URS AT AJMER

                   The lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it ‘Ajmer Sharif’ (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti lie buried. The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chistia order of fakirs in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His Spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Sain’t mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar).

PUSHKAR FAIR

The ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground in the month of kartik. The fair attracts a great number of tourists from far and wide. The fair-grounds reverberate with festivity, as rows of make shift stalls display a bewildering array of items that compete with each other for the visitors’ attention. But the highlight of Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels are bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a picturesque sight. The camel, horse and donkey races are events that draw huge attendance. Body tattooing is yet another favourite activity that attracts a large number of enthusiasts.

The Pushkar fair brings together a large number of villagers from different parts of the state. Some come here to sell. Some come here to buy. Others come here on a pilgrimage. Still others come here just to enjoy the festivities. The days are filled with fun and activity. The evenings are filled with music and dance. Come dusk, and the rich strains of haunting music are carried across the desert sands as the merrymaking continues deep into the night. The profusion of colours that run riot in the desert sands, the glee and the contagious enthusiasm of the village folk are a unique experience for every visitor.

NAGUAR FAIR

The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. The cattle fair here is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the month of Magh (Jan.-Feb.)

The fair is renowned for the trading in cows, bullocks, camels and horses. Their owners are seen wearing colourful turbans and flaunting long moustaches. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their fleetness and attract a large number of buyers. Both the owners and buyers bargain to their heart’s content until they decide upon a price.

Mirchi Bazar (Red Chilly Market) is the main attraction and wooden items, iron crafts and leather accessories are available in abundance during the fair.

Various games are organized during this four day festival. Tug-of-war, camel races, cock fights etc. provide entertainment to the tourists and visitors.

AS the sun goes down, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians, whose voices echo far and wide across the tranquil desert sand.

KAILA DEVI FAIR

The fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, (the goddess of wealth), holds an important place among the celebrated fairs of Rajsthan. 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.

A small temple dedicated to Bhairon is situated in the courtyard and facing the shrine of Kaila Devi is a temple of Hanuman locally called ‘;Languriya’. Throughout the year, there is a steady flow of devotees to this spot but during the kaila Devi Fair, the participants number as many as 2 lakhs. There is no restriction for members of any community to visit the fair or the shrine. A large number of pilgrims from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Preadesh, Punjab, Delhi and Haryana visit the fair.

SHRI MAHAVIRJI FAIR

The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24^th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon. Among the visitors to the fair are the principal followers of Mahavir Swami – the Digambar Jains, who come from far and wide to pay homage to the saint at the shrine. The Mahavirji temple is located in an en 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 temple also has images of other Jain tirthankaras and the idol of Bhairon is installed as the guardian of the shrine at the door. There is a Man-Stambha (tower of glory) made of marble in front of the temple.

Members of any community can come to pay homage. Consequently, the shrine attracts devoted pilgrims of al castes and creeds from neighbouring areas as well as from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bengal, Assam and Bihar.

BANGANGA FAIR

The Banganga Fair is held annuallynear a rivulet 11 kms, from the historical township of Bairath in Jaipur district, on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April-May). The stream is believed to have been created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas. This area is identified with the settlement of Viratpur of the epic days. At the site is the Radha-Krishnaji Temple which was built by Shri Nandram Bakshi of Jaipur more than 200 years ago.

For the Hindus, Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaishakh holds a lot of significance.

Visiting the Banganga Fair, taking a bath and paying homage to the holy sites in the vicinity at this time is therefore considered very auspicious by the pilgrims who come from Alwar, Behror, Jaipur, Bharatpur and many other places.

GANESHA CHATURTHI, RANTHAMBHOR

Ganesh Chatuurthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated all over the country. In Sawai Madhopur, the festival is rather special. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambhor, about 12 kms. From Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in the State. There is always a lot of activity at the temple because people believe that the first invitation to a marriage should be sent to Lord Ganesha. As a result, hundreds of invitations pour in everyday from all over the country inviting Lord Ganesha to attend the marriage. Some people also enclose money to enable Lord Ganesha to pay for his fare!

This temple is the site for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations attracting devotees from all over to join in the singing of devotional songs.

Markets spring up in the area, allowing the people to do their shopping as well.

