The land of forts, flavours & festivals

Rajasthan is defined by superlatives - it is the largest Indian State, has the country’s largest desert (Thar), has the longest canal in India (Indira Gandhi canal), and is home to some of the greatest forts in the world. On top of these credentials, it also boasts a regal history, a festive and colourful culture, a rich heritage, and flavourful cuisine and some amazing festivals. Here are a few festivals that will render your trip unforgettable and magical.

Jaisalmer desert festival
Organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation each February, the Jaisalmer desert festival is the event when the great Thar becomes a dessert for the eyes. Extending over three colourful days until the full moon, the festival features multiple decorated camels and numerous contests like camel race, camel polo, turban tying competition, best moustache competition, etc. Other cultural events include belly dancing and gymnastics. The festival was started to attract foreign tourists, and it enchants every tourist equally every year.

Pushkar Holi festival
This event marries the ‘land of many colours’ with the ‘festival of colours’ so it is only to be expected that their offspring will be even more exquisite. Experience Holi in all its vibrant glory by dancing to the hypnotic beats of dhols, getting high on the festive feeling and bhang, eating delicious food along the way, playing with gulal, and leaving a trail of colourful happiness behind.

Shekhawati heritage festival
Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region comprises of cities like Sikar, Nawalgarh, Churu and Jhunjhunu. It is to promote tourism in this region that the State Department of Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the MR Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation Shekhawat organise the Shekhawati festival every year in February. Extending for three days and nights, the festival is famous for the artworks and frescoes with centuries of exquisite history behind them, adorning the magnificent havelis.

World Sufi Spirit Festival
Also called the World Sacred Spirit Festival, it is a celebration of the mysticism and spirituality that one encounters in their quest for self-enlightenment and realisation. It also brings us closer to God – the idea that transcends all religions. This philosophy of Sufism is expressed through music, poetry and dance, and can rightly be said to exist in these art forms as well. Hosted in the majestic forts of Jodhpur, this festival gathers artists from all over the country and the world, who come together to infuse the days and nights with melody and magic.