Rajasthan will host multiple festivals in the next few months, ranging from dance music festivals and camels shows, to a ballooning events and a literature gala.
India’s most colourful state has, over the past few years, also earned the reputation of being one of the most festival-friendly regions in India. Besides the fact that it makes for a scenic festival venue, organisers’ preference for this particular region has to do with the welcoming government, which has made laws easier for such events to flourish. Not to mention the cultural ethos of the Rajasthani people, who are known to be an extremely hospitable lot. Here are 8 festivals that the state will host in the coming months.
1. Jodhpur RIFF
When: October 23 to 27
Where: Jodhpur
The eighth edition of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur will bring together folk music artistes from countries like Yemen, Scotland and Australia, many of who will also collaborate with indigenous talent. The festival is held in the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a serene, comforting vacation.
Book tickets here.
(Images courtesy: Jodhpur RIFF Facebook)
2. Pushkar Camel Fair
When: November 2-6
Where: Pushkar
This annual camel and livestock trading fair is the largest of its kind in the world. Besides serving business purpose, the five-day affair is also known to be a showcase of the state’s impressive culture. Traditional folk performances, competitions and races make it one of the most exciting events for tourists heading to the state. The scenic ghats that line the Pushkar witnesses thousands of pilgrims flocking to the place for a holy dip in the water.
3. Pushkar International Balloon Festival
When: November 20 to 22
Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan
With a number of majestic forts and palaces dotting its terrain, Rajasthan provides an excellent landscape to balloon over. At this one-of-a-kind festival, you can explore the beauty of the Pushkar from high up in the sky even as you enjoy a luxurious ride. The flight will give a spectacular view of the scenic lake which is enveloped by beautiful ghats, as well as the nearby Aravalli range.
4. Magnetic Fields
When: December 18 to 20
Where: Alsisar, Rajasthan
Boutique festivals are an awesome new alternative for people disenchanted by the bigger ones, although getting a boutique festival right without exactly ‘selling out’ is undoubtedly a bit tricky. Set in a gorgeous Mahal in Rajasthan, this small (first time) & yet undeniably eclectic music festival captured the hearts of all who attended and were part of it, last year. The lineup and production were delightfully unique, attendees were literally treated like Kings and Queens and the sense of community was strong. This cozy festival has set quite the bar when it comes to executing intimate boutique festivals in India.
5. Ragasthan
When: February 11 to 14 2016
Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Invariably, picking the right landscape/location to host a festival can make or break it. In this case Ragasthan’s desert venue manages to create a truly unique experience for all who attended it. Picture this: three days music, film while camping out in dunes. Three days of having to use camels as festival transport and dancing under the moonlit desert sky, away from city life drudgery. Here’s a shoutout to the organizers for having the sheer tenacity to host a festival smack dab in the middle of a desert.
(Images courtesy: Magnetic Fields Facebook)
6. Jaipur Literature Fest
When: January 21 to 25, 2016
Where: Jaipur, Rajasthan
The premier literary festival of the country is known for its easy-going vibe and insightful discussions moderated by some of noted intellectuals. If literature is not your thing, then there’s great music and food on offer too. The upcoming edition features veteran writers such as VS Naipaul, Ahmed Rashid and Bettany Hughes as speakers.
(Images courtesy: Jaipur Literature Festival Facebook)
7. World Sufi Spirit Festival
When: February 22 to 24 and February 26 to 27 2016
Where: Nagaur and Jodhpur
Devoted to the cause of showcasing the music talent of spiritual performers from around the globe, upcoming edition of the music event is held in two cities – Jodhpur (at the Mehrangarh Fort) in Jodhpur and Nagaur (Ahhichatragarh Fort). The upcoming edition will feature performers from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Morocco, among other places.
(Images courtesy: World Sufi Spirit Festival Facebook)
8. Desert Festival
When: Feb 20 to 22, 2016
Where: Jaisalmer
The festival is a window to the beautiful, vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Every year, it attracts the state’s best performers – from snake charmers and puppeteers to dancers and acrobats – to this desert town. There are several other delightful events at the festival that will thoroughly entertain you – turban-tying, moustache-flaunting among some of them.
