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Culture & Festivals
Rajasthan is the land of festivals and fairs. People in this sparsely populated state look for any excuse to assemble together in celebration and take a break from their otherwise rugged, tough lives. The melas or fairs in the stark barren landscape of Rajasthan give a splendid insight into life here and a glimpse of the aura of romance that is always associated with this land, her people and her culture. The whole state comes alive in a riot of colours and joyous celebrations. The elaborate rituals and the gaiety with which they surrender themselves to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region shows their sheer zest for life.
A month
rarely passes in Rajasthan which does not have a religious
festival. Hindus and Muslims join in each others' festivals.
Some traditional and religious festivals of Hindus and
Muslims with a mythological origin are Holi or the festival
of colours, Diwali or the festival of lights, Makar
Sankranti, and Urs. A festival typical of Rajasthan is the
Gangaur festival, when clay images of Mahadevi and Parvati,
are worshiped by women of all castes for 15 days before the
ceremonial immersion in water.
Other festivals commemorate a saint or a local hero. Ajmer is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in India. Some 300,000 pilgrims visit the shrine of the Sufi mystic and saint Khwajah Moinuddin Chishti on his death anniversary or urs.
Rajasthan is known for its animal fairs where camels, horses, elephants and cattle are proudly displayed. These fairs are also a trading ground for sale of animals. An important festival held at Pushkar near Ajmer, which is of religious significance, is simultaneously accompanied by a colourful livestock fair. Farmers from all over the state bring their camels and cattle here. Other festivals mark the changing seasons. Among the better known fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are:
Camel Festival
The camel
festival is organised by the Department of Tourism,
Government of Rajasthan in
January every year in Bikaner.
The festival begins with a colorful procession of bedecked
camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh
fort. The camels display amazing footwork, dancing
gracefully on the directions of their trainers. bridal
bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and camel
shadows, cast a spell on the audience. In the evenings, is
held a traditional rendezvous of renowned artistes and folk
performers of Rajasthan.
Nagaur Fair
The fair is
held every year in January-February in Nagaur, is a trading
fair for cattle and camels and gives one an opportunity to
catch up with rural life as owners from all over the state
camp on the outskirts of the town while they buy and sell
animals. the hides of the animals, cut into wonderful
patterns, are particularly attractive.
Mewar Festival
This 18-day
festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring and
coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur. It is
significant for the women of the state as it is time for
them to dress in their best. The women gather to dress the
images of Issar and Gangaur (the best couple
God-Goddess) and then carry them in a ceremonial procession
through different parts of the city. The procession ends up
at Pichhola Lake where the images are transferred to special
boats amidst singing and festivity. Cu1tural events are
held at the end of the festivities and they include songs,
dances and a display of fireworks.
Kaila Devi Fair
The fair is
held in March or April in Kaila village in Karauli district
and it holds an important place among the celebrated fairs
of the state. The fortnight-long fair is held on the banks
of the river Kalisil in the hills of Trikut about 2
kilometres from 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. A small temple dedicated
to Bhairon is situated in the courtyard and facing the
shrine of the devi is the temple of Hanuman. Throughout the
year, there is a steady flow of devotees.
Mahavir Ji Fair
This fair is
held at Mahavir Ji between March and April to commemorate
Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the
Jains. The temple is located in an enclosure known as
‘katala’ where devotees come to pay homage.
Summer Festival
The
three-day festival is held at Mount Abu in June every
year and is a feast of folk and classical music and window
to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival
begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by
Gaiç Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances. Boat races and qawwalis
are also organized.
Teej Festival
Held during the monsoons, July Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. Though celebrations are held all over the state, it is particularly colorful in Jaipur where a procession winds Its way for two days through the Old City. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon.
