Although the state of Rajasthan is most famous for its ancient forts and vast stretches of desert, the true spirit of Rajasthan lies in its people and its culture. To truly experience the life of a city, you must witness how people celebrate the festivals; this is the only time when every city shines in its pure form.

If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, knowing about these festivals and fairs might be handy.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Enjoy on the fringes of the Thar Desert, this annual Desert Festival is celebrated for around three to four days in Jaisalmer. The main motive behind organizing is to attract tourists and people from different parts of the country and enlighten them about the rich cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.

Expect unique and quirky things like mustache competitions, turban tying challenges, and fire dancers along with authentic Rajasthani food and art. There is even a Mr. Desert Competition.

Camel Festival

The name gives it all away! Expect majestically decorated camels being paraded around the sands of Jaisalmer and participating in races. You can even bet a little money on the races to add an extra element of thrill.

Jaipur Literature Festival

Since 2006, it takes place in January every year. The most significant “book fair” or literary festival in the world.

You can expect discussions with literary idols from all over the world, book-reading sessions and artists and new authors putting up stalls show-casing and selling their work.

Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Also known as Jodhpur RIFF, it is mainly a music festival where artists and music maestros come down from all over the world to experience the depths of authentic Rajasthani folk music. It is endorsed by UNESCO and patronized by Mick Jagger himself.

Pushkar Fair

Locally referred to as Kartik Mela or Pushkar Mela, it was started as a camel fair to attract livestock traders from different parts of the town. Held during a full moon night in the month of Kartik according to the Indian calendar, it is generally held in November.

The 2019 dates for Pushkar Mela are 4th to 12th November. If you are planning to attend it, consider looking into Rajasthan Fair Festival Packages because that will give you the best experience.

Teej Festival

Celebrated by Hindu women all across the northern parts of India to express their love for their husband, Teej is a sacred festival. It is symbolic of the sacrifices made by Goddess Parvati and her eventual union with Lord Shiva.

You can witness the womenfolk of the villages and towns dressing up in traditional Rajasthani clothing and singing, dancing, fasting, and decking each other up in mehndi to welcome the upcoming monsoon season.

Urs Festival

It is an Islamic religious festival held annually in Ajmer to commemorate the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. It is an intense and cathartic experience for pilgrims who flock to Ajmer Dargah Sharif to take part in the celebrations and garner blessings of the holy place.

Sacred Spirit Festival

Also known as Stree, it is held in the esteemed Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. It is a highly spiritual experience with music and dance acts filled with fervor and tradition. Folk culture connoisseurs abound the place for a deeply immersive musical experience that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary.

If you are having trouble going around with a hectic schedule while also planning a trip, try consulting a professional tour and travel agency Footloose Holidays. They will take care of your plans in a professional manner.