Rajasthan - Rajasthan Festivals
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» Makar Sakranti |
Celebrated on the 14th of January, every year with traditional fervor, the devotees take a holy dip in the tank at Galtaji. This is also the day of kites at Jaipur. The activity has become a craze amongst the citizens. You will hardly find a school kid over 10 or 12 in the walled city who does not know flying kites. The phenomenon starts well before the Makar Sakranti day. And continues even after the festival. But on this day, it is a treat to watch the skyline of the Pink City. An Unforgettable experience. |
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» Elephant Festivals |
The elephants enthrall the spectators on the day of the colorful festival of Holi at Chaugan stadium. Beautifully decorated elephants assemble for a royal procession. Elephant polo, the races etc. are part of the festival. |
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» Gangaur Festivals |
A festival devoted to Godess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is a time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Lord Shiva to escort his bride home. |
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» Teej Festival |
A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, women dressed in bright colors and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery. |
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» Donkey Fair |
The donkeys day at Looniyabas near Sanganer. Thousands of donkeys from all over north India are brought here for buying and selling. The donkey races and sports are organized for the merriment people. A rare sight indeed. |
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» Shitla Ashtami (March - April) |
This festival locally called as Basoda, is celebrated to ward off the dreaded disease of small fox. The most famous fair is held at the Shitla Mata temple in Chaksu, people gather here to pray and celebrate . |
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» Camel Festival (January) |
Camels, the stalwarts of the desert, put up an unmatched performance during the festival, bringing the desert town to life with their spellbinding display of graceful parades and stunning feats. The festival sways to the sound of melodious music created by the folk performers. Various camel contests are held during the festivals. |
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» Karni Mata Fair (April/ May and Oct. / Nov.) |
The fair is celebrated twice a year in the little desert citadel of Deshnoke, in honour of Godness Karni Mata, the tutlary deity of the Bikaner royal house. The devtees gather at deshnoke during the navratra, in April/May and October/ November and the fair is held on the ninth day of navratra, amidst the chanting of hymns and prayers. Devotees offers puja and the celebrations have a distinct religious flavour. |
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» Gangaur ( March/April) |
This is a festival of maidens and married women alike. Women attired in their best costumes and jewellery, pray to Gauri, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The eighteen day celebration begins the day after Holi. Married women pary for the well being and long life of their husbands and unmarried ladies seek blessings for a life partner of their choice.
Processions of Gauri, are taken out with pomp and gaiety from Junagarh and th Old city. Women sing melodious folk songs, accompained by musicians and bands.
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» Kapil Muni Fair, Kolayat (November) |
The scared lake of Kolayat is the venue of this fair. On the full moon of Kartik (November), the devotes come to take a holy dip in the lake and al fifty ghats around the lake are crowded. People worship at the shrine of saint Kapil Muni, the propounder of Sankhya, one of the six major philosophical schools.
A cattle fair also takes place at this time and thousand of people come here to attend the festivities. |
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