Rajasthan is one of India’s most culturally vibrant states, known for its royal heritage, desert landscapes, and colourful traditions. However, the true spirit of Rajasthan comes alive through its fairs and festivals, which showcase folk music, traditional dance, rituals, and centuries-old customs.
Throughout the year, different regions of Rajasthan celebrate festivals dedicated to religion, seasonal changes, livestock trading, and royal traditions. These events attract thousands of domestic and international tourists who want to experience authentic Rajasthani culture.
If you are planning to travel in the state, this guide covers all major festivals of Rajasthan for 2026-2027.
January Festivals in Rajasthan
Bikaner Camel Festival
Location: Bikaner
Best Time: January
This unique festival celebrates the camel, often called the “ship of the desert.” The Bikaner Camel Festival features camel races, camel dance performances, decorated camel parades, and traditional folk performances.
The event is organised by Rajasthan Tourism and attracts travellers who want to witness the desert culture of the state.
Highlights
- Camel races and beauty contests
- Folk music and Kalbelia dance
- Traditional handicraft stalls
- Fire dance performances
International Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti)
Location: Jaipur
Date: 14 January
The International Kite Festival marks the celebration of Makar Sankranti. On this day, the sky above Jaipur becomes filled with colourful kites as locals gather on rooftops to participate in kite-flying competitions.
The festival is accompanied by music, festive food, and cultural activities across the Pink City.
February Festivals in Rajasthan
Nagaur Cattle Fair
Location: Nagaur
Best Time: February
Nagaur Fair is the second-largest cattle fair in India. Thousands of traders gather to buy and sell bullocks, camels, horses, and other livestock.
Along with animal trading, visitors can enjoy traditional sports, folk music, puppet shows, and handicraft markets.
Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
Location: Jaisalmer
Best Time: February
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is one of the most famous cultural events in Rajasthan. It celebrates the lifestyle of the Thar Desert through folk performances, camel races, and traditional competitions.
The festival usually ends with grand celebrations at the Sam Sand Dunes, where tourists enjoy cultural shows under the moonlit desert sky.
Baneshwar Fair
Location: Dungarpur / Banswara
Best Time: February
Baneshwar Fair is one of the most important tribal festivals of Rajasthan. Thousands of Bhil tribal communities gather near the Baneshwar temple to celebrate religious rituals and cultural performances.
The fair includes music, dance, and spiritual ceremonies.
March Festivals in Rajasthan
Gangaur Festival
Location: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur
Best Time: March
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals in Rajasthan. It celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and women pray for marital happiness and prosperity.
Grand processions featuring decorated idols, folk dancers, and musicians take place across major cities.
Elephant Festival
Location: Jaipur
Best Time: March (around Holi)
The Elephant Festival in Jaipur showcases beautifully decorated elephants participating in races, polo matches, and cultural performances.
This festival highlights the royal traditions associated with elephants in Rajasthan’s history.
Braj Holi Festival
Location: Bharatpur
Best Time: March
Braj Holi is celebrated a few days before Holi and honours the love of Radha and Krishna. The festival includes Raslila performances, devotional songs, and colourful celebrations.
April Festivals in Rajasthan
Mewar Festival
Location: Udaipur
Best Time: April
The Mewar Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and coincides with Gangaur celebrations in Udaipur. The city becomes lively with colourful processions, cultural performances, and fireworks near Lake Pichola.
May Festivals in Rajasthan
Summer Festival (Mount Abu)
Location: Mount Abu
Best Time: May
The Mount Abu Summer Festival celebrates the culture of Rajasthan’s only hill station. The festival includes boat races, folk music concerts, and cultural performances.
July Festivals in Rajasthan
Teej Festival
Location: Jaipur, Bundi
Best Time: July
Teej celebrates the arrival of the monsoon and honours the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women dress in traditional attire, apply mehndi, and enjoy swings during the festival.
Jaipur hosts a famous royal Teej procession through the old city.
August Festivals in Rajasthan
Kajli Teej Festival
Location: Bundi
Best Time: August
Kajli Teej is a variation of the Teej festival celebrated mainly in Bundi with colourful processions and traditional rituals.
October to November Festivals in Rajasthan
Marwar Festival
Location: Jodhpur
Best Time: October
The Marwar Festival celebrates the heroes and traditions of the Marwar region. Folk artists perform traditional music and dances in the majestic surroundings of Mehrangarh Fort.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
Location: Jodhpur
Best Time: October
RIFF is an internationally recognised festival dedicated to folk music and cultural performances. Artists from across the world perform alongside traditional Rajasthani musicians.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Location: Pushkar (Ajmer)
Best Time: October–November
Pushkar Fair is one of the largest livestock fairs in the world, attracting thousands of traders and tourists every year.
The fair combines camel trading, religious rituals at Pushkar Lake, folk performances, and local competitions.
Chandrabhaga Fair
Location: Jhalawar
Best Time: October–November
Pilgrims gather near the Chandrabhaga River to take a holy dip during this sacred fair. Cultural programs, cattle trading, and religious rituals form the main highlights.
Matsya Festival
Location: Alwar
Best Time: November
Matsya Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Alwar with colourful processions, art exhibitions, and cultural shows
Urs Festival (Ajmer Sharif)
Location: Ajmer
Time: As per Islamic calendar
The Urs festival commemorates the death anniversary of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Thousands of devotees gather at Ajmer Sharif Dargah for prayers, qawwali music, and spiritual rituals.
Why Rajasthan Festivals Are Famous Worldwid
Rajasthan’s festivals are known for their vibrant colours, royal traditions, and cultural performances. These celebrations combine religion, music, folk art, livestock trading, and community gatherings, making them unique experiences for travellers.
From desert fairs to religious pilgrimages, these festivals offer a glimpse into the deep cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience the real spirit of Rajasthan, plan your trip around its festivals. From the vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair to the royal Teej processions of Jaipur and the desert celebrations of Jaisalmer, each festival offers a unique glimpse into the traditions of the state.
Whether you are a cultural traveler, photographer, or adventure seeker, the festivals of Rajasthan in 2026–2027 promise unforgettable memories and authentic experiences.