About Rajasthan

Overview

The land of kings and forts, Rajasthan is India's most colorful state with magnificent palaces, vast deserts, and vibrant culture. Explore majestic forts of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, experience royal heritage of Udaipur, witness grandeur of Jaipur, enjoy camel safaris in Thar Desert, and experience unforgettable royal experiences.

Cities in Rajasthan

28 places to explore

Upcoming events in Rajasthan

Festivals and celebrations across the state

Chandrabhaga Fair

A traditional Kartik fair near Jhalrapatan in Rajasthan.

Nov 23–25, 2026
Rajasthan

Bundi Utsav

A heritage and cultural festival in the painted town of Bundi.

Nov 27–29, 2026
Bundi, Rajasthan

Pushkar Camel Fair

Rajasthan’s famous livestock fair and cultural gathering.

Nov 17–24, 2026
Pushkar, Rajasthan

Diwali

Diwali experiences in three of India’s best-known celebration destinations.

Nov 08, 2026
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Thar Festival Barmer

The Thar Festival is Barmer's signature cultural celebration, held annually to showcase the raw, unfiltered folk traditions of Rajasthan's vast desert heartland. Camel races, folk music, gair and fire dances, and traditional craft displays bring the sandy landscape alive over two vibrant days. Unlike the more polished tourist-facing festivals of larger Rajasthan cities, Thar Festival retains an earthy authenticity, offering visitors direct access to the music, textiles, and living culture of the communities that call the Thar Desert home.

26th to 27th October 2026
Rajasthan

Marwar Festival Jodhpur

The Marwar Festival is a two-day celebration of Jodhpur's rich folk heritage, held every October against the dramatic backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort. Dedicated to the folk heroes and ballads of the Marwar region, the festival features stirring performances of Rajasthani folk music, ghoomar dance, and the haunting melodies of the sarangi and dholak. A camel tattoo show and processions through the blue city add pageantry to the proceedings, making it a deeply immersive window into the soul of Marwar.

24th to 25th October 2026
Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Dussehra Fair Kota

The Dussehra Fair in Kota is one of India's grandest Dussehra celebrations, drawing lakhs of visitors to the banks of the Chambal River every October. The festival is renowned for its towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghanada, among the tallest in the country, culminating in a spectacular burning ceremony after sunset. A sprawling mela runs alongside with rides, food stalls, and folk entertainment, making Kota's Dussehra a full-scale cultural event rather than just a religious occasion.

Oct 20, 2026–Nov 06, 2026
Rajasthan

Deeg Fetival

The Deeg Festival is a vibrant annual celebration held in Deeg, Bharatpur district, showcasing the town's magnificent 18th-century Bharatpur royal palace complex. The highlight is a breathtaking fountain display where hundreds of jets illuminate the Mughal-style gardens after dark, a spectacle the palaces were originally built to host. Folk performances, craft exhibitions, and cultural programmes run alongside, drawing visitors to this often-overlooked gem of Rajasthan's heritage circuit.

10th to 11th October 2026
Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Abhaneri Festival

The Abhaneri Festival is a two-day cultural celebration held at the iconic Chand Baori stepwell in Dausa district, one of the world's deepest and most geometrically stunning ancient structures. Organised by the Rajasthan government, the festival brings classical and folk performances to life against the dramatic backdrop of the 9th-century stepwell, creating an unforgettable open-air experience. For heritage lovers and photographers alike, it is among Rajasthan's most visually striking cultural events.

12th to 13th October 2026
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur Literature Festival

The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), held annually at Jaipur’s iconic Diggi Palace, is celebrated as the world’s largest free literary festival. It brings together a powerful lineup of global authors, poets, Nobel laureates, thinkers, journalists, and artists. The festival features panel discussions, debates, readings, book launches, and conversations on literature, history, politics, culture, and current affairs. Its vibrant atmosphere, colorful décor, and multicultural audience create a truly immersive experience. JLF also hosts musical mornings, art installations, workshops, and a bustling bookstore. Food stalls, handicraft corners, and cultural performances add to the charm. The festival encourages open dialogue, intellectual exchange, and creative exploration. Over the years, JLF has grown into a global literary movement, inspiring sister editions worldwide.

Jan 14–18, 2027
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually in the golden sands of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. The festival showcases the rich heritage of the region through folk music, Kalbelia dance, and traditional performances against the backdrop of the Jaisalmer Fort. Colorful competitions like turban-tying, the longest mustache contest, camel races, and acrobatic camel shows add lively energy to the event. Local artisans display exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry, making it a paradise for culture lovers. The evenings glow with musical concerts under the starlit desert sky. Visitors also enjoy puppet shows, desert safaris, and authentic Rajasthani food. The festival beautifully captures the spirit, color, and timeless traditions of desert life, making it one of Rajasthan’s most iconic celebrations.

Feb 18–20, 2027
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan