Raging Rajasthan: Festive fervour for you!

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

A fabulous realm of maharajas and their magnificent forts, lavish palaces, and ancient traditions, Rajasthan is truly enchanting. And more so when the colourful state gets busy with grand celebrations every year. It is that time of the year now, and we bring to you the best, most exciting festivals in Rajasthan that you can still attend before 2022 ends.

The best upcoming festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Riff 2022
See Jodhpur in its full glory! Image: Courtesy Jodhpur RIFF website.

An annual festival celebrating traditional folk music and arts, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is recognised by UNESCO as a ‘People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development’. The five-day festival showcases the incredible art and musical heritage of Rajasthan’s rural communities through a series of spectacular concerts and events. It is held every year on Sharad Purnima, when the brightest full moon of the year in North India shines upon the Mehrangarh Fort.

Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

When: October 6-10, 2022

Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar mela
Join India’s biggest livestock carnival. Image: Shutterstock/Phuong D. Nguyen.

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

Where: Fair Ground, Pushkar

When: November 1-8, 2022

Bundi Festival

Festivals in rajasthan
A celebration of the timeless heritage of a forgotten little town! Image: Courtesy Utsav website.

From cultural exhibits and folk performances, to sports competitions, village safaris, and traditional art activities, all three days at Bundi Festival are jam-packed with a host of delightful offering. Try waking up in the wee hours to attend Shobha Yatra, the main attraction when locals from the nearby town of Keshoraipatan clad in their colourful best gather to light diyas and lamps on the banks of River Chambal to seek blessings.

Where: All across Bundi

When: November 11-13, 2022

Ranthambhore Music & Wildlife Festival

Ranthambhore music & wildlife festival
Experience the best of music and wildlife under a single roof. Image: Courtesy RMWF website.

Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambhore, RMWF brings its audience a grand banquet of experiences, including contemporary music concerts, timeless folk performances, wildlife safaris, and a flea market selling local handicraft. With an exciting line-up, paired, extraordinary experiences, sustainability, and social causes at its very core, the festival goes beyond entertainment to make a difference.  

Where: Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambhore

When: November 11-12, 2022

Kumbhalgarh Festival

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

Art and music lovers must plan a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort where the four-day eponymous festival is organised by the state’s Department Of Tourism. Nestled amidst the mighty Aravalli ranges, the monumental fort stands witness to a flurry of festivities every year, featuring folk performances, competitions like turban tying and mehendi application, and vibrant shows full of lights, sounds, and colours. Don’t miss out the breathtaking firework displays at night!

Where: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand

When: December 1-3, 2022

Magnetic Fields Festival

Magnetic fields festival
A grand fusion of contemporary music and traditional experiences! Image: Courtesy Magnetic Fields website.

The popular musical carnival is where the fun and fervour never end! Every year, Magnetic Fields Festival transforms the historical Alsisar Mahal into a throbbing, pulsating venue that celebrates the best of the international underground music scene. It is unique marriage between contemporary culture and Rajasthani heritage and hospitality. Expect spellbinding performances, dance under the stars, star gazing, a peek into their galaxies, wellness and yoga, exciting treasure hunts!

Where: Asisar Mahal Shekhawati, Jhunjhunu

When: December 9-11, 2022

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