Festival of Rajasthan 2025: A Grand Celebration Guide

Rajasthan is a land of rich culture, royal heritage, and deep traditions. Its true essence comes alive during the festivals of Rajasthan, which showcase vibrant colors, music, and celebrations. These festivals offer a unique way to connect with local traditions, where visitors are welcomed with open arms and can immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere alongside the locals.

Summers in Rajasthan come with intense heat, but they also provide a special opportunity to experience the region’s rich heritage and culture. Various cultural programs are held during this season, where artists perform traditional folk music and dance in vibrant attire, adding energy and charm to the atmosphere.

Summer is also a perfect time to enjoy Rajasthan’s delicious cuisine and traditional sweets. The season brings vibrant festivals and lively fairs, giving visitors a chance to taste local flavors while soaking in the state’s cultural celebrations.

Here are the top festivals of Rajasthan

International Kite Festival

The Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival, taking place from January 8 to 14, 2025, at the Polo Ground in Jodhpur, is a grand celebration of Makar Sankranti. While this harvest festival is observed differently across India, Rajasthan stands out with its lively kite-flying traditions, making it a key attraction of the International Kite Festival.

Jodhpur makes the celebrations even more exciting by releasing kites from helicopters, painting the sky with a stunning mix of colors. Hundreds of kites fly together, creating a breathtaking view, while children add to the festive spirit by letting clusters of balloons float into the air.

This festival is more than just kite flying; it brings people together through friendly competitions and a joyful atmosphere. With colorful skies and lively celebrations, the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival is a must-visit event for both locals and tourists, highlighting the vibrant festivals of Rajasthan.

Bikaner Camel Festival

The Bikaner Camel Festival, taking place from January 13 to 15, 2025, at Karni Singh Stadium in Bikaner, is a vibrant two-day event honoring Rajasthan’s cherished camels. Similar to other camel fairs in the region, this festival highlights the grace and strength of these remarkable animals through camel races, games, and beauty contests.

Beyond the camel events, visitors can enjoy folk music, dance performances, and traditional art displays, experiencing the richness of Rajasthan’s culture. The fairground is lively with souvenir stalls and food vendors serving a variety of local delicacies. Each evening, the festival concludes with a dazzling fireworks display, illuminating the desert sky.

Jaipur Literature Festival

The Jaipur Literature Festival, taking place from January 30 to February 3, 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, is the world’s largest free literary festival. Unlike Rajasthan’s cultural festivals, this event is a prestigious platform for literary discussions, drawing Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, debut novelists, and acclaimed authors.

Over five days, visitors can enjoy book readings, panel discussions, debates, and seminars on a variety of topics. The festival also has numerous book stalls where attendees can browse and purchase literary works. As one of the most celebrated festivals of Rajasthan, the Jaipur Literature Festival attracts book lovers and intellectuals from around the world with its thought-provoking discussions and lively atmosphere.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a lively three-day event taking place from February 22 to 24, 2025, at the Sam Dunes in Jaisalmer. It highlights the beauty of Rajasthan’s desert culture through a blend of competitions, performances, and traditional activities.

Visitors can enjoy unique events like the mustache competition, Mr. Desert contest, folk dance and music performances, gymnastic stunts, and puppet shows. The fairground is filled with stalls selling local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs, creating a lively atmosphere for travelers. Set against the golden dunes, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival offers a perfect mix of culture, entertainment, and the breathtaking beauty of the Thar Desert.

Sacred Festival

The Sacred Festival is a music and spirituality event held at Jaipur Ghat in Pushkar from February 14 to February 26, 2025. Known for its deep religious significance, Pushkar hosts this festival to unite musicians in a celebration of spiritual harmony.

The event showcases soulful music performances, holistic therapies, heritage walks, and interactive workshops. A bustling market near Jaipur Ghat offers souvenirs, traditional delicacies, and artisanal crafts. As one of the vibrant festivals of Rajasthan, this celebration aims to rejuvenate the mind and soul, offering a unique cultural experience in the region.

Nagaur Camel Fair

The Nagaur Cattle Fair, taking place from February 3 to 4, 2025, in Nagaur near Jodhpur, is one of the largest livestock fairs in Rajasthan, second only to the Pushkar Camel Fair. Every year, over two lakh visitors, including traders, buyers, and tourists, come together for this lively event.

