Rajasthan is a land of colours, culture and folklore that can be beautifully experienced through its vibrant Fairs and Festivals all through the year. As the new year begins, we invite you to Rajasthan to indulge in Rajasthani culture by being a part of these popular fairs and festivals. There are many exotic Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals that will enchant you with their vibrancy and colorful celebrations in the first month of the year 2018.
Bikaner Camel Festival
This city of Rajasthan holds the most offbeat festival you’ll ever hear of. The Bikaner Camel festival is a camel fair that is held every year in the month of January to honor the ship of the desert. It is organized by the department of Tourism, Art and Culture and includes exceptional performances like camel race, camel dance, camel rides and so on. A camel parade marks the beginning of the festival which is followed by camel performances and Rajasthani folk songs, dance and puppet shows.
Not just the majestic animal but also the view of Junagarh fort adds to the beauty of the fest.
Venue- The city of Bikaner hosts the fest every year, not coincidentally though. The city is the only camel breeding region and a lot of camels of the region have served in the wars and a regiment of these camels are a part of the border security force.
Date- The festival is a two day affair. Keep your bags ready for the 13th and 14th of this month to engage in some unprecedented wonders of Bikaner.
Getting there-
By Air
To reach Bikaner, the nearest airport is Jodhpur International Airport. The city lies 235 kilometers from the air terminal. Domestic and international flights connect the city to destinations all over the world. Once you reach the airport, you can easily access Bikaner by roads. There are a number of buses and taxis that ply one this route. You can avail any of these facilities to reach the camel city.
By Rail
Bikaner is service by two railway stations; Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Station. Both the stations are located at a distance of approximately 6 kms away from the main city and are well-connected with most of the Indian cities. There are frequent trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jodhpur and other important cities of India.
By Road
By Road, Bikaner is well connected to every city in Rajasthan, the capital city Delhi and other important cities. Frequent buses of the state transports, AC deluxe buses, sleeper coaches, taxis and private vehicles ply on the route.
International Kite Festival Jaipur
The city of Jaipur is infamous for its passion for kite flying. The pink city celebrates the festival to indulge in the joy of looking at the beautiful sky full of colorful dots. People from all over the globe come to participate in this festival and take back the experience of a lifetime as the festival ensures unprecedented kite flying gest. Indulge in kite flying competition, traditional food and rocking music to celebrate the kite flying season with hundreds of like-minded kite lovers.
Venue- Gear up to let your kite be the last one flying in the Jaipur Polo Ground of the city.
Date- Indulge in endless frolic from 14th – 16th of the month in the most colorful city.
Getting There-
By Air
Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.
By Rail
Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.
By Road
Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan.
Spread across iconic venues inside the Majestic Nahargarh Palace, there is a kaleidoscope of unforgettable moments waiting for you at The Ranthambore Festival.
Dwell under the stars where soulful folk and music performances, luscious food, naked-eye astronomy, forest experiences and breathtaking wildlife stories are awaiting your presence. With speakers and guests from all around the globe, dive into the delights of the festival celebrating the rich culture of Rajasthan.
Venue– Visit the Nahargarh Palace of Ranthambhore in Rajasthan to avail the chance of attending 18 spellbinding concerts, 12 wildlife documentaries and 6 workshops.
Date– Get your bags ready for the most amazing exploration of your life. Mark your calendars from 19th to 21st of the month to experience music, nature and wellness.
Getting There-
By Air
The closest airport is Jaipur, which is 160 kms from Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambore. Jaipur is well connected to all metros with daily flights operated by Indigo, Go Air, Jet Airways, and Indian Airlines. Once you land, you can take a prepaid airport taxi or a private taxi to Ranthambore. This will cost you approximately Rs 2500.
By Train (Recommended)
Sawai Madhopur station is only three kilometers (ten minutes drive) from Ranthambore and is well connected to almost every city in India by superfast trains, being the most important railway junction in Rajasthan.
By Road
Ranthambore is well connected with all major highways and if you’re planning a road trip, here’s what you need to know. Jaipur to Ranthambore 180 Km (Approx. 3h via Rajasthan State Hwy 24) Delhi to Ranthambore- 381 Km(Approx. 6 Hours via NH8 and NH 11A) Mumbai to Ranthambore – 1031 Km (Approx. 16 h 51 min via NH 3) Udaipur to Ranthambore- 388 Km (Approx. 6h 10 min via NH 76 and RJ SH 29) Agra to Ranthambore- 239 Km (Approx. 4h 23 min via via RJ SH 1) Ahmedabad to Ranthambore – 640 Km (Approx. 9h 47 min via NH8 and NH 76)
Rajasthan International Film Festival
RIFF is the biggest Academic and Glamour Film Festival in Rajasthan. This extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, documentaries and short films from around the world, on themes of Hindi and English and other Rajasthani cultures and identities.
