day, Dussehra is also celebrated as Vijay Dashmi, "Vijay" referring to victory and "Dashmi" stands for 10th day. Like other parts of India, people of Rajasthan also celebrate this festival with lots of passion and fervor. On Dussehra, people worship weapons while remembering to utilize them in a wise manner. People also worship Mother Goddess, the embodiment of 'Fight against Evil', during the preceding Navratris.
In some parts of Rajasthan, on Dussehra, there is a custom to exchange the leaves of the Apta tree. A legend is associated with this custom. There was once a king named Raghu, who was Sri Rama's ancestor. King Raghu was very generous. After a grand 'Yagna' (Prayer), the king distributed all his riches among the poor.
Elephant Festival Jaipur
Many travelers pay frequent visits to Jaipur to witness the colorful celebrations that occur here on an extensive and expansive scale. Of the various fairs and festivals the one that enjoys an exclusive position is the elephant festival, Jaipur.
The elephant festival in Jaipur is celebrated annually. In this event elegantly and richly caparisoned elephants walk in a line and form a spectacular sight. In this Jaipur elephant festival different types of events take place of which run races, polo game, tug of war between elephants & men and finally participation in the spring festival of Holi are highly acclaimed. Truly speaking, elephant, camels and horse processions followed by animated folk dance performances can't afford to be missed.
The celebration of the elephant festival, Jaipur finds its place in the very famous Jataka stories of Buddhism where tradition of Hastimangala or the Elephant Festival is referred. Elephant are also considered to be the symbolic representation of strength and wealth. In fact the Rajput rulers have assigned special significance to elephants not only in wars but in royal festivities too. In the regal pageants the presence of the elephants was an absolute must.
To state laconically, Rajasthan Tourism in its endeavor to revive past traditions has promoted elephant festivals in Jaipur to the fullest extent. The present-day pageant and the game of polo that are an integral part of this festival were organized in the past by the Rajput kings.
Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan
Jaipur, commonly referred to as the Pink City of Rajasthan not only abounds in rich tourist spots but also celebrates special occasions of life in high spirits. Dashed with bright colors the celebrations in Jaipur are something which you must witness. Jaipur celebrates several small and big events with equal élan. The common feature of all the events is that these events are observed on a very grand scale irrespective of their cultural, religious and fun connotations. Of all the festivals the one that is observed in other states as well apart from Rajasthan is Gangaur, Jaipur.
The celebration for Gangaur in Jaipur is held after two weeks of the Holi. It is one of the very interesting local festivals and is observed in the honor of goddess Parvati or Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. In this festival both married and unmarried women take part.
Spinsters or unmarried women very enthusiastically take part in the celebration of Gangaur, Jaipur because goddess Parvati or Gauri is regarded as the symbolic representation of perfection and connubial love. Not only this, they also worship goddess with full devotion so that they are blessed with good life partners. However married women celebrate Gangaur in Jaipur to be blessed to enjoy long and happy married life and to ensure wellbeing of the husband.
This very colorful and exuberant event of Gangaur in Jaipur lasts for 18 days. However, the culmination of this event comes when Lord Shiva come to escort his consort or better half, goddess Parvati to home.
In the celebrations of Jaipur Gangaur, idols of Gauri are adorned beautifully. Worshippers give various offerings to the images. Women put henna or Mehendi on their palms and feet which is an age old and auspicious Hindu tradition. Women sing different songs and go door to door with earthen pots having many holes all around with a lamp illuminated aside called ghudlias to collect presents of cash, sweets, jaggery, ghee and oil. This ritual is followed till the last day of the event. When the last day of the festival comes girls break their earthen pots and cast off the debris into a well or tank. Later they bask in the revelry of feasting with the collections they had made.
Gangaur, Jaipur is a very exciting festival. It is touted to be the right time to choose better halves. In fact reposing faith in this there is a group of tribal men and women who select partners and elope to marry.
Gogamedi Fair
Introduction to Gogamedi Fair
Gogamedi Fair is an annual event planned and set up in Ganganagar district of Rajasthan for selling village crop, livestock, and handicrafts. Gogamedi Fair is prepared in the remembrance of a hero of the region generally known as Goga Veer (among Hindus) and Jahar Peer (among Muslims). He is also fondly known as snake god, Gogaji. Every village in Rajasthan has a temple in his tribute. It is believed that a snake bite can be treated by chanting his name.
