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Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals
- Welcome to the splendid journey of rich cultural and heritage
festivals in Rajasthan. |
Fairs Festivals of Rajasthan
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ELEPHANT FESTIVAL, JAIPUR
Place
: Jaipur
Date : 6th March 2004, 25th March 2005, 14th March 2006
Time : March (Phagun), on the eve of Holi
Rites & Rituals : Elephant Festival is the major festival
observed in Jaipur. The colorful festival dedicated to the big mammal
attracts tourists from every corner of the world. The fascinating spectacle
starts with a huge procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers.
The other attractions of the festival include playing of Holi on elephant
back, elephant race and the tug-of-war between elephant.
The sight of mighty elephants walking majestically is sure to leave
any onlooker mesmerized. Prizes are given to the most beautifully decorated
elephant.
GANGAUR FESTIVAL
Place
: The festival is observed throughout the state
Date : 23-24 April 2004, 11-12 April 2005, 01-02 April 2006
Time : March (Chaitra), the day following Holi
Rites & Rituals : For the married girls of Rajasthan, it is
binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival. It is
believed that by doing so, they will lead a happy and prosperous married
life. The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with
myrtle paste. Women make the clay images of Isar and Gauri, which are
revered as the major deities in Rajasthan.
The festival reaches its climax on the 7th day when spinsters go around
singing traditional songs carrying pots on their head. On the last day of
the festival, women carryout a huge procession and bid farewell to the
Goddess Gauri.
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PUSHKAR
FAIR
Place
: Pushkar
Time : November
Date : 05-08 November 2003, 23-26 November 2004, 12-15 November
2005,
02-05 November 2006
Rites & Rituals : The fascinating Pushkar Fair offers all the
things that bring smile on the face of an avid traveler. Reputed as the
biggest cattle fair in the world, it offers a breathtaking spectacle of fun
and frolic. During the fair, the otherwise quiet changes its color and
becomes a happening place.
The fair attracts a number of cattle breeders from across the world. They
bring a large number of cattle of various breeds to be paraded and sold
here. The fair also attracts a large number of villagers from different
parts of the state who come here to enjoy the peaks of festivity and fun.
A number of makeshift tents offering exquisite handcrafted items and other
specialties of Rajasthan add to its attraction.
JAISALMER
DESERT FESTIVAL
Place
: Jaisalmer
Time : January-February
Date : 14-16 February 2003, 04-06 February 2004, 21-23 February
2005,
10-12 February 2006
Rites & Rituals : Desert Festival is the perfect occasion to
take a glimpse into the royal past and affluent cultural heritage of
Jaisalmer. The festival offers a breathtaking spectacle of folk dances,
traditional songs and various competitions that virtually set the deserted
land of Jaisalmer on fire. The festival exudes a delightful spirit and for
three days the entire town is clustered with colorfully dressed people.
The major attraction of the festival include :
Gair dances
Turban tying competition
Mr. Desert Competition
Camel rides on sand
dunes
BANESHWAR
FAIR
Place
: Dungarpur
Time : February
Rites & Rituals : Baneshwar Fair holds a significant importance
among the tribal of Rajasthan. It offers a unique and much awaited
opportunity to the rural mass to take a break from their routine and enjoy
the various colors of the festival. The fair starts with a ceremony in which
saffron is applied to the Shiva Linga in the temple of Baneshwar Mahadev.
The major attractions of the fair include :
Acrobatic feats by the
skilled jugglers
Traditional songs and
folk dances
Magic shows
Joyrides including
giant wheel, merry-go-round
In addition to this, a number of shops enable the companies to display
their products to the rural masses.
URS
FAIR
Place
: Ajmer
Time : The first six days of Rajab
Rites & Rituals : The colorful ceremonies of the Urs begin with
the hoisting of a white flag on the Dargah. The ceremony takes place on the
25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of
enchanting music. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water
and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. On the last day people
cross 'Jannati Darwaza' with a belief that by doing so, they will be assured
a place in heaven.
Religious assemblies called 'mehfils' are held at night during the festival
and fill the whole atmosphere with religious fervor. The 'mehfil' terminates
late in the night with a 'fatiha', which is a mass prayer for the eternal
peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general. The Qul (end-all)
on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.
