RAJASTHAN: LESSER KNOWN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Read. Imagine. Travel.

Namaste! Our spirit, as in much of the travel world is upbeat, since after a gap of two years we are experiencing a palpable sense of excitement as travel seems to be returning back. It is evident from the steady increase in the number of enquiries and bookings we are receiving from our overseas partners. We are thrilled to inform you that most of the countries that we promote including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh are allowing quarantine free travel. Bhutan is expected to open its borders for international travellers in a couple of months. We are now well set to welcome your esteemed clients in the Indian Subcontinent.

In Indian subcontinent, festivals play a vital role to connect communities. It is their mode of passing on the legends, knowledge, traditions, and cultural values to the next generations. As a traveler, attending a festival provides a chance to closely witness the heritage, culture, and traditions of the local community. Incorporating the local fairs and festivals in a travel itinerary enriches the experience.


Rajasthan in India is a name that resonates with sentiments of intrigue, awe, and sheer allure. The state has bloomed into a riveting destination that is both topographically stunning and culturally rewarding. You might be aware of most of its highlights and may have also heard about some of the popular fairs like the ‘annual cattle fair in Pushkar’ or the ‘Desert fair’. Watch a glimpse of the Desert festival in this video.

In this edition we will be showcasing the “Lesser known festivals” of the state.

CHANDRA BAGHA FAIR:

Cattle fairs are a common feature in the annual calendar of Rajasthan. It is the Chandra Bagha fair that has truly held our curiosity in the last few years. The fair is organized every year in October or November at the confluence of two rivers in Jhalarpattan (East Rajasthan). The two days festival involves trading of camels, cows, horses, and other cattle. Traders arrive here covering long distances with their troupe, to showcase and sell or buy animals that can be used on farmlands or for transportation.

The fair has many similarities to the more famed ‘Pushkar fair’, like cattle trading, spiritual flavor, folk dances, display and selling of art and crafts, competitions like turban tying, Rangoli making (an art form to make patterns using powdered colors) etc.

It is the picturesque setting of the heritage town of Jhalawar, where the festival is organized, that makes it distinct from the other festivals.

Not to miss here is a Sun temple famous for its sculptures and architecture. The festival also gives a chance to explore the nearby offbeat destinations like Kota (approx. 96 kms) and Bundi (approx. 132 kms), which are known for their heritage and culture.

KOLAYAT FESTIVAL:

A riot of color explodes at the Kolayat festival that takes place near Bikaner as tribes from Rajasthan and adjoining states converge here during this festival to bathe on the holy ghats (stairs or a passage leading down to a river or lake) of the Kolayat Lake. This is a brilliant photo opportunity.

Held every year in October or November, the festival attracts thousands of tourists for its religious and cultural importance. The holy lake is one of the important water bodies fulfilling the needs of the communities residing in this semi-arid region, which also adds to its significance. As per a legend, great sage Kapil Muni meditated at this place for the well being of mankind. Ghat, where he meditated, had been named after him and all the festivities start from there. The day concludes with a holy dip in the lake followed by the aarti ceremony (religious ritual of worship in which light in the form of a flame is offered to the deities). Thousands of lighted lamps which are floated in the lake as a mark of respect make the view breath taking.

KAILA DEVI TEMPLE FAIR:

This 15-Day festival is celebrated every year between April and May to pay tribute to the residing deity of Kaila Devi Temple in Karauli. Located on the banks of the Kalisil River the temple was constructed in 1730.

Every year, a large number of people from nearby villages and states congregate here to pay tribute to the Goddess who is believed to be manifested in the form of both Mahalakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Chamunda (Goddess of death).

In addition to devotional music and dance performances, a unique ritual that can be observed here is ‘Kanak- Dandoti’, wherein some of the devotees choose to cover the distance of around 15-20 km to the temple by prostrating and crawling, as a mark of respect for the deity. A large number of make shift shops set up by the local traders to sell their wares to the visitors, adds charm to the fair.

A visit to Karauli also gives an opportunity to explore nature as on one side it has Bharatpur (110 kms), which is famous for the UNESCO listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a bird sanctuary. On the other side it has the habitat of Royal Bengal Tigers, which is just 110 kms away in Ranthambore.

MALLINATH FAIR:

Mallinath Fair is held in March- April in Tilwara near Barmer and is famous for cattle trading. The fair is linked with the 14th century folk hero, Rawal Mallinath, who is believed to be a warrior-saint and an equestrian. He had lots of admirers and the trading of animals initially began among his admirers who wanted to see him. Since then, it became an annual affair and people started trading horses, camels, and other animals while congregating here.

Lots of traders from adjoining villages and nearby states visit the fair to sell and buy livestock. Not only trade but there is a religious flavor as well to this fair, as lots of devotees visit here to pray at Rawal Mallinath’s shrine. They believe their wishes will be fulfilled here.

While on one side of Tilwara is the massive Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur (approx. 131 kms), the other side has the beautiful Thar Desert in Jaisalmer (approx. 226 kms).

RAMDEVRA FAIR:

The fair is organized every year between August and September in Ramdevra village in the memory of Baba Ramdev. The unique feature about this festival is that it is not restricted to any particular religion or culture.

Baba Ramdev was regarded as an incarnation of god and believed to have miraculous powers. He was quite famous and took Samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) at the young age of 33 years.

A large number of devotees congregate here every year from nearby and far-off places to pay homage to him. The celebrations include night-long devotional prayers and sermons.

Ramdevra fits perfectly in the itinerary between Bikaner (approx. 213 kms) or Jodhpur (approx. 183 kms) and Jaisalmer (approx. 118 kms).

Every festival narrates its own story and offers a chance to explore the roots of the nation. Come, celebrate and be a part of these local festivals and experience the origin of existing customs and beautiful traditions! We, at Indo Asia Tours, are all about the handcrafted tours, memories, and moments you take out of your trip, and believe us, this escapade will be a life-changing one.