Celebration of Gogamedi Fair
Gogamedi Fair in Jaipur involves lots of dancing and singing. During this fair villagers perform lively folk lore and also arranges for some local dance. Local folks consider this auspicious event a perfect time for arranging matches for eligible girls and boys. Rajasthan's Gogamedi Fair involves the selling of livestock, village produce and handicrafts, as well as plenty of singing and dancing. All the eligible boys and girls meet up with each other or their parents settle their match. It is an amalgamation of different people thus reflecting a diverse scenario. The traders sell different stuffs ranging from simple rural ornaments to toys to household items; almost every thing is available in this fair. There are even rides for kids like Giant wheels and Merry-go-rounds. Kids too have a gala time at this elaborate fair. The buying and selling add to the atmosphere and to the hustle and bustle of the fair.
Description of Gogamedi fair
The fair is held in mainly organized memory of a popular hero of the area known as Goga Veer or the snake God and almost every village in Rajasthan has a shrine in his honor. People bitten by snakes take his name and pray for his life. But it is although advisable to visit a doctor in extreme situations. Rajasthan is a land of Exotic fairs & festivals. People from all across the globe come to witness the unforgettable exquisite experience. Gogamedi Fair, Jaipur is celebrated each year in Gogameri at Ganganagar. Gogamedi fair is organized in the month of august- September every year. In this fair cattle fair is organized in which includes camels, Buffalo's, cow and other animal for trade and handicraft, utensil and food shops etc. also part of this fair.
Local handicrafts and art work of Rajasthan is admired all over the world. It is vibrant colorful and attractive. You can shop for your clothes at the bustling lively colorful markets and fairs of Rajasthan. The home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period. Rajasthan has an everlasting cycle of fairs and festivals throughout the year.
Kailadevi Fair
Straggling over an area of 5530 sq. km. Karauli in Rajasthan boasts of light red sandstones. IT is held in great reverence as a holy place. Its rural beauty impresses tourists to no end. Besides, the culture, the fairs and festivals of this town also attract them immensely. Of the numerous fairs and festivals the one that is celebrated on an expansive scale is the Kailadevi Fair, Karauli. The Kailadevi Fair in Karauli is basically a socio-cultural event. In this fair people offer prayers to the temple consecrated to Devi Kaila who holds huge importance in the lives of the local people here.
To celebrate Kailadevi Fair people flock to the Kaila Devi temple. This temple is situated on the banks of the Kalisil River and is about 2 km from the north west of the Kaila Village. To mark the festivities of this fair around 2 lakh staunch devotees gather and perform the Kanak-Dandotis one of the famous rituals with absolute dedication. To perform this ritual, devotees need to follow rigorous process. They have to cover 15 to 20 km distance by lying flat and forming lines with their hands in that position. They can not cover this distance on foot. Only scrawling is allowed. This practice is repeated till the devotees reach their destination.
There are few devotees who do not take any break while performing this arduous ritual in Kailadevi Fair, Karauli. However there are some who punctuate their journey with casual breaks and take food and drinks. Later they take a different course of action by performing music and dance in the exquisite courtyard of the temple. They sing praise songs for deity.
The Kailadevi Fair in Karauli is celebrated in the month of Chaitra which in English calendar comprises March to April months. The fair is celebrated for a period of fortnight.
Kajli Teej Festival
It does not amount to a hyperbolic statement if we say that Rajasthan is the most colorful Indian state. And this very fact can well be established taking a look at the ways different fairs and festivals are celebrated. There are some region-specific celebrations. However this never means that these can not be celebrated in other parts of the state. These are observed in other parts as well but each enjoys a unique feature. Like the festivities of the Kajli Teej are not delimited to Bundi only. It is hosted in other parts of the region too. But the way Kajli Teej Festival is observed it attracts huge number of tourists and absolutely intrigue them.
The festivities of the Kajli Teej in Bundi have its own features. The celebrations of this event begin in the monsoon season spanning from July to August. In other parts of the state this festival takes place on the third day of the month of Shravana. But in Bundi it starts on the third day of the month of Bhadra.
In Kajli Teej in Bundi a huge procession of goddess Teej is carried out. A fully bedecked palanquin is taken out from the stunning Naval Sagar. Covering key bazaars, the parade stops at Azad Park. Caparisoned elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and people attired in striking clothes; all take part in this fair.
For married couples the celebrations of Bundi's Kajli Teej mean strengthening their fidelity ties. They bask in the festivities related to this fair with savoring special sweetmeats and going for swing rides. Besides, for the tourists the most exciting part is that along with watching cultural programs they can take part in those. Mostly the cultural programs are organized in the evenings. Another interesting part of the cultural programs is the performances by local artists from Hadoti region.
