Rajasthan Fair and Festival
The Rajasthani's love for color and joyous celebrations, music, dance and festivals makes it one of the most colorful desert in the world. We have numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others, there are also the traditional fairs.
We have all sorts of fair and festivals like animal fairs, religious fairs and there are fairs to mark the changing seasons। In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for you to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthani. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races, dance and music have been specially organized for the tourists. I recommend you to plan your tour in a way that you are a part of any of the following fairs and festival to truly know the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan:
The Elephant Festival is held every year during Holi, in Jaipur (Rajasthan)। Here, as you would expect from the name of the Festival Elephants are the centre of attraction.
The Elephant Festival is a unique event held annually in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Groomed to perfection, glittering in gold, row upon row of elephants catwalk before an enthralled audience. The elephants move gracefully in procession, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is festival time for the elephants.
Activities
A festival where elephants are the centre of attraction. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers. Elephant races, elephant-polo matches and a most interesting tug of war between elephants and men, are all part of this spectacular event.
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area who is known as Goga Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims।
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero 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 peer (saint).
Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gogaji 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. This fair lasts for 3 days, annually in the month of Bhadrapada.
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.
Diwali is a five day Hindus festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika। Diwali means "rows of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights.
his Diwali which leads us into Truth and Light is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) (October / November) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of our country which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.
The word "Diwali" is the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row। It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home - lowly or mightly - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lend picturesness and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.
Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve। Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid.
As the brief spring warms the landscape, northern India cuts loose for a day of hijinx and general hilarity. The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year.
Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation। Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.
The name Baneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur। "Baneshwar" means the 'master of the delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to Shiva Linga.
This is a religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. On this occasion tribal from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat join their brethren from Rajasthan to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The Baneshwar fair is predominantly a tribal fair with more than half of the congregation consisting of Bhils.
Activities
The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. during the fair. In the morning, saffron is applied to the Shiva Linga after it is bathed and an aarti of burning incense is waved before it. In the evening, bhabhut (ash) is applied to the Linga and an aarti with a fine-wick lamp is waved. Devotees offer wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, coconut and cash.
The Bhils attending Baneshwar Fair sing traditional folk songs in high pitched voices sitting around a bonfire every night। Groups of villagers are also invited to participate in the programme. The fair resounds with the gaiety of songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. Adding to the excitement are the joy rides on merry-go-rounds and swings.
The Gangaur Festival is the colourful and most important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the state with great fervour and devotion by womenfolk during the months of July and August।
Gangaur is one of the most important and widely celebrated traditional festivals of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur is derived from two words 'Gan' a synonym of Siva and 'Gauri' of his consort Parvathi. The festival commences on the day following Holi and continues for about 2 weeks. The festival is held in the honor of Gauri who is regarded as the symbol of virtue and fidelity and a mythological role model of married women. While married women worship Gauri for the welfare of their husband, the young unmarried girls worship her for being blessed with a spouse of their choice.
The festival commences with the ritual of collecting ashes from the Holika Dahan (Holi Fire) and burying seeds of wheat and barley in it। Then the seeds are watered every day until the germination takes place. The ritual is performed with the songs praising Isar and Gauri and the carrying of painted water pots on women heads.
Desert Festival Tour of Rajasthan will enthrall you with enchanting desert festivals, it's cultural events, its glorious forts and of course the golden sand।
The three-day Desert festival held annually in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India is a special event that the local people and the tourists look forward to with great excitement and anticipation. The quiet desert Jaisalmer springs to life every year during the month of February as the villagers from in and around Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India come together to celebrate the happening Desert festival.
Luxury Rajasthan Travel offers online travel booking and information on tour packages that take you to this 3-day jamboree that is a juxtaposition of open-air folk dance performances, acrobatics, puppet shows, snake charmers and stalls painted with the vivid colors of joy and gaiety.
The pulsating Fire, Ghair and Ghoomar dances, colorful swirling skirts and tie and dye dupattas with lots of folk music with bedecked camels and desert stalls and tents add to the brilliant charm of the Desert festival of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India।
Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej.
Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Festival of Teej is widely celebrated, but its real charm can be found only in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Teej celebrates the arrival of monsoon, after the scorching sun of summers. Teej is celebrated in the month of 'Shravan' (July-August), according to the Hindu calendar. Teej is an important cultural festival for the womenfolk of Rajasthan, in which they pray for the well being of their husbands. This festival marks the beginning of festive season in Rajasthan.
Festival of Teej is primarily meant for married women and girls. During this auspicious festival, Goddess Parvati is worshipped, who is the symbol of virtue, devotion and fertility. According to a mythological legend attached with this festival, Goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after years of penance on Teej. On the festival, married women pray for the welfare of their husbands and marital bliss. To celebrate the occasion, Girls and married women apply henna on their hands and get dressed in their best attires.
Teej is also known as festival of swings and rains. Women celebrate this summer beating festival by singing songs and enjoying rope swings. Parents of married girls send gifts, sweets and clothes to their daughter's home. In the case of engaged girls, they receive 'Sindhara' from their "would be in-laws", which consists gifts and sweets. Teej Festival of Jaipur is noticeable by a huge procession taken out in the city. During the festival, the markets of Jaipur are decorated for the occasion. It is a good time to discover the markets of Jaipur।
Pushkar is a delightful little lakeside village, only 11 km from Ajmer, bordered by the Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain, and the edge of the Thar Desert।
Introduction
Also known as Pushkar ka Mela, Pushkar Fair, is the world's largest camel fair held in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. Pushkar Fair is undoubtedly the world's largest camel fair and it also makes it world's largest cattle fair in general. Competitions such as the "Matka Phod", "moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main attractions of this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. A spotlight of one's holiday in India, the festival hosts around 50,000 camels which are sold, decorated, shaved and raced. From a mere 14,000 to a massive 200,000! This is how the population of Pushkar swells during the Pushkar Fair.
History & Legends
Puskar has has the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country। Myth says that Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place. One of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed "Yagna". Worship of Brahma was considered highly important at the end of the first millennium BC. The holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight. Although a serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous celebration held on Kartik Purnima. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. Huge and colourful cattle fair "The Pushkar Fair", is also held during this time. Pushkar fair is well-known for it's camel trading and other attractive activities.
The Banganga Fair is held annually on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April-May) near a rivulet 11 kms from the historical township of Bairath in Jaipur district। The stream is believed to have been created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas.
The Banganga Fair of Jaipur, Rajasthan takes place near a stream, approximately 11 km from the town Bairath in Jaipur district. Bairath is situated almost 85 km from the city of Jaipur. The legend has it that Arjun, one of the Pandavas, created the rivulet. He shot an arrow to satiate the thirst of dying Bhishma Pitamah, a soldier hurt in the battle of Mahabharata, and created the lake.
The people visiting Rajasthan Banganga Fair take a bath in the stream and worship at the holy place। Conducting this particular ritual is considered very auspicious. The fair is important not only from pilgrimage point of view but also sets stage for traders who come to the fair to conduct business and sell their goods. Ranging from simple rural ornaments to toys to household items, almost every thing is available in this fair. There are even rides for kids like Giant wheels and Merry-go-rounds.
Raksha Bandhan Festival (Rakhi)
Raksha Bandhan-the festival of sacred bond between brother and sister-is celebrated both in India and different parts of the world with fun and enthusiasm। Raksha Bandhan or the Rakhi festival reinforces the protective bond and firms the loving fraternal relationship between brother & sister.
Raksha Bandhan-the festival of sacred bond between brother and sister-is celebrated both in India and different parts of the world with fun and enthusiasm. Raksha Bandhan or the Rakhi festival reinforces the protective bond and firms the loving fraternal relationship between brother & sister. On this festive occasion the sisters tie a Rakhi thread on the brother's wrist, perform 'aarti' and pray for the well being of their brothers. In return brothers gladly promises to protect their sisters when the need arises. This frail thread, signifying a sister's love for her brother, is considered stronger than iron chains.