In addition, the festival also features concerts, gala events, film parties, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more.
Venue- Jaipur holds this festival to let people appreciate the technique and imaginativeness of those in the field.
Date- Get yourself a bucket full of popcorn for enjoying the festival from 20th-23rd January.
Getting There-
By Air
Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.
By Rail
Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.
By Road
Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan.
Jaipur Literature Festival
The ‘greatest literary show on earth’
The capital of Rajasthan hosts the biggest literature festival of India where speakers and visitors from all over the globe come to indulge into the pleasures of Literature, music and art. The five day fest brings in thousands of people in Diggi palace of Jaipur where sessions of world’s greatest minds, humanitarians, historians, politicians, business leaders take place.
The fest is not just a place to satisfy your intellectual hunger but also to witness the trending fashion and food. The festival holds cultural programs at various locations as well to truly showcase the heritage of the city.
Venue- The literature festival is organized in the Diggi Palace which is a royal palace turned into a heritage hotel. Part of it is still occupied by the royals of Jaipur.
Date- Keep yourself prepared for some intellectual and cultural bonanza from 24th-28th of January.
Getting there-
By Air
Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.
By Rail
Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.
Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan
Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur
Image via google
The name “Baneshwar” came from the “shivlinga” of the Mahadev Temple in the region where the fair takes place presently. The tribes called “Bhils” organize the fair and celebrate the festival. It reflects their customs and traditions. The fair revolves around many rituals and bears a religious significance. The fair is an opportunity for you to witness some unique and varied attributions of the region. Not just a range of handicrafts but also cultural performances, puppet, magic and animal shows will surely make you fall in love with the place.
Venue- Dungarpur, a city in the southernmost part of Rajasthan is the administrative headquarters of Dungarpur District. It is the fastest developing town in extreme South Rajasthan.
Date- Get ready for some outlandish experience from 27th to 31st of this month.
Getting there-
By Air
There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Dungarpur. Nearest airport is Dabok Airport.
Dungarpur
79 km away
Dabok Airport (UDR), Udaipur, Rajasthan
Dungarpur
146 km away
By Rail
Dungarpur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.
The rail line between Udaipur and Ahmedabad in Gujarat runs through the town.
Railway Station(s): Dungarpur (DNRP)
By Road
You can easily get regular buses to Dungarpur from other major cities of the country.
Bus Station(s): Dungarpur
Desert Festival
The celebrations of the desert festival make the desert region come alive with color, zest and enthusiasm . The festival commences with a procession in the morning from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. The gair, gymnastic acts and the fire dance are highlights of the festival. The tribes of the region create an enchanting environment with their poignant folk music recitals and ballads.
Be a spectator of rare competitions like camel polo, camel race, gymnastic stunts on camel back and camel formation dancing. These competitions are followed by the Border Security Force camel tattoo, tug-of-war, turban tying, Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert competition) and the longest moustache competition. The grand finale of the festival is the Rajasthani folk concert following an Air Force display, cricket match and parachuting. Desert safari and camping can be also enjoyed at the eve of the festival.
Venue– Don’t miss your chance to be in Jaisalmer to enjoy delicious food, interesting stalls displaying artifacts, handicrafts and other souvenirs.
Date- Prepare yourself for some mind-blowing experience from 29th to 31st of January.
Getting There-
By Air
Jodhpur Airport is the nearest international airport to reach Jaisalmer. The airport is 337 kilometers away. You can either hire a prepaid or a private taxi from the Airport to reach Jaisalmer.
By Rail
Jaisalmer is well connected with a wide network of trains covering most of the Indian cities. The railway station is located in the centre of the desert city. Once you reach the railhead, there are many auto-rickshaws and private taxis connecting the city.
By Road
Jaisalmer has excellent road connectivity. It is easy to commute to the city. Normal state owned buses, luxury coaches, sleeper AC buses, cabs, taxis and private vehicles can reach the city.
Rajasthan Tourism Beat 