CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR || RAJASTHAN

FESTIVALS OF RAJASTHAN

CAMEL FESTIVAL

A unique blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival begins with a colorful procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort. The festivity advances to the open sand spreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this, are the gaping spectators. The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders.
A unique blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival begins with a colorful procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort. Colorful bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant, skirt-swirling Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.

NAGAUR FAIR

The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. This cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (Jan-Feb).
The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. This cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (Jan-Feb).
The Fair is renowned for the trading of cows, bullocks, oxen, camels and horses which takes place here. Their owners are seen wearing colorful turbans and flaunting long mustaches. Wooden items, iron craft and leather accessories are available in abundance during the fair. Various games are organized during this four day festival.
ug-of-War, camel races ,cock & bull fights provide entertainment to the tourists and locals after a hectic day of trading. As the last rays of setting sun bid aide to the day, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians whose voices echo far & wide across the tranquil desert sands.

DESERT FESTIVAL

The Desert Festival - an extravaganza of color, music and festivity, is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (February). It has, on display, some of the most fondly preserved components of Rajasthan rich culture.
Add to this the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of Rajasthan who welcome the tourists from the depths of their hearts. The excitement heightens as the Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert) Competition and the turban-tying competition gets underway. In the turban-tying competition and tug of war, Indians compete with foreigners which add to the fun of the festival. An interesting event of the festival is the Moustache Competition. In this competition the prize is given to the man with the longest moustache. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes on the moonlit night, where one can also experience the pleasure of a camel ride. The folk artistes performing on the sand dunes take the enchantment to its crescendo. Have a good time at the Desert Festival - a unique blend of color, rhythm and melody.

BENESHWAR FAIR

The name Beneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. "Beneshwar" means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to the Shiva Linga. The Beneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Poornima.
The Beneshwar fair in its present form is actually a merger of two fairs : one which used to be held in honor of Beneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Two disciples of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi Narian temple near the confluence of rivers Som and Mahi. The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols was performed on Magh Shukla Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held on this day.
The priest called the Mathadish arrives at the fair site from Sabha, in huge procession. A 16 cms. Silver image of Mavji on horseback is also brought here. The river water supposedly becomes holier when the Mathadish takes a bath. Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi-Narayan and Brahma. Brass gongs are struck at the time of Aarti. During the fair, Aarti of Mathadish is also performed and Raslila takes place at night in the Lakshmi Narayana temple.

ELEPHANT FESTIVAL

India is the original homeland of the Asiatic Elephant. It’s association with the gods and king goes back to the dawn of history. India the King of Gods, rides on a white elephant, Airavata. The elephant is also associated with the Lord Buddha, and Jainism. The colossal size of the animal evokes awe but its docile nature, its graceful movements and its doleful eyes have always fascinated man. It’s majestic presence has been associated with regal splendor and the elephant has always remained as the most important paraphernalia of the king. Jaipur has a long colorful association with elephants. Huge mountain-like male elephant chosen for their size and beauty of trunk, tusks tail and ears, were procured for the exclusive use of the Maharaja. In royal processions the Maharaja sat on a gold and silver ‘howda’ placed on the back of the most favorite elephant. Scores of others tastefully decorated with dazzling ornaments and gold embroidered velvet Jhalars followed the royal elephant.
There were deadly and fierce elephant-fights in the Chaugan of polo-field, the venue of the Elephant Festival. Rajasthan Tourism revived the tradition by including the Elephant Festival in the cultural calendar. During Holi, the festival of Colors, to herald the advent of Spring, the Jaipur Chaugan is brought alive with elephants, dancers, musicians and onlookers from all the globe. The Festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets.
They greet the visitors, offer garlands to the guests and walk past the ramp before a jury of experts and tourists to select the best amongst them for the ‘Best decorated Elephant’ Shield! Witness a game of elephant polo a newly-introduced sport. Though they lack the speed and ability of the polo ponies it is great fun to watch the enormous pachyderms moving around the field after the ball in great speed. To get a feel of their true strength join your hands with the ten add people in the tug-of-war with the largest elephant. Then there is the unique ‘Gaj Shringar’ exhibition displaying everything connected with the elephant-ornaments, textiles (Jhoo) parapernalic howdahs and carriages, paintings medicines and food.
A program of Dhaph and Gair dance to demonstrate the spirit of Holi and a dazzling display of fireworks complete the day leaving unforgettable memories. Come! Celebrate! You are most cordially welcome to the Elephant Festival.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL

