The lively spirits of Rajasthanis
manifest themselves in the form of myriad festivals of this desert land.
They counter the harsh life and rough weather of the arid desert region
by celebrating a festival for each and every reason that they can lay
their hands on, whether it is a religious occasion or a change of season
or ripening of a harvest. The tourist department of the stated adds to
these traditional festivals by introducing new festivals to showcase the
heritage of the region. Rajasthan has all the usual Hindu and Muslim
festivals that are celebrated in India, spiced up with the very special
local fervor as well as a number of festivals of its own. The exact
dates of these festivals are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and
have specific religious significance.
Marked by the vim and vigor of
Holi, the festival of colors, the Brij Festival finds villagers full
of zest and vitality. They dress in brightly hued attires and sing
songs and dance.
Organized by the Department of
Tourism, Art & Culture of Rajasthan, Camel Festival is held
every year in the desert land to attract tourists who love to see
long-necked, hunch-backed camels dancing to the tunes and directions
of their trainers.
Desert Festival is the best
showcase, one can ever want to view the rich and colorful and rich
culture of the desert region of Rajasthan. The major attractions of
the festivals are Gair and Fire dancers who wear vibrant and
brightly colored costumes as they dance and sing and perform on the
regional tunes
The Elephant Festival begins
with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses
and folk dancers. The owners proudly embellish their elephants with
vibrant colors, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery.
Ganesh Chaturthi holds a
special place in Sawai Madhopur. The Ganesha temple in the fort of
Ranthambore, is one of the most eminentGanesha temples of Rajasthan.
Gangaur is celebrated all over
Rajasthan. People make images of Isar and Gauri out of clay. Some of
them even keep traditional wooden images, which are painted afresh
every year by 'matherans' (painters) on the eve of the festival.
Though Teej festival is
celebrated all over Rajasthan, Kajli Teej of Bundi has its unique
characteristics. The festival starts with the procession of goddess
Teej in a decorated palanquin from the picturesque Naval Sagar and
includes bedecked elephants, camels, performers, musicians and
people in colorful attires.
Dussehra is the beloved
festival that is celebrated almost all over India but Dussehra in
Kota certainly sets it apart with 75 feet tall effigies of the
demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnath that are burnt here on
Dussehra day.
Marwar Festival is held
annually in the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. Formerly known as
the 'Maand Festival', Marwar Festival showcases the art and culture
of Jodhpur and is devoted totally to songs and dance of the Marwar
region.
As it coincides with the
Gangaur festival, people dressed in colorful attires take out a
procession of the images of Isar and Gangaur and the Gangaur Ghat at
Lake Pichhola.
A joint effort of the State
Department of Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu
and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation,
Shekhawati Festival has put Shekhawati on the list of rural tourist
attraction.
Mount Abu is known for its
precipitous rocks, serene lakes, picturesque locations and lovely
climate. The Summer Festival features ballads, Gair, Ghoomar and
Daph folk dances, which enchant the spectators with their grace and
variety.
The monsoons are welcome the
dry land of Rajasthan with the fragrance of the wet soil and
blooming flowers. Teej is said to be the festival of swings, which
are hung from the trees and decked with flowers.