Kolayat Fair
Being reminiscent of the old traditions, heritage and culture; Rajasthan draws huge number of tourists from around the world. There are countless of tourist attractions that dot this land of valor and courage. Forts, palaces, stunning landscapes, mountains and wildlife all have a reflection of the past glory of this princely state. But the best way to see the personified form of the culture of Rajasthan is to witness fairs and festivals that are celebrated on an expansive scale and hold special importance in the life of the local peo
The Kolayat Fair in Kolayat, Bikaner is also called the 'Kapil Muni Fair'. This fair is observed on the banks of the stunning Kolayat Lake. Devotees, who come here for the festivities, bathe in the lake on the day of the festival. It is believed that by taking a dip into the lake they purge their sins.
The celebrations of Kolayat Fair hold a special significance to the local people. According to historical records, Kolayat in Bikaner was also regarded as Kapilayatan. This name was assigned to the place after Kapil Muni, a revered sage. Not only this, these names are also found in the holy scriptures of Puranas and hence corroborate their significance.
Coming to the festivity part of the Bikaner's Kolayat Fair it deserves special mention that there are 52 Ghats that dot the banks of the Kolayat Lake. All these Ghats are beautifully decorated with lights marking religiosities on the day of the festival. The devotees and pilgrims perform certain rituals. They offer prayers, sugar drops, sweetmeats and milk pudding to the deity. All these items are made in the Kolayat Temple that enshrines the statue of Kapil Muni.
The most noticeable and remarkable feature of the Kolayat Fair Bikaner is when all the devotees gather at one point at dusk and put several lit oil lamps on the leaves and leave them to float on the serene and calm lake water. This scene is truly a feast for the eyes.
Marwar Festival Jodhpur
The splendor and royalty of Rajasthan is simply unrivalled. This is one of the most colorful states of India and hence is also the conglomeration of a lot of different culture and heritage of the different regions that simply captivate our senses. There are a lot of forts and palaces that can be found here which still reverberate of the old glory and charm. There are innumerable things to watch here in Rajasthan and the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are some of the most interesting events that one will come across during his visit to Rajasthan. One such festival that truly deserves the attention is the Marwar Festival, Marwar.
This festival is marked by a whole lot of excitement and zeal among the people. This festival is celebrated as a mark of remembrance to the lost heroes of Rajasthan. A lot of events take place that catches the attention of even the foreign tourists who come for the tour of Rajasthan. Marwar Festival of Rajasthan involves a lot of cultural events and the music and dance that completely enthralls the tourists. This festival is celebrated in the month of September and October for a span of two days which is Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar.
Marwar Festival, Marwar is the best opportunity to take a look closely at the rustic rural life of the people and to see the folk dancers who carry the pots on their heads which is posed well and even dance to the tunes of the singers. The live entertainment takes place generally in the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort. The other attractions of this festival are camel tattoo show and polo.
Nag Panchami - Jodhpur
In India and among the Hindus snake has always occupied a place of reverence since there are many legends according to which the snakes are considered holy and auspicious and the messengers of the almighty. The sanctified serpent 'Ananta'or the 'Sesh Nag' is depicted as the royal throne for Lord Vishnu and is the most holy of all the snakes that is worshipped. To pay reverence to these holy creatures there is a traditional festival that is celebrated in Jodhpur and is called Naag Panchami.
A lot of worshippers from different parts of Rajasthan turn up to pay offerings on this holy occasion. This festival is celebrated with a lot of passion and zeal by the people. During the Naag Panchami Festival in Jodhpur there is a fine ambiance and an aura of excitement all over Jodhpur. The streets are adorned with lights and a lot of folk performances take place in the open. Naag Panchami features a lot of people flocking in Jodhpur to celebrate and be a part of this festival. The most striking feature of this festival is the Kalbeliya dancers who dance to the tunes of the rhythm and hence enthrall the guests present at the festival to witness the fun. Naag Panchami Festival in Jodhpur is celebrated with much enthusiasm here and interestingly enough the snake charmers are said to fast in this particular day.
The worshippers visit the temples of Lord Shiva with the lightings and also festoon them with flowers and many such beautiful things. This festival also features a lot of effigies of king Cobra and the mystical snake Ananta or Sesh Nag. During Naag Panchami, the worshippers offer a lot of offerings that include banana, ghee, milk and rice. The people are of the view that if the snake drinks the milk which is offered to them it would be considered as an auspicious sign.