Gangaur Festival, a spirited celebration gets underway every year during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April) in Jaipur - A city of pomp and pageantry. Gangaur Festival marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. Mists fade away and the sun shines bright through a clear blue sky. Trees sprout forth new leaves and buds. It is a time to rejoice and celebrate.
Gan is a synonym for lord Shiva and 'Gaur' or 'Gauri' for Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and a symbol of conjugal bliss and marital happiness. During the festival, the ladies decorate their palms and fingers with henna (Mehndi). The decorations comprise motifs of flowers, 'swastika', 'chaupar', Sun, Moon, Stars or some Geometrical Designs.
A traditional procession commences from the Zanani-Deorhi of the City Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaughan and finally converges near the Talkatora with the image of the deity being immersed in the lake. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of elephants, camels, horses, musicians, old palanquins, chariots and bullock carts.
People purchase colorful idols of Gauri and Isar and put them up in their homes to worship at the commencement of the festival. The walls of the room where 'pooja' (Prayer) is performed are whitewashed and the women paint the figures of Isar and Gauri.

MEWAR FESTIVAL

The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm about it. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival.
They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.
Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmers. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment of the celebrations.

KAILA DEVI

The fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the goddess of wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated fairs of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra, starting from Chaitra Budi 12 and lasting for a fortnight.
The temple of Kaila Devi is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in the hills of Trikut, 2 kms. to the north-west of Kaila village. It houses the images of Mahalakshmi and Chamunda. Kaila Devi has been regarded as the guardian deity throughout the ages by the khinchis, the yadavas and the princes of Karauli. The devotees bring with them cash, coconuts, kajal (kohl), tikki (vermilion), sweets and bangles as offerings to the goddess. The rutual of Kanak-Dandoti is observed by the staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 kms. to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate, making lines with their hands in that position, advancing up to the line drawn and repeating this procedure till they reach the temple.
The fair is visited by a large number of traders who set up their shops and sell a variety of indigenous products.
Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety-dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the deities.

MAHAVIRJI FAIR

The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (march - April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Janis, in Chandangaon. Among the visitors to the fair are the principal followers of Mahavir Swami - the Digambar Janis, who come from far and wide to pay homage to the Saint at the shrine.
The Mahavirji temple is located in an enclosure known as 'katala' and houses the image of Mahavir Swami believed to have been dug out by a leather worker from 'Devta-Ka-Tila', a nearby hillock.
The pilgrims gather at the temple to worship, meditate and seek the blessings of the saint with folded hands. The image of Mahavirji is washed early in the morning, the ritual being called prakshalan. This is followed by pujan and ashta-argha (eight oblations).
In the evening Aarti is performed. Ghee Deepak’s are lit and the offerings comprise of rice, white and yellow flowers, sandalwood, camphor, saffron, mishri (crystallized sugar), and dry fruits.
The fair of Mahavirji reaches its peak on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken to the bank of river Gambhiri in a grand procession for Kalash Abhishek. The golden chariot (rath) is drawn by bullocks. Four persons wave chanvars (fly whisks) over the image and the site resounds with "bhajans" and religious songs with intermittent slogans of 'Shri Mahavir Swami Ki jai. After the ceremony, the procession returns with the same grandeur and the image is restored at the vedi of the temple.

SUMMER FESTIVAL

Mt. Abu is a major pilgrim center located in south-west of Rajasthan. This picturesque hill station stirs to life during three day Summer Festival. The festival begins with an enthralling ballad, followed by folk dances of Rajasthan like Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap.
The evening is enlivened by a Sham-e-Qualwali. Qualwali or high pitch singers from all over the state come to perform here and captivate the audience with their vocal skills.
Other gripping events include a boat race on the Nakki Lake and roller skating race. The grand finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks. Refresh yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Nakki Lake.
It is believed that the Gods formed the lake-bed by digging it with their fingernails - 'nakh' - hence the name Nakki lake. Other places worth visit include: Dilwara, Jain Temples, Adhar Devi Temple, Gaumukh Temple, Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point.

TEEJ FESTIVAL

When the rains come down, spirits soar high in celebration. Song & dance mark the gaiety of the Teej Festival celebrated in Jaipur. Teej is held every year during the Hindu Month of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoons. While the rains quench the thirst of the land and every tree turns a lush green, every flower blooms in gay abandon, the young girls, the newly married lasses, the married womenfolk all pray to Goddess Parvati to bless them with good husbands and thereafter to give them conjugal bliss and happiness.
The fair is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva. Young girls, newly wedded girls and old women can be seen attired in flashy traditional costumes and ornaments. Basically a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups all over the city and in the colourful bazaars.
Ample arrangements are made for the tourist for the bird's eye view of the procession. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