When is Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan-one of the most awaited festival of India-is celebrated according to the Hindu Calender on 'Shraavan' (July-August) 'Poornima' (full moon day) every year. As per the English calender, the Rakhi festival usually comes in the Month of August therefore this months varies every year. Check out the following dates of Raksha Bandhan in coming years:
This year the Raksha Bandhan is on Tuesday, the 28th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2008 is on Saturday, the 16th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2009 is on Wednesday, the 5th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2010 is on Tuesday, the 24th of August।
Makara Sankranti is the only Hindu festival which is based on the Solar calendar rather than the Lunar calendar।In some parts of India, the festival is celebrated by taking dips in the Ganga or any river and offering water to the Sun god.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of 'Magh' and is a harvest festival. It is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship.
Makara Sankranti marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raasi), signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam, and is a day of celebration all over the country. The day begins with people taking holy dips in the waters and worshipping the Sun.
Traditionally, this period is considered an auspicious time and the veteran Bhishma of Mahabharata chose to die during this period। Bhishma fell to the arrows of Arjuna. With his boon to choose the time of his death, he waited on a bed of arrows to depart from this world only during this period. It is believed that those who die in this period have no rebirth.
The name means "the night of Shiva"। The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout the country; it is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark half of 'Margasirsa' (February-March). The name means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
On this festival people worship 'Shiva - the Destroyer'. This night marks the night when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav'. In Andhra Pradesh, pilgrims throng the Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Kalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam.
About The Lord
Shiva - the word meaning auspicious - is one of the Hindu Trinity, comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life। Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar", "Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar", "Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.
The Shekhawati Festival held on 10th and 11th February every year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District administrations of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu।
The Shekhawati Festival held on 10th and 11th February every year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District administrations of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu.
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 per cent of its crops whereas only a few years ago it could meet only 10 per cent 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.
The fifth day of Deepavali or Diwali is celebrated as Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj। The name itself denotes the day of the festival i.e it falls on Dooj,
The Story Of Bhai Dooj
For Hindus, the story behind each festival play a very important role in the formation of their culture and have a very deep significance and values. Most of the Indian festivals are attached to specific characters and personalities that helps the masses to understand and know the true significance of the festival. Just like all important Indian Festivals, Bahi dooj also has a story to follow that have carved a niche with its unique presence and strength.
Through generations, the story of Bhai Dooj has been passed from generation to generation either by word of mouth or through carefully stored scriptures. The narration of the story marks the end of the Bhai dooj puja. Once the various rituals of Bhai dooj such as the sister applying the teeka on the forehead of the brother, giving him the eatables and in return receiving the gifts are over, the women and children sit around, to hear the story behind Bhai Dooj from the elders of the family.
The story goes that once there was a family living in a village that had only a sister and a brother। The sister was very elder to her brother, thus when she got married, the brother was at a very tender age. The boy did not remembered any thing about his sister's marriage. After the marriage, the sister never returned to her mother's home. As the brother grew up, the image of her sister started fading with each passing years. He terribly missed his sister, especially on the Bhai Dooj day, as he used to see his friends with teeka on their forehead and plates full of sweets.
Urs Festival of Ajmer Sharif is held in the holy town of Ajmer in Rajasthan , India । The Urs Festival in Ajmer , Rajasthan is marked with quwwallis - sung at night. The celebrations the unite people of all faiths, and the complete town is decorated with buntings and wears the spirit of festivity.
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 Chishti lie buried.
The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia 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 Saint's 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.)
The Kajli Teej of Rajasthan is a very unique festival of India। Kajli Teej is celebrated exclusively in the Bundi region of Rajasthan.
Location: Bundi, Rajasthan
Main Attraction: Huge procession of Teej followed by grand celebrations
Best Time to Visit: July - August and October - March
How to Reach: The nearest airport is located at Jaipur and the place has an important railway station located at a distance of 2 kilometers. The place can also be reached via a wide network of roads.
The Kajli Teej of Rajasthan is a very unique festival of India। Kajli Teej is celebrated exclusively in the Bundi region of Rajasthan. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra (July-August). The Kajli Teej starts on the third day of the month and lasts for two days. The Kajli Teej festival is something that should not be missed if you are visiting India. Although the main function lasts for two days, the celebrations can go upto Janmashtami, the festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion in the August/September months।
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most famous Gods of Hindu religion, Bhagwan Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star). It is generally celebrated in the month of August-September according to the Christian Calendar. Legend has it that Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal uncle, Kansa.