Nagaur Cattle Fair Nagaur
Nagaur is the very famous quaint and scenic town in Rajasthan. It attracts huge number of tourists during the cattle fair popularly referred to as the Nagaur Cattle Fair, Nagaur.
The Nagaur Cattle Fair in Nagaur marks the trading of cattle on an expansive and extensive scale. This fair is celebrated for 8 days on an annual basis. It usually takes place in the Hindu month of Magha that comprises of January and February months of English.
The Nagaur Cattle Fair, Nagaur is reputed to be the second biggest cattle fair of Rajasthan. In this fair as many as 70, 000 bullocks, camels and horses are traded and owing to the presence of this huge number of cattle this fair has been assigned great importance. However it is just not the number factor for which this fair has risen into popularity. It is also about the quality of the cattle that has earned it a special reputation.
In the Nagaur's Cattle Fair all the cattle are beautifully decorated. These are spotted boasting fascinating accessories in absolutely lavish manner. However it is not the cattle only that are beautified. The owners also boast of gorgeous turbans speckled with vibrant colors and impressive long moustaches.
Apart from cattle the other items that are also exhibited for trading in the Nagaur Cattle Fair, Nagaur include wooden items, iron-crafts, camel leather accessories, etc. A very noted Mirchi Bazaar or Red Chili Market of India is also organized.
Sports contribute to the fun element of the Nagaur Cattle Fair in Nagaur. Several types of sports such as tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cockfights are organized which are enjoyed by both the local people and the tourists to the fullest extent. These apart, there are other forms of entertainment also available in the fair. These comprise of jugglers, puppeteers, storytellers, and campfire evenings. These truly add an extra flavor of enjoyment in the fair. However, the one thing that actually steals the show is the folk music of Jodhpur reverberating in entire desert region.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Situated 11 kilometers to the north west of Ajmer, Pushkar is a sacred town and an important pilgrim center. One of the major tourist destinations of India, Pushkar literally means born due to flower and is beautifully located on the shores of Pushkar Lake. The city is dotted with temples and ghats and is therefore frequented by large number of pilgrims every year. Besides the temples, Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India.
One of the biggest livestock fairs in India, Pushkar fair is a camel fair that is held annually in the holy town of Pushkar in the Rajasthan state of India. World's largest camel fair, Pushkar attracts large number of people from across country. You will witness large number of buyers and sellers from the north west of India negotiating deals over the prized animal.
Celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima, Pushkar Camel Fair starts with a camel race. Cultural events like music, songs and exhibition etc. are other important events of the festivals.
Teej Festival in Jaipur
Much of the interest that the desert state of Rajasthan generates among the tourists has a lot to do with the number of fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. These vibrant festivals characterized by an infectious exuberance add color to the lively place. Teej, Jaipur is one of the popularly celebrated festivals in Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated in a large scale in the pink city of Jaipur. Teej takes place at the onset of the monsoons when the first raindrops bring the message of comfort to the parched and arid land.
If you wish to understand the deep-rooted culture of Rajasthan then you have to closely study the rituals associated with the various festivals held in the state. The verve and vigor of Rajasthan is best felt during the fairs and festivals. There are three types of Teej that are celebrated in Rajasthan. These include the Haryali Teej, Hartalika Teej and the Kajri Teej.
Teej, Jaipur is celebrated primarily by Rajasthan's women folk. Teej in Jaipur normally takes place sometime between the months of July and August. Though a festive fervor informs the festival yet there is an unmistakable religious undercurrent. The young girls along with the married women offer prayers to Parvati who is held in great reverence for her selfless devotion to her husband Lord Shiva. The womenfolk solicit her blessings so that they can enjoy a long and blissful married life.
Jaipur's Teej douses the Pink City with the green color. Women attire themselves in the colors that symbolize freshness and fecundity. They accessorize there dresses with multi-hued bangles and other jewelry. The idol of Teej Mata is adorned with heavily embroidered clothes and traditional jewelry, by women and young girls. Devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Parvati are sung by the ladies.
During Teej, Jaipur, the lawns and the gardens are bedecked with wonderfully decorated swings. The swings are adorned with strings of marigold and spring flowers. One important aspect of Teej in Jaipur is the procession with the idol of Teej Mata in the front. The procession terminates at the Kanak Vrindavan before moving on for the immersion rites.