Beyond cattle trading, the fair features animal races, cockfights, tug-of-war, animal beauty contests, and traditional dance and music performances. As one of the famous festivals of Rajasthan, it brings together traders and visitors in a lively cultural setting. As the sun sets, traders celebrate with folk music and dance, adding to the festive spirit. Many tourists stay overnight to see traders preparing their animals for the next day’s events.

The fairground is a shopper’s delight, featuring stalls with souvenirs, spices, traditional delicacies, and handicrafts, providing a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rural charm.

Baneshwar Festival

The Baneshwar Festival is a tribal celebration held in Baneshwar from February 8 to February 12, 2025. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, this festival combines spiritual devotion with vibrant cultural festivities.

The event includes tribal fairs, processions, acrobatic shows, animal performances, magic shows, dance, and music celebrations. A night procession enhances the festival’s grandeur. Historically, two separate fairs were held—one for each deity—but today, they have merged into a single grand celebration.

This festival is a significant cultural event in Rajasthan, drawing both pilgrims and tourists.

World Sufi Spirit Festival

The World Sufi Spirit Festival, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a global celebration of Sufi music and spirituality. This international festival unites artists from Mongolia, Italy, Africa, Afghanistan, and different regions of India, offering a mesmerizing cultural experience.

The festival showcases soulful Sufi music, dance performances, thought-provoking debates, and insightful seminars, all focused on sharing the teachings of Sufism. As one of the captivating festivals of Rajasthan, it blends history, spirituality, and artistic expression. Set against the stunning Mehrangarh Fort, the event creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, with select performances also held at Nagaur Fort, enhancing its grandeur.

Summer and Winter festivals of Mount Abu

Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, comes alive with celebrations during the Summer Festival, held from May 10 to 12, 2025. This three-day event features folk dance performances, music, colorful processions, and exciting competitions. Hosted at Nakki Lake and Polo Ground, the festival attracts both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the event, numerous stalls showcase handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. As night falls, the fairground lights up with grand fireworks, creating a spectacular sight for visitors. Whether enjoying traditional performances or exploring the bustling markets, the Summer Festival offers a vibrant experience against the scenic beauty of Mount Abu.

Mewar Festival

Mewar Festival is one of the most vibrant and traditional celebrations in Udaipur, marking the arrival of spring. Held from March 31 to April 1, 2025, this grand festival brings the city to life as locals adorn their homes with decorations and dress in traditional attire.

A highlight of the festival is the grand procession that winds through Udaipur’s main streets, with beautifully decorated idols carried on people’s heads. The celebration comes alive with folk music, dance, and vibrant festivities, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Known for its cultural significance, the Mewar Festival offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich traditions and community spirit.

Gangaur Festival

Women dress in traditional attire, carry beautifully adorned clay idols of Goddess Parvati, and take part in vibrant processions through the city streets. The festival features folk music, dance performances, and local fairs, creating a joyous atmosphere. As one of Rajasthan’s most cherished traditions, the Gangaur Festival reflects the deep cultural heritage and devotion of the region.

The grand procession is a sight to behold, with elephants, chariots, and palanquins leading the way as devotees carry beautifully decorated idols through the streets. As one of the cherished festivals of Rajasthan, it unites communities through traditional dance and music, filling the air with energy and celebration. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, marking the divine arrival of Goddess Parvati on Earth.

Brij Holi Festival

The Brij Holi Festival, celebrated on March 14, 2025, in Bharatpur, is held just before the colorful festival of Holi. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, this celebration features locals dressing as the divine couple while participating in lively music, dance, and cultural performances that showcase their timeless love story.

As the festival comes to an end, the celebrations become even more spirited, with people joyfully playing with colors, much like Holi. The streets of Brij, Bharatpur, fill with vibrant gatherings, devotional songs, and traditional festivities, making it a standout event in Rajasthan’s rich cultural calendar.

 

Rajasthan International Folk Festival

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival was established to preserve and promote Rajasthan’s rich folk music and dance traditions. Held during Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon night of the year, the festival will take place from October 2 to October 6, 2025. While various art forms are showcased, music remains the heart of the event, bringing together over 200 musicians from across the world for an unforgettable experience. Set against the backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the festival also features poetry sessions, cultural activities, and lively stalls offering local crafts and delicacies.