KAJLI TEEJ

Teej festival is celebrated all over the state with each region having its own unique touch. Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways, while Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra.
The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the beautiful naval Sagar. It passes through the main bazaars and terminates at Azad Park. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colorfully dressed people.
The people who gather here from surrounding areas also get to watch and participate in the cultural programmers that are organized in the evenings. It provides a very good chance to see performances by local artists from Hadoti region.
Though the main function of Teej is held only on two days, the celebrations continue up to Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

RAMDEVRA FESTIVAL

Situated about 12 kms. to the north of Pokhran (Jaisalmer), the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdevra, a Tanwar Rajput and a Saint who took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 1458 A.D. He had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that five pirs from Mecca came here to test his power and after being convinced, paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Near the village, there is tank known as Ramsar tank which is believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev himself. A large step well, the Parcha Baori is also situated nearby. Baba Ram Dev believed in the equality of all human beings, both high and low, rich and poor.
He helped the down - trodden by granting them their wishes. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed a temple around the Samadhi in 1931 A.D. Rice, coconuts, churma and wooden horses (toys) are offered to Ramdevji by the devotees.
A large fair is held here from Bhadon Sudi 2 to Bhadon Sude 11 (Aug - Sept) which is attended by lakes of devotees who come in large groups from far and wide. Irrespective of their caste, creed or religious affiliations, these devotees throng the shrine dedicated to the saint. These groups organise night long singing of bhajans and kirtans to pay homage to Baba. Visitors to Ramdevra are not allowed to indulge in vices.

MARWAR FESTIVAL

Fairs in Rajasthan are mythological in nature relating to Gods and Goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medieval heroes. The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example.
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province. The festival has on display the music and dance of the Marwar region. The spirited folk dancers assembled here, perform with gusto and entertain the audience with Rajasthani folklore. These folk artists bring to life the myth and legends of the area and sing songs in memory of the brave heroes. Other attractions include of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held during the festival.

DUSSEHRA FESTIVAL

The Dussehra Festival mela is held in Kota, every year in the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept-Oct). The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with fervour not only in Kota but throughout India in myriad ways. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon King Ravana. This fiery battle between the good and the evil lasted ten days. The theatrical enactments of this dramatic encounter are held throughout the nation in which both children and elders participate.
Major attractions for the children, in these enactments, are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the monkey God Hanuman. The air resounds with slogans in praise of Lord Rama. Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with crackers are set alight.
Legend has it that Ravana had ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana had ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographer’s delight. The worship of weapons during this festival was essential for the martial Rajput race. Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of the Ravana is burnt.

PUSHKAR FAIR

The world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of Pushkar, 11 kms. North-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
A large number of cattle converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair is predominantly a rural gathering and is overwhelming in its magnitude and visual impact. Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls.
Evenings at the fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas, Music and Dances are organized for the entertainment of the tourists. The camels, horse and donkey races are great crowd pullers and enthrall the tourists.

CHANDRABHAGA FAIR

Jhalawar or the Land of the ‘Jhalas’ is situated on the banks of the holy river Chandrabhaga. A three day long fair is celebrated every year in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when an air of celebration pervades the whole area. Chandrawati, located on the river bank is considered the most sacred spot by the devotees.
Thousands gather on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima to take a holy dip in the river. Big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock include Cows, Buffaloes, Camels and Bullocks.
The fair provides ample opportunity to the tourist to acquaint themselves with the people of this region, their culture and traditions.

KOLAYAT FAIR

The Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner district held on Kartik Poornima at Kolayat--originally Kapilayatan--named after the sage Kapil who is believed to have done tapasya (meditation) here for the redemption of mankind. Kolayat is situated in an arid area. There is a lake with 52 ghats shaded by banyan trees around the lake. A temple dedicated to Kapil Muni is situated on the Kapil Muni Ghat and it has a marble statue of the saint.
It is considered very auspicious to take a dip on Kartik Poornima in the Kolayat lake. Visiting Kolayat has been considered to be a tirtha or pilgrimage of great importance and it is believed that one day's stay at Kolayat benefits as much as 10 years spent at any other sacred place.
The legendary Maharishi Kapil and the Kapilayatan lake find mention in the Puranas and Kapil Muni is believed to have descended from Lord Brahma. Worship in the temples is performed by Sewag Brahmins whose priesthood is hereditary. Aarti is performed twice daily and bhog is offered. On the day of Kartik Poornima, the day of Kapil Muni Fair, Deep Malika is performed in the evening. People float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as a part of the rituals and this creates a beautiful sight. Offerings are made at the temples consisting of coconut, batasha (sugar drops), dry fruits, mishri (sugar cubes) and cash.
A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the Kapil Muni Fair. Buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.

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