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Fairs and Festivals
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Rajasthan, is known as the most colorful
desert in the
world. It is a land of Festivals and celebrations, music and dance punctuate its
barrenness, turning the land into a fertile basin of color and
creativity. Celebrations in Rajasthan range from the religious
centers to the
popular, linked with commerce, as in the case of the camel and cattle
fairs. In more recent years, the tourism department as well as
private tours and travels companies in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Bikaner in Rajasthan (India) too have initiated a
number of tourist fairs in an attempt to showcase the performing arts of
a region.
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Camel
Festival, Bikaner (10-11 january, 2009) :
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds
an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel race, camel dance etc. here. |
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Nagaur Fair, Nagaur
(02-05 feb.2009) : Essentially an animal fair, it provides an
opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. |
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Desert
Festival, Jaisalmer (07- 09 february, 2009) :
One of the most popular of all festivals, it is a journey into the heart of
Desert, the golden city
of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands
which attracts even the much traveled visitor. |
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Elephant Festival, Jaipur
(10 March, 2009) : A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great
occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also
play this festival of colors. A show is organized with the elephants
turning out in their best finery. |
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Gangaur, Jaipur (29-30 march, 2009) : A festival devoted to Goddess Parvati, the consort of
Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery
and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for
the well-being of their husbands. This 18 - day festival is laced
with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking
the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home. |
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Summer Festival, Mt. Abu
(01-03 june, 2009) : Organized in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is
the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general
atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
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Teej, Jaipur
(24-25 july, 2009) : A festival to mark the advent of monsoon.
Processions, women dressed in bright colors and a lot of merriment
prevails during Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is
interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars
where they turn up to shop in all their finery. |
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Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer : Held in the memory of the revered
Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands
of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers.
All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programes
are organized to mark the festivals. |
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Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
(13-15 october,2008) :
A festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of
the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to
understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.
The major attraction of Marwar Festival is even
Camel Tattoo show organized by B.S.F. |
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Pushkar Fair, Ajmer
(10-13 November,2008) : The well-known and marked with largest participation
of all the festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage
as well as the venue of a mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions,
music and sports are highlight of this event. |
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Chandrabhaga Fair,
Jhalawar (12-14 november,2008) : Chandrabhaga is considered the
holiest river in this part of Rajasthan. On Kartik Purnima (Full moon)
night, thousands of Hindus undertake a pilgrimage here for a dip in
the holy water of the river.
A big cattle fair, next only to the Pushkar Fair, is held here on
this occasion, blending religion with commerce. Livestock brought
here includes cows, bullocks, buffaloes and camels. The fair provides
an opportunity to acquaint with the people of Hadoti and their culture rituals and traditions. Besides the people of this region a
considerable number of people converge here from nearby areas of
Madhya Pradesh.
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