Position of Stars at the time of Birth
It was only on the eighth day of the second fortnight, in the month of Sravana when, the moon entered the house of Vrishabha in Rohini Nakshatra (star) that Lord appeared। According to Barhapatyamana, the month of Sravana corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha. Lord was born in the year of Visvavasu, appx. 5,227 years ago.
The birth anniversary of Lord Rama is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March or April according to the Hindu calendar is known as Ramnavami
Rama Navami is a Hindu holiday. It falls on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year (or Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami). and is a celebration of the birthday of the Hindu god Rama. People normally perform Kalyanotsavam (marriage celebration) for small murtis of Rama and Sita in their houses, and at the end of the day the deity is taken to a procession on the streets. This day also marks the end of the nine-day utsavam called Chaitra Navaratri (Maharashtra) or Vasanthothsavam (Andhra Pradesh) (festival of Spring), which starts with Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) or Ugadi (South India). According to astrologers by placing the stars and the epics together it has been said that Sri Ram was born on February 10, 5010 BCE.
Some highlights of this day are :
Kalyanam (Ceremonial wedding performed by temple priests) at Bhadrachalam on the banks of the river Godavari in Khammam district.
Panakam, a sweet drink prepared on this day with jaggery and pepper.
Procession of idols in the evening that is accompanied with play of water and colours।
People take Ganesh idols in procession to the accompaniment of music and dance for immersion in the sea or nearby river or lake। Emotions run high as people chant 'Ganpati bappa moraya, pudhachya varshi lavkar ya' (Oh Lord Ganesh, please come back soon next year).
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesh (Ganesha), the god of wisdom and prosperity on the fourth day of the moons bright fortnight, or period from new moon in the lunar month of Bhadrapada. The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi continue for five, seven, or ten days. Some even stretch it to twenty one days, but ten the most popularly celebrated. In the tradition of the right hand path the first day is the most important. In the left hand path tradition the final day is most important.
Ganesha is the god of wisdom and prosperity and is invoked before the beginning of any auspicious work by the Hindus। It is believed that for the fulfillment of one's desires, his blessing is absolutely necessary. According to the mythology, he is the son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Kartikeya - the general of the gods, Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth and Saraswati-the goddess of learning. There are numerous stories in Hindu mythology, associated with the birth of this elephant-headed god, whose vehicle is the Mooshak or rat and who loves Modaks (droplet shaped Indian sweet).
Desert traditions and history come into focus with camel-dances, competitions and camel safaris during the camel festival that brings thousand villagers, visitors and tourists to Jaisalmer, the desert city of Rajasthan।
Situated about 12 Kms to the north of Pokhran, the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint who took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 1458 A. D.
He had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that five Pirs(saints) 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 as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Near the village, there is a tank known as Ramsar tank which is believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev himself. A large step well, the Parcha Baori is also situated nearby।
Sheetla Mata Shrine on he top of Doongri hillock in the village of Seel-ki-Doongri, which is 5 km from Chaksu, the district headquarters and 35 km from Jaipur, in Rajasthan।
The Sheetla Mata Fair is held in March-April, the month of Chaitra on Krishna Paksh , 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 for a day 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.
The Chandrabhaga fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan (6kms from Jhalawar) in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov)।
The Chandrabhaga Fair is one of the most popular and colorful fairs of Orissa। It is held on the seventh day of Magha (January–February) at a beach close to Konark in Orissa for seven days. The fair is held in honor of the sun god, who is said to have cured Sri Krishna’s son Shambhu from leprosy. Pilgrims from various parts of India congregate here every year to take a dip in the holy waters and offer their prayers to the sun.
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 during May-Jun।
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin। This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana.
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colours) in the month of March।
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colours) in the month of March. Held in honour of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance (dance depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna).
All of Bharatpur echoes the sound of folk melodies on this 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 revellers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around.
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।
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, but 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
The Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is dedicated to an early fifteenth century mystic who was considered to be a reincarnation of goddess Durga।
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha 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 to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.
