The land of majestic forts, deserts and many ancient buildings with stunning architecture, is the state of Rajasthan. It is located in the northwest part of India with Jaipur as its capital.

Till this day, Rajasthan bears the essence of royalty that it once wore. Most of the state is covered by deserts that have shaped the culture of Rajasthan distinctly.

Speaking of festivals, Rajasthan celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year. These festivals add color to Rajasthan’s rich culture. The Festivals of Rajasthan have a significant impact not only on the minds of local people but also on the tourists who visit this place. Most of these festivals take place in the forts of Rajasthan. The flow of cultural display over the golden sandy land has gained Rajasthan fame in recent times. The most notable feature of the Thar festival in Rajasthan is the multihued traditional attire worn by the local people.

A comprehensive Rajasthan cultural tour package will help you experience the grandeur and vibrancy of the festivals. Following are the festivals celebrated in the deserts of Rajasthan-

• Camel festival in Bikaner- This festival is celebrated to depict how important a camel is in the deserts of Rajasthan. Every year, it is celebrated in the month of January during winter and lasts for two days. The event includes camel races and games, along with other cultural performances.

• The Pushkar Fair- The biggest fair of all events that take place in Rajasthan, this festival is celebrated for five days. Every year it exhibits the rich cultural heritage of the place in forms of art, music, dance, puppet shows. Gypsy dance and competitions. There are a number of stalls to sell some mouth-watering snacks that include cheeses, cakes, traditional Rajasthani snacks as well as camel milk. The fair is a market for camel and livestock sale.

• Jaisalmer Desert Festival- A showcase of desert rituals and life, this event is celebrated in the month of February by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. Songs, dance programs and dramas are performed by various artists in traditional and bright colored clothes. There are shops set up during this festival those sells handicrafts, silk clothes, and other products. It lasts for a span of three days. A number of competitions held up as well, like camel rides, turban tying competitions a beauty contest in the midst of sand dunes, Mr. Desert increases the attractiveness of the show. Amongst the forts of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer fort is an exquisite example of superb architecture from the Maharaja’s period.

• Jaipur Literature Festival- Jaipur, also known as the pink city, pays homage to literature at the Diggi Palace. Authors, well-known writers, artists, and other famous laureates gather on the show. It is the largest free literary festival on the entire planet. Readings, recitations, speeches, debates, live music and workshops are organized during this event. New talented personnel also achieve the platform to project themselves from this event. If you buy a Rajasthan cultural tour package, don’t forget to experience the rich display of literature here.

1. International Kite Festival in Jaipur- It is celebrated on 14^th of January every year. On this holy day of Makar Sankranti, people celebrate by flying kites from their rooftops. The event is divided into two sessions, one is Kite war and the other is friendly Kite flying. From dawn to dusk, people of all ages participate in this festival. It creates thrill and excitement in the minds of people. Crowded rooftops and delicious feasts are trademarks of the day. Kites of every shade scatter around the skies and is a dazzling sight.

• Nagaur Festival- Nagaur Festival is celebrated over a span of four days every year by the Department of Animal Husbandry in collaboration with the department of tourism. The main characteristic of this festival are the animals. Events include camel and bullock races, cock-fight, the tug-of-war for the owners and so on. Late in the evening, the atmosphere is seduced by folk music and dance performances. 

• Holi- Also known as the festival of colors, Holi has an elaborate history of its origin. It is celebrated in the honor of Lord Krishna. A wide spectrum of colors is used in the festival of Holi. This festival is a perfect event that matches with the character of Rajasthan. Holi signifies the culture of Rajasthan by somehow portraying the multihued demonstration in the state.

• Teej festival in Jaipur- This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati and is celebrated to welcome the monsoon season. Women wear colorful dresses, offer prayers to the Goddess for the well-being of their families, gather up with friends or relatives, perform singing and dancing and remind of stories depicted in the Puranas. Dressing up in festive attire includes coloring the hands and feet with henna. This festival conveys a wonderful message. People show that they are thankful for the arrival of clouds and rain and also greenery, which is found in ample in Rajasthan even though most of it is covered by sand.

• Rajasthan International Folk Festival- This is an annual music and dance festival celebrated in one of the famous forts of Rajasthan, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur to exhibit traditional folk music, dance, and arts. This event provides an open stage to not only participants from India but from all over the world. Around 250 artists take part in this celebration. It has achieved support from UNESCO as a platform for people’s creativity. It is celebrated on Sharad Purnima or a full moon day.

Conclusion

The people of Rajasthan know how to celebrate life. They put their hearts in these festivals which makes the events more charismatic. It is for this reason that the Thar desert festival in Rajasthan has developed into something that is larger than life. Besides, the way in which it is celebrated is undoubtedly very attractive. The amalgamation of tradition, religion, and culture that these celebrations uphold, is pure bliss. Moreover, these festivals are the best platform to exhibit traditional artifacts and handicrafts where art lovers can surely enjoy. So, go for a Rajasthan cultural tour package and witness the scintillating heritage of the place.