Teej Festival

Teej Festival is one of the most vibrant Hindu festivals in Rajasthan, celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Jaipur and other parts of the state. Observed on July 27, 2025, this festival is dedicated to the well-being of husbands and symbolizes the arrival of the monsoon. Women wear traditional colorful attire, sing folk songs, dance, and enjoy swings set up under trees, adding to the festive spirit.

According to mythology, this day marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As one of the vibrant festivals of Rajasthan, the celebration’s main attraction is the grand procession of Goddess Parvati, where women carry beautifully decorated idols on their heads or in palanquins, accompanied by music and dance. The festival also brings lively markets filled with stalls offering souvenirs and seasonal delicacies. Malpua and Ghewar, two traditional Rajasthani sweets, are among the must-try treats during this festive time.

 

Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair, held from October 30 to November 5, 2025, is India’s largest camel trading event, set at the Pushkar Fairground in Rajasthan. This five-day festival blends culture, tradition, and entertainment, drawing traders from across the region to buy and sell camels. Visitors can enjoy folk music, dance performances, puppet shows, and exciting competitions. The fairground buzzes with stalls offering handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies, including special treats made with camel milk. Many travelers choose to camp at the fairground, experiencing the lively atmosphere with bonfires, music, and dance alongside traders.

Kota Adventure Festival

The Kota Adventure Festival, also known as the Kota Festival, is an exciting event for adventure enthusiasts, packed with a range of outdoor activities. Held in Kota, Rajasthan, this week-long festival offers thrilling experiences such as rock climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, angling, rafting, parasailing, trekking, and rural exploration.

For water-based activities, visitors head to the Chambal River, while those looking for high-altitude adventures can explore Kishore Sagar Talab. As one of the dynamic festivals of Rajasthan, it attracts thrill-seekers with customized adventure packages offered by service providers. While the official dates for the 2025 edition are yet to be confirmed, this festival continues to be a major draw for those eager to experience Rajasthan beyond its cultural and heritage sites.

Chandrabhaga Fair

The Chandrabhaga Fair is a religious and cattle festival held in Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar, during October or November (exact dates yet to be confirmed). Celebrated along the banks of the sacred Chandrabhaga River, the festival draws thousands of pilgrims who take a holy dip, believing it brings spiritual blessings.

Following the religious rituals, the festival transforms into a lively cattle fair, showcasing camel trading, cultural performances, folk music, and traditional dances. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with its deep religious significance, makes the Chandrabhaga Fair a key event in Rajasthan’s festival calendar.

Bundi Utsav

Bundi Utsav, also known as Bundi Festival, is a cultural celebration held in Bundi, Rajasthan, from November 18 to November 20, 2025. This festival showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Bundi through folk dance, music, and unique competitions such as the mustache contest and turban weaving.

Visitors can take part in water sports, races, and traditional games. One of the main highlights is the Shobha Yatra, a grand procession that showcases the local culture. A lively fairground is set up, featuring souvenirs, Rajasthani delicacies, and artisan crafts, making Bundi Utsav an exciting event for both locals and tourists.

Kumbhalgarh Festival

The Kumbhalgarh Festival is a three-day cultural celebration held at Kumbhalgarh Fort from December 1 to December 3, 2025. Originally initiated by Maharana Kumbha, the festival showcases the rich art, heritage, and culture of Rajasthan.

The fort lights up beautifully, highlighting its chandeliers, artwork, and historic decor. As one of the grand festivals of Rajasthan, each day brings a unique theme with art displays, cultural performances, and exciting competitions. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk dances like Langas, Kalbeliyas, Kachi, and Odissi, along with mesmerizing musical performances by well-known artists.

The festival attracts artisans, performers, and tourists from across the globe, making it an important cultural event in Rajasthan.

Kolayat Festival

The Kolayat Festival is a traditional fair celebrated near Kolayat Lake to showcase the craft and artistic heritage of the region. The festival begins with a holy dip in the lake, believed to cleanse one of worldly sins.

During the Kolayat Festival, the ghats of Kolayat Lake are adorned with decorations, and various rituals take place at each ghat. Visitors can explore stalls offering souvenirs, handcrafted artworks, and local delicacies, making it a vibrant cultural and religious event.