BRIZ FESTIVAL

The Briz Festival takes place a few days before Holi, the festival, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be sxeen singing and performing the Raslila dance-the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna.

All of Bharatput come alive to the sound of folk melodies on his festival held on the eve of Holi. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all are touched by the spirit of this festival. Boisterous revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around.

SITABARI FAIR

The Sitabari Fair is held near village kelwara in Baran District. Sitabari is considered to be the place where Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, was left by Lakshman to serve the period of her banishment. Legend has it that a stream sprouted from the ground where Lakshman shot an arrow to fetch water for Sit. The stream is called ‘Lakshman Babhuka’. People from all communities visit Sitabari to bathe in the tanks (kunds) which are always filled with clean, fresh water. The water of the kunds is considered to be sacred and is believed to possess curative properties.

People visit the kunds to take a holydip for the purification of the body and soul and to perform oblations dedicated to the various deities whose images are installed here.

CHANDRABHAGA FAIR, JHALRAPATAN

The Chandrabhaga Fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan 6 kms. From Khalawar in the month of kartik (Oct.-Nov.)

The river Chandrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot, which is known as Chandravati. 

DUSSEHRA, KOTA

More than 75 feet tall effigies of the demons Ravana, kumbhakarana and Meghnad are burnt on Dussehra day to symbolize the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated all over the country but the kota Dussehra is quite unique for it marks more than just the beginning of a festive period. Villagers father here dressed in multicoloured clothes to offer prayers to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory over Ravana. Rich in courtly splendour and age-old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages. Like all festivals in Rajasthan, it provides a good opportunity to the traders to display their attractive wares to the rural and urban buyers.

Prominent artists from all over the country are invited to participate in cultural programmes that enthrall the huge audience with their performances. The fair lasts for about a fortnight.

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 colourfully dressed people.

The people who gather here from surrounding areas also get to watch and participate in the cultural programmes 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 upto Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

BENESHWAR FAIR

The name Beneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kep in the Mahadev temle 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 an dMahi, 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 honour ofBeneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after construction of the Vishnu temple by Kanakunwari, daughter-in-law of mavji, a highlyrevered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Two disciples of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi Narain temple near the confluence of rivers Som and Mahi. The pran-pratishta ceremony of the idols was performed on Magh Shula Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held on this day. The large congregation that gathers here at the time of the fair pays homage to all the deities with equal reverence.

On magh Shukla Ekadashi, the priest-called the Mathadhish, arrives at the fair site from Sabla, in a huge procession. A 16 cms. Silver image of Mavji on horseback is also brought here. The river water supposedly becomes holier when the Mathadhish takes a bath. Hence, people bathe along with him in the river. The Bhills consign the ashes of their dead at the confluence of the rivers.

The Beneshwar fair is predominantly a tribal fair with more than half of the congregation consisting of Bhils. They revere Beneshwar Mahadev as well as Mavji. The majority of the gathering is from the Districts of Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara.

URS AT GALIYAKOT

Galiyakot is a small village of Tehsil Sagwara in dungarpur District. It is located on the banks of the river Mahi and holds special significance for Dawoodi Bohras, a sect of the Ismaili Shia Muslims. They converge at Galiyakot for ziyarat (pilgrimage) at the memorial of the revered saint, Sayyed Fakhruddin. The mausoleum is called Mazar-e-Fakhri. The followers of the saint arrive here not only from the States of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan but also from abroad.

Thousands of followers and devotees converge at the shrine during the annual Urs which is celebrated on the 27^th day of Moharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar. Many devotees seek blessings of the saint to have their wishes fulfilled. This is called mannat and generally the devotees come to the shrine again to express their gratitude after their wishes are fulfilled.

ELEPHANT FESTIVAL, JAIPUR

The Elephant Festival gets underway in the month of Phalgun (March) on the eve of Holi, the festival of colours.

The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers.

The sight of mighty jumbos striding majestically is a treat to watch. The mahavats oor owners proudly decorate their elephants with bright colours, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. Female elephants are made to wear payals or anklets which tinkle as they walk. Prizes are given for the most beautifully decorated elephant. Even more exciting is the polo match, the Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men & women. The most colourful being the playing of Holi on Elephant back.

