Rajasthan isn’t just about grand forts and golden deserts—it’s a living, breathing celebration of color, culture, and community. The state’s famous fairs and festivals in Rajasthan are a spectacular showcase of its rich heritage, uniting locals and travelers in unforgettable moments of joy.
From camel fairs in the Thar Desert to royal celebrations in palace courtyards, each event offers a vibrant mix of music, dance, cuisine, rituals, and local artistry. In this guide by Explore Rajasthan, discover the most famous fairs and festivals in Rajasthan that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
🐪 1. Pushkar Camel Fair – Where Culture Meets Carnival
When: November
Where: Pushkar
This globally renowned event is much more than a livestock fair—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Highlights:
- Camel and cattle trading with decked-up animals
- Turban tying competitions, mustache contests
- Folk music, Kalbeliya dance, and puppet shows
- Hot air balloon rides over the fairgrounds
With over 400,000 visitors, the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest cultural events in India and a must for photographers and travelers alike.
👑 2. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer – A Glimpse of Golden Traditions
When: February
Where: Jaisalmer
Set against the backdrop of Sam Sand Dunes, this three-day festival brings the desert to life.
Highlights:
- Camel polo and races
- Folk music performances
- Mr. Desert and best moustache competitions
- Fire dances and Rajasthani attire showcases
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is the best time to soak in the essence of Rajasthani culture, attire, and desert traditions.
💃 3. Teej Festival – Monsoon’s Homecoming Celebration
When: July/August
Where: Jaipur and across Rajasthan
Teej is celebrated with joy by women to welcome the monsoon and honor goddess Parvati.
Highlights:
- Women in traditional poshaks singing folk songs
- Processions of decorated idols through Jaipur streets
- Swings tied to trees in courtyards
- Traditional sweets like ghewar and feni
The streets of Jaipur during Teej look like a moving tapestry of colors, music, and devotion.
🎨 4. Jaipur Literature Festival – A Cultural Feast for the Mind
When: January
Where: Jaipur
The Jaipur Literature Festival is Asia’s largest literary event and a gathering point for readers, writers, thinkers, and artists from around the world.
Highlights:
- Author sessions, poetry readings, and debates
- Live music, cultural evenings, and food stalls
- Book launches and workshops
It’s a cultural confluence that gives Rajasthan a global stage every year.
🌾 5. Mewar Festival – Springtime in Udaipur
When: March/April
Where: Udaipur
This vibrant festival marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Gauri.
Highlights:
- Processions of women carrying idol images to Lake Pichola
- Cultural dances and folk music
- Fireworks and floating lamps in the evening
Udaipur, with its serene lakes and palaces, becomes even more picturesque during the Mewar Festival.
🛐 6. Urs Festival, Ajmer – A Sufi Pilgrimage of Harmony
When: Varies (6th month of Islamic calendar)
Where: Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Held in memory of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Urs attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad.
Highlights:
- Qawwalis and devotional music
- Sufi rituals and spiritual gatherings
- Langar (community meals) for thousands
A powerful celebration of peace, devotion, and inclusivity, Urs transforms Ajmer into a spiritual hub.
🧚♂️ 7. Gangaur Festival – Celebrating Marital Bliss & Womanhood
When: March/April
Where: Jaipur, Udaipur, and across Rajasthan
Gangaur is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and celebrated especially by women praying for marital happiness.
Highlights:
- Processions with idol images of Shiva and Parvati
- Traditional songs and dances
- Artisan fairs and cultural shows
Jaipur’s royal Gangaur procession from the City Palace is a crowd favorite.
🐘 8. Elephant Festival – Royal Pageantry on Parade
When: March (coincides with Holi)
Where: Jaipur
This unique festival celebrates the majesty of elephants—a traditional royal companion.
Highlights:
- Elephant polo and tug-of-war
- Decorated elephants in traditional armor and paint
- Cultural dance and music performances
Held a day before Holi, the Elephant Festival adds a regal flair to the colorful celebrations in Jaipur.
🌈 9. Holi – The Festival of Colors
When: March
Where: All over Rajasthan (notably Jaipur, Barsana-inspired events in Bikaner)
Holi in Rajasthan is playful, spiritual, and deeply traditional.
Highlights:
- Color-throwing festivities in public squares
- Holika Dahan bonfires on the eve
- Folk music and traditional thandai
In places like Barsana Dham in Bikaner, you can witness Lathmar Holi-style celebrations too!
🕯️ 10. Diwali – A Festival of Lights with Royal Touch
When: October/November
Where: Across Rajasthan
Diwali in Rajasthan is a royal affair, especially in cities like Jaipur, which becomes a glowing masterpiece of light.
Highlights:
- Lighting of palaces, forts, and homes
- Diya decorations and rangoli art
- Festive sweets and fireworks
Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar and MI Road are known for their award-winning Diwali lighting displays.
✨ Why Rajasthan’s Fairs & Festivals Should Be on Your Travel List
These festivals are not just for show—they offer an authentic glimpse into Rajasthan’s soul. You’ll see:
- Traditional poshaks and folk dances
- Desert cuisines and sweets tied to rituals
- Spiritual devotion and royal processions
- Community bonding and celebration of nature
Whether you’re a photographer, culture lover, foodie, or spiritual seeker—Rajasthan’s festivals deliver something magical for everyone.
📌 Final Thoughts from Explore Rajasthan
Fairs and festivals in Rajasthan are living windows into centuries-old traditions. Each event, big or small, lets you connect deeply with the vibrancy and richness of Rajasthani life. From the famous fairs and festivals in Rajasthan like the Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, Gangaur, Teej, Baneshwar Fair, and Marwar Festival, every celebration is a chance to witness age-old customs come alive in colorful, joyful expressions. So, time your travel with these spectacular events and witness the magic firsthand.
Let Explore Rajasthan be your guide to navigating these unforgettable celebrations.