Karni Mata was an ascetic who led a righteous life dedicated to the service and uplifting 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 Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon।
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 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains, in Chandangaon। The Mahavirji temple is located in an 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. There is a Man-Stambha (tower of glory) made of marble in front of the temple.
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.
The temple is maintained by the chief priest called Bhattarak and assisted by Brahmacharis (his disciples)। The image of Mahavirji is washed followed by pujan and ashta-argha (eight oblations)। In the evening aarti is performed. Ghee deepaks are lit and the offerings comprise of rice, white and yellow flowers, sandalwood, camphor, saffron, mishri (crystallised sugar), and dry fruits.
The Sitabari Fair is held near village Kelwara in Baran District. Held usually prior to the Dussehra. 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 says that a stream sprouted from the ground where Lakshman shot an arrow to fetch water for Sita.This stream is called 'Lakshman Babhuka'.
People visit the kunds (tanks) to take a holy dip for the purification of the body and soul and to perform oblations dedicated to the various deities whose images are installed here. The biggest water tank is the 'Lakshman Kund' with one of its gates called 'Lakshman Darwaza' where an idol of Hanuman is installed.
The Suraj Kund named after the Sun God is surrounded by verandahs on all sides. Ashes of cremated people are immersed in the water flowing out of the kund by those who cannot go to the Ganges for this ritual. In one corner of the kund, the 'Linga' or shrine of Lord Shiva is placed. The other two Kunds are the Sita Kund and the Bharat Kund।
Also called as the Cattle Fair, is the 2nd largest animal fair of India। Thousands of animals are gathered at the cattle fair for trading.
This eight days fair held every year during the month of Jan-Feb, is popularly known as the Cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt wearing colourful turbans and long moustaches.
Shearing sheep, handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one fair. Attractions include the mirchi bazaar (largest red-chilly market of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories।
The Marwar Festival is organized in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in the city of जोधपुर
Fairs in Rajasthan are mythological in nature relating to Gods and Goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medieval heroes. The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example.
It is a festival devoted to the music and dance of Marwar region. The festival was originally known as Maand Festival. Held for two days on full moon - sharad purnima, folk artists bring to life the myths, legend and folklore of the area.
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province. The festival has on display the music and dance of the Marwar region. The spirited folk dancers assembled here, perform with gusto and entertain the audience with Rajasthani folklore।
Falling in the month of August, Rani Sati Mela in Jhunjhunu (northern Shekhawati) attracts thousands of people।
This festival is celebrated in the month of August. Rani Sati Mela in Jhunjhunu (northern Shekhawati) attracts thousands of people। They indulge in prayers to commemorate the memory of a merchant's widow who committed sati, sacrificing her life on her husband's pyre, in 1595.
Kolayat Fair is held at the sacred site where Kapil Muni is supposed to have meditated। Kolayat is easily accessible from Bikaner.
Kolayat Fair in Kolayat, Bikaner is also called the 'Kapil Muni Fair'. This fair is observed on the banks of the stunning Kolayat Lake. Devotees, who come here for the festivities, bathe in the lake on the day of the festival. It is believed that by taking a dip into the lake they purge their sins.
The celebrations of Kolayat Fair hold a special significance to the local people. According to historical records, Kolayat in Bikaner was also regarded as Kapilayatan. This name was assigned to the place after Kapil Muni, a revered sage. Not only this, these names are also found in the holy scriptures of Puranas and hence corroborate their significance.
Coming to the festivity part of the Bikaner's Kolayat Fair it deserves special mention that there are 52 Ghats that dot the banks of the Kolayat Lake. All these Ghats are beautifully decorated with lights marking religiosities on the day of the festival. The devotees and pilgrims perform certain rituals. They offer prayers, sugar drops, sweetmeats and milk pudding to the deity. All these items are made in the Kolayat Temple that enshrines the statue of Kapil Muni.
The most noticeable and remarkable feature of the Kolayat Fair Bikaner is when all the devotees gather at one point at dusk and put several lit oil lamps on the leaves and leave them to float on the serene and calm lake water. This scene is truly a feast for the eyes.
Labels: Fair and Festival Map, Festival Map Rajasthan, Festivals in Rajasthan, Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals
posted by Rajasthan Travel Guide @ 2:35 AM
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