The magnificent state of Rajasthan is a manor of florid celebrations. The vibrant and colorful culture of Rajasthan can truly be experienced during the numerous enchanting fairs and festivals organized in the state. These Rajasthan fairs are credited for ingraining luster into the otherwise harsh and hot conditions of the deserts. The fairs of Rajasthan are held in almost all the cities of Rajasthan. All these fairs have some story to recount regarding their origin and are mostly rooted in the past. The entire state enlivens in cheering hues during the fairs. Almost all the months of the year witness Rajasthan playing a host to one or the other fair, be it regarding religious celebration, welcoming some season, or the cutting of harvests. At the fairs, you can get a taste of authentic Rajasthani culture, its folk music and dance, cuisine and handicrafts.In Rajasthan, there are specific Hindu and Muslim festivals having some religious significance, apart from the fairs wherein all communities participate in full spirit without any religious demarcation. Some of the most illustrious fairs of Rajasthan include Pushkar Fair, Banganga Fair, Urs Fair, Karni Mata Fair, and Nagaur Fair. These fairs highlight the true spirit of Rajasthan in which people defy the extreme weather conditions and become a part of the vivacious, jocund, and gay celebrations. To add on, you will surely get fascinated on witnessing the long lining of camels and other cattle at these fairs. Soothing traditional music, colorful dresses, and jolly participants make the fairs immensely exciting and memorable. Hence, if you wish to truly witness the lifestyle of the people of Rajasthan and their hospitality, the best time to visit is during one of these fairs.
Banganga Fair
Rajasthan is the storehouse of fairs and festivals. Every big and small city or town celebrates at least one of them with extreme joy and encouragement every year. The Banganga Fair is one of the biggest and oldest fairs, probably 200 years old, dating back to the time of the erection of Radha-Krishna Temple at Bairath district of Jaipur. It is held near a rivulet, 11 km away from Bairath, on the full moon day of Vaisakh (April-May). The Banganga Fair is regarded to have great historical significance.
Karni Mata Fair
This dazzling fair is held twice in a year to honor the Karni Mata during the occurrence of holy Navratras in the months of March-April and September-October. The Karni Mata Fair is organized at the shrine of Karni Mata in Deshnok. This temple is also a popular and major tourist attraction of the state. The fair, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Karni Mata who is a local deity of the people of Rajasthan. Believed to have possessed supernatural powers, she lived in the 15th century and spent her entire life in serving the mankind.
Nagaur Fair
If you want to witness one of the greatest sods of cattle trading, Nagaur Fair is the right place to head. With numerous different types of cattle, people in colorful costumes, joy rides, alluring little shops, and finger-licking eating stalls, this fair attracts loads of eye-balls from all over the world. Nagaur, the city of the biggest red chilly market of the country, hosts the amazing Nagaur Fair, the second largest cattle fair of Rajasthan. The fair is held every year in the Hindu month of Magha (January and February) across eight days.
Pushkar Fair
A sojourn to Rajasthan is half-done if you haven't visited the holy city of Pushkar. One of the most sacred little dazzling towns of Rajasthan, this city is popular for its spectacular Pushkar Fair. Organized in the Kartik month (October-November) of the Hindu calendar, the Pushkar Fair is one of the largest cattle fair of the world attracting tourists from across the globe. People throng the festival with their cattle to trade in one of the biggest cattle markets of the year. Pushkar Fair, also known as the camel fair, witnesses trading of camel at a mammoth scale.
Ajmer Urs
Ajmer Urs Fair, held in the divine city of Ajmer, is an occasion to mark the death anniversary of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, who came from Persia and started the Chistia order of Fakirs in India. The Sufi saint left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after six day seclusion at the spot where Ajmer Sharif Dargah stands today. Also, the remains of this great Sufi saint were interred here in this dargah. The Khwaja is also popularly known as Gharib Nawaz, or the protector of the poor, for he spent his entire life in service of the poor.
