There are animal fairs, there are religious fairs and there are fairs to make the changing seasons. Infact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for the visitor to experience festivals which involve elephants, camel races, dances and music have been specially organised for the tourists. Among the better know fairs of Rajasthan are: Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja 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 programmes are organised to mark the festivals. Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan-Feb.): Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (Jan-Feb.): One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much-travelled visitor. Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (Jan-Feb.): A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals. This fair is the centre of attraction of a large number of a larger number of tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Gangaur, (March-April): A festival devoted t Goddess Paravati, 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 womenpray for the well being of their husbands. This 18-days festival is laces with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to excort his bride home. Pushkar Fair, Ajmer (November): The well-know 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. 1 / 12
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March-April): A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates. Elephant Festival, (March-April): A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery. Summer Festival, Mt. Abu (June): Organised in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest places at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hills resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself. Chandra Baga Fair At Jhalawar Dusshera Mela At Kota RAJASTHAN TOURISM FESTIVAL CALENDAR (2000-2010) Fair Festival Place 2 / 12
Vikram Samvat 2010 Camel F estival Bikaner Paush-Shukla 31 Dec. 09-1 Jan. 10 Kite Festival Makar Sankranti 14 Jan. 3 / 12
Bird Watching World Wetland Day 1 Feb. Vintage Car Rally 2 nd Sun. of Feb. Nagaur Fair Ramdeoji Cattle Fair Nagaur Magh -S (7-10) 4 / 12
22-25 Jan. Desert Festival Jaisalmer Magh - S (13-15) 28-30 Jan. Baneshwar Fair Baneshwar (Dungarpur) Magh - S (11-15) 26-30 Jan. Elephant Festival 5 / 12
Phalgun- S -15 28 Feb. Brij Festival Phalgun- S (11-13) 25-27 Feb. Shitala Ashtami Chaksu () Chaitra- K- 8 8 March 6 / 12
Gangaur Festival Chaitra- S (3-4) 18-19 March Mewar Festival Udaipur Chaitra- S (3-4) 18-19 March Keladeve Fair Karauli (S.M'pur) Chaitra- K (12) 7 / 12
12 March Mahaveerji Fair Mahaveerji Chaitra- S (9-15) 24-30 April Summer Festival Mt. Abu Fixed Dates 1-3 June Teej Festival 8 / 12
Shravan- S (3-4) 12-13 Aug. Gogamedi Fair Gogamedi (Ganganagar) Shravan- S Bhadra 24 Aug.- 23 Sep. Kajli Teej Bundi Bhadra- K (2-3) 9 / 12
26-27 Aug. Ramdeora Fair Pokaran (Jaisalmer) Bhadra- S (9-10) 17-18 Sep. Marwar Festival Jodhpur Ashwin- S (14-15) 21-22 Oct. Dussehra Festival 10 / 12
Kota Ashwin- S (8-10) 15-17 Oct. Pushkar Fair Pushkar (Ajmer) Kartik- S (12-15) 18-21 Nov. ChandrabhagaFair Jhalawar Kartik- S -14 11 / 12
20-22 Nov. 12 / 12