Gogaji Fair
The fair is
held at Gogamedi in Ganganagar district in August in
memory of a popular hero of the area known as Goga among the
Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani
Muslims claim to be descendants of his. Gogaji is popular as
a snake god and almost every village in Rajasthan has a
sacred place dedicated to him. Staunch followers of Gogaji
believe that by invoking his name, a snake bite and other
diseases can be cured. It is said that Gogaji went into
samadhi at GogaMedi and thousands of devotees gather there
to pay homage at his memorial every day during the Fair
which lasts three days. The samadhi is a marble structure
with two minarets fortified by a boundary wall. The idol of
Gogaji is seated on a blue horse with a snake coiled around
the neck.
Kaliteej
Though Kaliteej is celebrated all over the state, the one in Bundi is different in the sense that it is held on different dates from the rest of the state. The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the imposing Naval Sagar and passes through the main bazaars. The procession comprises decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colorfully dressed people. Though the main function is held for only two days, the celebrations continue into Janamashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
Ramdevra Fair
The Ramdevra Fair is held in Ramdevra village in Jaisalmer in August or September The village has got its name after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput, who took samadhi in 1458 He had miraculous powers and legend goes that five peers from Mecca came to test his powers. After being convinced, they paid homage to him. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. A large fair is held here which is atteflded by lakhs of devotees who come in large groups from various places. Bhajans and kirtans right through the night are organised.
Marwar Festival
Held in October in Jodhpur, this annual two-day event attempts to showcase the art and culture of the Jodhpur region. It is devoted mainly to singing and dancing. Originally known as the Maand festival, the folk dancers provide a glimpse of the days of yore, of battles and valiant heroes who still live on in their songs. Other attractions are camel tatoo show and polo. The venues are the impressive Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mandore and the Mehrangarh fort.
Dusshera
Dusshera is
celebrated all over the country in different ways as also in
Rajasthan. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil the
victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita
and the battle fought between Lord Rama and Ravana are
enacted on stage and it is called Ramlila. On the tenth day
of the festival, huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and
his brother Kumbakaran, stuffed with thousands of fire
crackers, are set afire and the people then begin to
rejoice.
Pushkar Fair
Easily the
most identifiable of all the fairs of the state, the Pushkar
fair is held in November in
Pushkar in Ajmer, where an
eighth century temple of Brabma, draws the faithful. The
place has about 400 shrines and temples around the lake.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma, in search of a place to hold
his yagna(religious ritual), dropped the lotus from his hand
and the three spots touched by the flower were turned into
lakes. These are today known as the Jyeshtha Pushkar,
Madhyam Pushkar and Kanishtha Pushkar. Pilgrims bathe at the
ghats and pray at the temple. Traders strike deals at the
world’s largest camel fair, although horses are also sold.
People gather together to camp in the desert and entertain
each other with songs and dances and cook meals over camp
fires. The camel, horse and donkey races are also popular
and draw huge attendance. Rajasthan Tourism puts up a
tourist village.
Chandrabhaga Fair
This three-day fair is held at Jhalrapatan near Jhalawar either in November or December next to the banks of the Chandrabhaga river which is considered holy by the people living in this part of the state. On the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the rivet There is also a big cattle fair in which cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought for sale.
Kolyat Fair
Bikaner is the venue for this fair which lasts 10 days and the place is the sacred site where Kapil Muni is supposed to have meditated. The place has a lake with 52 ghats shaded by banyan trees. Devotees take a dip in the lake and pray in the temples. Aarti is performed twice a day and bhog is offered. People float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as part of the rituals. A cattle fair is also held where buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb)
One of the most popular festivals, it is a journey to the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has an unique charm. This is a festival which attracts tourists from all over
Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar(Jan-Feb)
A religious
festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is
the centre of attraction of a large number of tribals fro
m
the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who
join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to
Lord Shiva.
Gangaur, Jaipur(March-April)
A festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Young girls dress up in all their resplendent finery and pray for eligible grooms while married women 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)
T his festival welcomes the spring season and is marked by song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April)
A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion to see the elephants turning out, bedecked in grand splendour. A game of elephant polo is also held.
Rajasthan is known for its animal fairs where camels, horses, elephants and cattle are proudly displayed.
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 of all faiths to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur(October)
A chance to experience the music and dance of Marwar region performed on the night of the full moon
.
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