The Colourful Festivals of Rajasthan You Shouldn't Miss

Few places on earth celebrate quite like Rajasthan. The state's festivals are explosions of colour, music, devotion and tradition — and timing your visit around one can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. Here are the celebrations worth planning around.

Pushkar Camel Fair (November)

One of the world's largest camel and livestock fairs transforms the holy town of Pushkar into a swirl of trading, folk performances, competitions and hot-air balloons. It's a photographer's dream and a cultural spectacle unlike any other.

Teej (Monsoon)

Celebrating the monsoon and the goddess Parvati, Teej fills the streets with processions, decorated swings, and women dressed in vivid green, their hands adorned with fresh mehendi. Jaipur's Teej procession is especially grand.

Gangaur (March–April)

An eighteen-day festival honouring the goddess Gauri, Gangaur features beautiful processions of idols, folk songs and traditional finery, celebrated with particular splendour in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February)

The golden dunes come alive with camel races, folk music and dance, turban-tying contests, moustache competitions and magical moonlit performances on the sand.

Holi and Diwali

Rajasthan celebrates these beloved national festivals with special fervour and royal traditions — from the Elephant Festival around Holi in Jaipur to dazzling Diwali illuminations across the palaces.

Plan Ahead

Festival periods are popular, so book accommodation and transport well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Time your visit around a festival and book your stays, camps and experiences on Registhan.