Best upcoming festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan truly captures the spirit of India with its festivals that are full of traditions, festivities and folklore.

Fabulous kingdom of maharajas and their magnificent forts, sumptuous palaces and ancient traditions, Rajasthan is truly enchanting. And more so when the colorful state is occupied with grand celebrations and splendours every year. It’s that time of year now, and we bring you the best and most exciting festivals in Rajasthan that you can still attend before the end of 2022.

Best upcoming festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Discover Jodhpur in all its glory! Image: Courtesy of Jodhpur RIFF website.

An annual festival celebrating traditional folk music and arts, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is recognized by UNESCO as a “people’s platform for creativity and sustainable development”. The five-day festival showcases the incredible artistic and musical heritage of rural communities in Rajasthan through a series of spectacular concerts and events. It takes place every year on Sharad Purnima, when the brightest full moon of the year in northern India shines over Mehrangarh Fort.

Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

When: October 6-10, 2022

Pushkar Camel Fair

pushkar mela
Join India’s largest cattle carnival. Image: Shutterstock/Phuong D. Nguyen.

Experience India’s largest tribal and rural gathering, Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela is one of the largest and most famous camel festivals in the world. The week-long annual festival involves the buying and selling of livestock, and is packed with fun competitions such as matka phodcamel decoration, turban and longest mustache in addition to fashion shows, hot air balloon rides, craft bazaars, cultural performances and live concerts.

Where: Exhibition Center, Pushkar

When: November 1-8, 2022

Bundi Festival

Festivals in Rajasthan
A celebration of the timeless heritage of a small forgotten town! Image: courtesy of utsav website.

From cultural exhibitions and folklore performances, to sports competitions, village safaris and traditional artistic activities, the three days of the Bundi festival are filled with a host of delicious offerings. Try waking up in the wee hours to witness Shobha Yatra, the main attraction when locals from the nearby town of Keshoraipatan dressed in their best colorful clothes gather to light up diyas and lamps on the banks of the Chambal River to ask for blessings.

Where: Anywhere in Bundi

When: November 11-13, 2022

Ranthambhore Music and Wildlife Festival

Ranthambhore Music and Wildlife Festival
Experience the best in music and wildlife under one roof. Image: Courtesy of RMWF website.

Set in the idyllic setting of Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambhore, RMWF offers its audience a grand banquet of experiences including contemporary music concerts, timeless folk performances, wildlife safaris and a flea market selling local handicrafts. With exciting programming, paired and extraordinary experiences, sustainability and social causes at its heart, the festival goes beyond entertainment to make a difference in society.

Where: Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambhore

When: November 11-12, 2022

Kumbhalgarh Festival

Kumbhalgarh Fort
Dance your heart out to Rajasthani folk music with Kumbhagarh Fort as your backdrop! Image: Shutterstock/MOROZ NATALIYA.

Art and music lovers should plan a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort where the eponymous four-day festival is organized by the state tourism department. Nestled amidst the mighty Aravalli Ranges, the monumental fort witnesses a flurry of festivities every year, with folk performances, competitions like turban Mehndi application and vibrant shows full of lights, sounds and colors. Don’t miss the breathtaking fireworks at night!

Where: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand

When: December 1-3, 2022

Magnetic Fields Festival

Magnetic Fields Festival
A great fusion of contemporary music and traditional experiences! Image: Magnetic Fields website.

The People’s Musical Carnival is where the fun and excitement never ends! Each year, the Magnetic Fields Festival transforms the historic Alsisar Mahal into a thrilling, pulsating venue that celebrates the best of the international underground music scene. It is a unique marriage between contemporary culture and the heritage and hospitality of Rajasthan. Expect mesmerizing performances, dance under the stars, stargazing, glimpses of their galaxies, wellness and yoga, exciting treasure hunts!

Where: Asisar Mahal Shekhawati, Jhunjhunu

When: December 9-11, 2022

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