SHEETLA MATA FAIR

The Sheetla Mata Fair is held in March-April, the month of Chaitra, in village Seel-Ki-Doongri (Jaipur). Doongri is a hillock on top of which the shrine of Sheetla Mata stands. The fair is held in her honour every year. The fair attracts hordes of visitors from far and wide. People believe that epidemics spread because of the wrath of Sheetla mata and hence they worship her and make offerings so that she may be pacified. The deity is represented by a red stone.

It is a veritable picnic for the pilgrims attending the fair. It is customary to cook one’s own food at the site, and eat it only after it has been offered at the shrine.

A temporary market comes up at the fair and the rural folk can be seen trading in wares such as shoes, clothes, foodstuff, utensils and agricultural implements.

A cattle fair is also organized during the fair. It is a small affair and lasts for about a week. Bullocks, camels and horses are sold at the fair and prizes are awarded to the best breeders.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL

The Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the State with great fervour and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Gan is a synonym for Shiva and Gaur which stands for Gauri or Parvati who symbolizes saubhagya (marital bliss). Gauri is the embodiment of perfection and conjugal love which is why the unmarried women worship her for being blessed with good husbands, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their spouses and a happy married life.

The festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days. For a newly-wedded girl, it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of 18 days and eat only meal a day.

The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with mehendi (myrtle paste). The figures drawn range from the Sun, Moon and the stars to simple flowers or geometrical designs.

GANGAUR FESTIVITIES IS CELEBRATED IN VARIOUS PLACES

·Bikaner      ·Jaipur       ·Jodhpur       ·Nathdwara      ·Udaipur       ·Banswara

TEEJ FESTIVAL

Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month of Shravan (August). The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil rises into the air. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion, which is watched by people in large numbers. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

GOGAJI FAIR, GOGA MEDI

Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular here of the area who is known as Goga Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard him as a per (saint). The devotees of Gogaji can be found in Uttar Pradesh. Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Gujarat, an annual procession is taken out in honour of the great warrior. Gogaji is popular as a snake-god and almost every village in Rajasthan has a Than (sacred place) dedicated to him. Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gaogaji will help to cure a snake bite or other diseases and many visit the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or for expressing their gratitude when their wishes come true.

It is believed that Gogaji went into Samadhi at the place now known as Goga Medi and thousands of devotees gather to pay homage at his memorial annually in the month of Bhadrapada during the Gogaji Fair which lasts for 3 days.

The Samadhi is a marble structure with two minarets and fortified by a boundary wall. The idol of Gogaji is seated on a blue horse with a snake coiled around the neck. An inscription in Persian can be seen at the main entrance which describes Mahmud Ghaznavi’s regard for Gogaji; he had arranged for the renovation of the memorial as a token of gratitude when his wish was fulfilled.

MARWAR FESTIVAL, JODHPUR

The Marwar Festivalis held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in Jodhpur, for two days during the full moon of Sharad Poornima.

Originally known as the Maand Festival, this festival features folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers. This festival is devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region and offers a good opportunity to see the folk dancers and singers who assemble here and provide hours of lively entertainment. These folk artistes provide a glimpse of the days of yore, of battles and valiant heroes who still live on in their songs.

Other attractions at the festival are the camel tattoo show and polo. The impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh fort, which are symbols of might and valour, provide the ideal venue for the cultural extravaganza an integral part of the festival.

DESERT FESTIVAL, JAISALMER

Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colourfully dressed people. In fact during these days, Jaisalmer gets a chance to parade its exuberant charm to the world.

Some chosen and cherished moments of the glorious and illustrious past and affluent culture are on display. The traditional dances backed by high pitched music take the folk dancers and the audience on an euphoric trip.

The turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest add a touch of excitement to the festive celebrations.

The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire-dancers leave the crowds enchanted whenever they perform.

The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and at times also view the musicians and dancers performing on the dunes.

RAMDEVRA FAIR

Situated about 12 kms, to the north of Pokhran, the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint wo took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 14588 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 a Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.

Near the village, there is a tank known s 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 Sudi 11 (Aug – Sept) which is attended by lakhs 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 organize night long singing of bhajans and kirtans to pay homage to Baba. Visitors to Ramdevra are not allowed to indulge in vices.

