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

30 places to explore

Upcoming events in Rajasthan

Festivals and celebrations across the state

Mewar Festival

Mewar Festival is a traditional cultural festival celebrated in Udaipur, Rajasthan, marking the arrival of spring and the Gangaur festival. Dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the festival reflects the rich heritage and royal traditions of the Mewar region. The celebrations feature colorful processions of beautifully decorated idols, folk music, dance performances, and cultural programs held near Lake Pichola and Gangaur Ghat. Women dress in traditional attire, and the city comes alive with festivities, making the Mewar Festival a vibrant showcase of Rajasthan’s art, culture, and customs.

Apr 09–11, 2027
Udaipur, Rajasthan

Gangaur

Spring festival of the goddess Gauri, held for about 18 days after Holi and ending with processions through Jaipur's walled city.

Mar 22, 2027–Apr 10, 2027
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Matsya Festival, Alwar

Rajasthan Tourism's two day festival of folk music, dance, crafts and rural sports in Alwar on 25 and 26 November 2026.

25th to 26th November 2026
Alwar, Rajasthan

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

Teej Festival

Monsoon festival honouring Parvati, marked in Jaipur by a procession of the goddess from City Palace through the walled city.

4th to 5th August 2027
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Baneshwar Fair

Baneshwar Fair is a vibrant tribal festival held in Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district, centred around the sacred Baneshwar Mahadev temple at the river confluence. Often called the “tribal Kumbh,” the fair brings together Bhil and other tribal communities for holy rituals, river baths, ancestral rites, folk music, dance, and colourful local markets, making it a powerful blend of devotion, culture, and community celebration.

Feb 16–20, 2027
Udaipur, Rajasthan

Kite Festival Jaipur

Makar Sankranti in Jaipur, when the whole city flies kites from its rooftops; Jal Mahal and the old city are good places to watch.

14th to 15th January 2027
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Sambhar Festival

Winter festival at Sambhar Lake, India's largest inland salt lake, with folk performances, craft stalls and outdoor activities.

Dec 27–31, 2026
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur Literature Festival

Five days of talks, readings and debates with writers from India and abroad; the 20th edition runs 14 to 18 January 2027 at Hotel Clarks Amer.

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

Nagaur Cattle Fair

The Nagaur Cattle Fair, held annually in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, is one of India’s largest and oldest livestock fairs. Known for trading thousands of camels, bullocks, horses, and Marwari ponies, it showcases the region’s deep-rooted rural and pastoral culture. Traders from across Rajasthan and neighboring states gather to buy and sell well-bred animals decorated with vibrant accessories. The fair also features traditional competitions like tug-of-war, camel races, and turban-tying contests. Folk music, Kalbelia dance, and local handicraft markets add a colorful cultural touch. Visitors can explore spice markets and enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The fair beautifully blends commerce, tradition, and celebration, making it a major attraction in the state’s festive calendar.

Feb 12–15, 2027
Nagaur, Rajasthan

Bikaner Camel Festival

The **Bikaner Camel Festival** is an annual cultural extravaganza dedicated to the "Ship of the Desert." Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, this world-famous event celebrates the deep bond between the desert communities and their camels. Against the backdrop of the red-sandstone **Junagarh Fort**, the city comes alive with vibrant processions, desert sports, and traditional folk music. --- ## 📅 Festival Schedule Rajasthan Tourism's festival calendar lists the 2027 edition for **9 and 10 January 2027**. The day wise programme below is from the 2026 edition (9 to 11 January 2026); the 2027 schedule is usually released closer to the dates. ### **Day 1: Heritage & Food** * **Heritage Walk (8:00 AM):** The festival kicks off with the *"Hamari Virasat"* walk from Laxminath Temple to the famous Rampuria Haveli. * **Bikaneri Food Festival:** A celebration of local flavors like *Bikaneri Bhujia* and authentic Rajasthani *Thalis*. * **Contests:** Selection of "Mr. Bikana" and "Miss Marwan" at the Dr. Karni Singh Stadium. ### **Day 2: Camel Art & Performance** * **NRCC Events:** The action moves to the National Research Centre on Camel. Highlights include: * **Camel Fur Cutting:** Intricate patterns carved into camel coats. * **Camel Dance:** Camels performing to the rhythmic beats of the dhol. * **Folk Night:** A grand evening of Rajasthani music and dance at the stadium. ### **Day 3: Desert Adventure & Fire Dance** * **Raisar Sand Dunes:** The finale moves to the desert dunes for: * **Rural Sports:** Tug-of-war, wrestling, and camel races. * **The Fire Dance:** The legendary Jasnath sampradaya performing their breathtaking dance on live coals as the sun sets. --- ## Highlights of the Festival * **The Grand Procession:** A parade of decorated camels adorned with colorful bridles, jewelry, and bells. * **Camel Artistry:** Bikaner is the only place where you can see the unique art of camel fur design and decoration in such detail. * **Desert Delicacies:** Don't miss the **Camel Milk Tea** and camel milk kulfi, unique local treats found at the NRCC stalls. --- ## Practical Travel Tips * **🚉 Getting There:** Bikaner Junction is well-connected to Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. The local **Nal Airport** serves domestic flights. * **🧣 Weather:** January in the Thar Desert is cold. While days are pleasant (22°C), night temperatures can drop to **4-6°C**. Heavy woolens are essential

9th to 10th January 2027
Bikaner, Rajasthan

Winter Festival

The Mount Abu Winter Festival, held every year in the last week of December, is a vibrant cultural celebration in Rajasthan’s only hill station. The festival opens with a colourful procession near Nakki Lake and features folk dances, music performances, boat races, games, craft stalls, and evening concerts. It showcases Rajasthan’s rich traditions in a lively holiday atmosphere, combining culture, entertainment and scenic winter weather making it one of Mount Abu’s most popular year-end attractions.

Dec 29–31, 2026
Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival

The Ranakpur Jawai Bandh Festival is a vibrant two-day celebration held in the scenic Ranakpur - Jawai region of Rajasthan’s **Pali district**. Set against temples, hills and the Jawai dam, the festival blends culture, nature and adventure. Visitors can enjoy **early-morning yoga sessions, heritage walks, jeep safaris and bird-watching** around the Jawai landscape. The evenings come alive with folk dances, fusion music and traditional performances showcasing the Marwar-Godwad culture. Activities like turban-tying, moustache contests, horse shows and craft exhibitions add a fun local touch. With its mix of heritage and eco-tourism, the festival offers a unique experience for travellers seeking culture, wildlife and Rajasthan’s rustic charm in one place.

21st to 22nd December 2026
Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh Festival

The Kumbhalgarh Festival is held inside the majestic **Kumbhalgarh Fort** in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, about 84 km from Udaipur. Celebrated every year in early December, this three-day cultural festival honours the artistic legacy of Maharana Kumbha. The fort’s grand ramparts and the iconic Badal Mahal create a stunning backdrop for folk dances like **Ghoomar , Kalbeliya** and **Bhavai**, along with traditional music performances. Visitors can explore handicraft stalls, enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine, and take part in fun activities such as turban-tying or henna contests. Evening light-and-sound shows and heritage walks add to the charm, making the festival a vibrant blend of history, art and culture. **Dates:** 1 to 3 December 2026. Rajasthan Tourism usually shares the programme for each edition closer to the festival.

Dec 01–03, 2026
Rajsamand, Rajasthan