CAMEL FESTIVAL, BIKANER

A lively and colourful event, THE Camel Festival is organized by the Department o fTourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner every year.

January is just the right month for a desert spree, and Bikaner just the right place to see the Ships of the Desert. In the camel country Bikaner, these desert leviathans pull heavy cart loads, transport grain and even work at the wells.

The Camel Festival beings with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort, the festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the grounds, followed by the best breed competition, the tug-of-war contest, camel dance and acrobatics, etc.

The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their trainers. Bridal bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands cast a magical spell.

Hundreds of tourists and thousands of locals and dignitaries revel in this man-and-animal affair organized especially for the tourists.

The evenings close with a different tenor and tempo altogether: a traditional rendezvous of renowned artistes of Rajasthan and the local folk performer.

The jubilant skirt-swirling dancers, the awe inspiring fire dance, and the dazzling fireworks light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.

JAMBHESWAR FAIR

The Jambheswar Fair is held in the village Mukam of tehsil Nokha, Bikaner District, twice a year on Phalgun Budi Amavasya and Ashvin Budi Amavasya, in memory of the founder of the Bishnoi sect – Jambheswarji. His teachings are condensed into 120 sabdas (sayings) which propagate the cardinal virtues of self-control, truth and non-violence. He taught 29 articles of religion and hence the term Bishnoi from Bees (twenty) and Nau (nine). The Bishnois consider him to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Near the Nokha Town, there are two temples of Jambheswarji, one in the village Mukam (mukam literally means abode because he resided here) and the other on the sand dune of Samarthal. The temple at Mukam has the Samadhi of Jambheswarji and a life-size portrait adorns the central hall. On the ground floor, there are five rooms, one of which is used to store grain offered by the visitors and the rest serve as a guest house. The grain which is offered at the temple is used to feed pigeons, peacocks and birds throughout the year at fenced platforms beside the temple, built specifically for this purpose.

A large fair is held in February-March on Phalgun Budi Amavsya every year. It is attended by people from Punjab, Delhi Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, apart from the local visitors.

The second fair which is a smaller, localized affair, is attended by people coming in from neighbouring village on camles, bullock carts and even on foot. The number of shops is lesser and comprises mostly of sellers from Kokha, Himmatsar and Bikaner. They sell general merchandise which caters to the needs of the rural people-foodstuff, hides, cloth etc.

KARNI MATA FAIR, DESHNOK

Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Kokha in Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in September October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla Ekam to Ashwin Shikla Dashmi.

Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden of all communities. It is believed that she possessed supernatural powers. The foundation of Deshnok was laid by her and she has been worshipped as a goddess by her principal followers, Charans, as well as the rulers of Bikaner, who regarded her as the patron deity. The Karni Mata Fair is held in her honour.

The Karni Mata temple at Deshnok is a stone and marble structure and is also known as Madh. Inside the shrine, a 75 cms, image of Karni Mata adorned with a mukut (tiara) and garlands is installed. Her image is accompanied by the images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata. The Rajputs bring their children on jadula (their first hair cut) and place them at the deity’s feet for blessing. Most of the people come to the shrine from Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Ganganagar and Churu District.

KAPIL MUNI FAIR, KOLAYAT

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.

A large number of people come to kolayat to redeem themselves by taking holy dips in the kolayat lake throughout the year, bit it is considered very auspicious to take a dip on kartik poornima. The lakeside is dotted with temples. Ghats named after these temples allow privacy to the pilgrims, with some ghats meant only for women. 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.

MALLINATH FAIR, TILWARA

Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajathan held annually near Tilwara, a village in Barmer District from Chaitra Budi Ekadashi to Chaitra Sudi Ekadashi (March-April). It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in the fair.

The fair is believed to have originated from transactions which took place among admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of batashas and laddoos. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses make of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair.

On the opening day of the fair, the flag or Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness.

SUMMER FESTIVAL, MOUNT ABU

The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh (June). The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu it an ideal location for the festival. The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan.

The festival begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances which enthrall the spectators.

Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki lake add variety to the festival. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited musical extravaganza, as renowned qawwals from all over the country can be heard regaling the audience. The grand finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks which adds to the tourists delight.

KHETLAJI FAIR

The famous shrine of Shri Sonana Khetlaji in the village Sonana of district Pali is the site of the two day Khetlaji fair, held every year on Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Budi of the lunar calendar. The fair attracts a large number of devotees who congregate here during the fairheld in honour of the deity, khetlaji. It is held by many devotees that the deity has powers to grant wishes. Many devotees arrive to pray for fulfillment of their wishes or for thanksgiving, after their wishes have been granted. The fair is a grand occasion for the local populace from the adjoining area, who pour in, dressed in their best, right from day-break. It is also a gate occasion for shopping Traders of all kinds can be seen doing brisk business. Body tattooing shops are also the hot-spots of activity and troupes of Gair dancers add colour to the festive spirits. One can identify the various styles of Gair as each area has a style peculiar to it and representatives of most styles can be seen performing here.

However, it is the hundreds of horses at the farithat steal the show. Thoroughbred and well trained Marwari horses perform many a trick and even dance to the rhythms of local drums, much to the amazement of the onlookers.

MEWAR FESTIVAL, UDAIPUR

The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Uaipur, 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 gether to dress the images of Isar and Ganguar and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds it way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. 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 programmes. 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.

KHATU SHYAMJI FAIR

Khatu Shyamji is famous for its Shyamji temple. There is steady stream of devotees the year round, but lakhs of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi. Apart from being a palce of pilgrimage, a large number of people come for the Jadula ceremony (the first time all hair is shaved off the head) of their children.

Legend connects the place to the epic Mahabharata war. Krishna, it is believed took the form of a Brahmin and asked for the head of Babhruvahan (Barbrik). He then placed the head on a hillock so that it could watch the war. Pleased with the sacrifice, Krishna, then, blessed Babhruvahan to be worshipped as Shyam himself in kaliyug.

SHEKHAWATI FESTIVAL

The Shekhawati Festival held on 10^th and 11^th February every year is organized jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District, administrations of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka-GDC Rural Research Foundation.

Shekhawati, already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism destination too. Travelling on horse back, the tourists get a closer view of the countryside and the people. And they return with an indelible imprint of not only the friendliness of the people but also of the agricultural revolution sweeping the villages – the region now exports 80 percent of its crops whereas only a few years ago it could meet only 10 percent of its requirement through local production.

For a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati’s culture, the festival is spread over a number of venues – Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes include a one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural games, cultural programmes, haveli competitions and fireworks.

OTHER FESTIVALS

HOLI

Holi is celebrated throughout the northern belt of India to welcome the Spring season with a profusion of colours. All over the place, blithe faces smeared in rainbow hues and drenched in coloured water can be seen.

Today, Holi is an occasion to get rid of one’s inhibitions and make merry with reckless abandon. People from all walks of life indulge in revilry, liberally splashing colours on each other. Singing, dancing and merry-making becomes the order of the day.

RAKSHABANDHAN

Rakshabandhan – the festival in which the brother pledges to guard his sister against all dangers, is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan (August). On this day, women and young girls the rachis (bracelets) made of ribbon, gold, silver and silk threads on their bother’s wrists, The girl solemnly seeks her brother’s abiding hand of protection in times of distress and the brother pledges to be by her side whenever she needs him. The festival in a way reaffirms the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters.

DUSSEHRA

Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of the country, in different ways, It celebrates the triumph of good over evil i.e. 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 termed as Ramlila.

These theatrical performances are quite popular and are witnessed by capacity crowds day after day. One the tenth day of the festival, huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brother kumbhkaran, stuffed with thousands of fire crackers, are set afire.

The atmosphere reverberates to the din of cracker bursts and the pulsating beat of drums as diverse people, come together for rejoicing and celebration.

DIWALI

Celebrated every year in October-November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. It is a celebration of light, both literally and metaphorically. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindus epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 year of exile. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earlier lamps) to celebrate his return. To date, on Diwali day, houses all over India glow with the twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic design against the black canvas of the sky.

For Hindu business communities, Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year. The goddess of wealth, Laxmi, is worshipped, and new books of accounts are opened after pooja (worship).

FAIR AND FESTIVAL CALENDER 2006-2010