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{{Short description|Events in the Indian state}}
{{Orphan|date=May 2025}}

[[File:Giant wheels at Pushkar, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|right|Giant wheels at Pushkar, Rajasthan]]
'''Fairs of Rajasthan''' are vibrant socio-cultural events held throughout the year across the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]], reflecting its rich traditions, religious diversity, and artistic heritage. These fairs, often linked to religious festivals, seasonal cycles, or historical commemorations, serve as important centers for social gathering, trade, and cultural expression.

==Animal Fairs==
In the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]], more than 250 cattle fairs are organized every year at both the district and village levels. These fairs hold great significance in terms of art, culture, animal husbandry, and tourism. Lakhs of tourists from India and abroad visit these events to witness folk art and experience rural culture.

At the state-level cattle fairs, municipalities and gram panchayats provide essential facilities such as water, electricity, veterinary care, and vaccination services for cattle rearers. In addition, the government organizes exhibitions and other informative programmes from time to time to enhance awareness and engagement.

Most of the state-level cattle fairs are associated with the names of folk deities and revered historical figures. These fairs are organized under the aegis of the Animal Husbandry Department of Rajasthan.

===Ramdev Animal Fair, Nagaur===
[[File:Pushkar watering hole.jpg|thumb|right|300px|View of an animal fair held in the state]]
According to an early local tradition, the idol of Saint Ramdev in the low-lying lands of [[Mansar, India|Mansar]] village manifested itself miraculously. Devotees built a small temple at the site, and livestock breeders attending the fair offer prayers here for the health of their animals before buying and selling them.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scroll.in|title=In Rajasthan, BJP faces the first serious challenge to its cow politics – from angry farmers|url=https://scroll.in/article/850889/in-rajasthan-bjp-faces-the-first-serious-challenge-to-its-cow-politics-from-angry-farmers|accessdate=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117202929/https://scroll.in/article/850889/in-rajasthan-bjp-faces-the-first-serious-challenge-to-its-cow-politics-from-angry-farmers|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After India's independence, seeing its growing popularity, the State Department of Animal Husbandry included it among the state-level animal fairs and has been organizing it since February 1958. The fair is held annually from the first to the fifteenth day of the bright half of Magha, about 5 km from Nagaur city in Mansar village. It is regarded as having been conceived by the late Maharaja [[Umaid Singh]] of Marwar. A large number of Nagauri-breed bulls are auctioned here every year.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Year-on-year decline in Nagauri bulls at the animal fair|date=14 February 2016 |url=https://www.patrika.com/news/nagaur/yoy-decline-in-cattle-bull-nagauri-1174908/|publisher= Patrika|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926145003/https://www.patrika.com/news/nagaur/yoy-decline-in-cattle-bull-nagauri-1174908/|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Why do people come to Nagaur from every corner of the country?|url=https://www.patrika.com/story/nagaur/video-world-famous-ramdev-cattle-fair-start-in-nagaur-2461353.html|publisher= Patrika|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235306/https://www.patrika.com/story/nagaur/video-world-famous-ramdev-cattle-fair-start-in-nagaur-2461353.html|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mallinath Animal Fair, Tilwara (Balotra)===
This fair is held in honour of the warrior-saint [[Rawal Mallinath]]. It is said that on the auspicious occasion of his accession to the throne in [[Vikram Samvat]] 1431, a grand ceremony was organized, attended by thousands from far and wide. When the celebration ended, the returning participants traded their mounts—camels, horses, and draft bulls—giving rise to this fair. The Animal Husbandry Department took over its organization in 1958. It is held annually from the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra to the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra at Tilwara village on the [[Luni River]] in Balotra district's Pachpadra tehsil. Besides Nagauri bulls, large numbers of [[Malani Horse|Malani horses]] and camels are bought and sold here.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Mallinath animal fair inaugurated|url=https://www.patrika.com/story/barmer/mallinath-cattle-open-2227943.html|publisher= Patrika|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926143427/https://www.patrika.com/story/barmer/mallinath-cattle-open-2227943.html|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Baldev Animal Fair, Merta City (Nagaur)===
Held annually from the first to the fifteenth day of the bright half of Chaitra in [[Merta City]], this fair is named after the farmer-leader Baldev Ram Mirdha. It was taken over by the State Animal Husbandry Department in April 1947. Predominantly Nagauri bulls are traded here.<ref>{{cite web|last1=WalkThrough India|title=7 Biggest and Largest Cattle Fairs of India|url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/attraction/7-biggest-and-largest-cattle-fairs-of-india/|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100502/https://www.walkthroughindia.com/attraction/7-biggest-and-largest-cattle-fairs-of-india/|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Veer Tejaji Animal Fair, Parbatsar–Didwana–Kuchaman===
Dedicated to the folk deity [[Veer Teja|Tejaji]], this fair takes place on the tenth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada (Teja Dashami). The Department of Animal Husbandry has organized it since 1947. It is the largest revenue-generating animal fair in the state. It was instituted by Maharaja [[Ajit Singh of Marwar|Ajit Singh of Jodhpur]] in Vikram Samvat 1791, who built a shrine and installed an idol of Tejaji here. It is renowned for the trade in Nagauri bulls and Bikaneri camels.<ref>{{cite web|last1=India Today|title=Nagaur: Cattle fairs become hubs for illegal animal trafficking|date=13 February 2017 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nagaur-cattle-fairs-illegal-animal-trafficking-nagaur-cattle-fair-960430-2017-02-13|access-date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508104541/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nagaur-cattle-fairs-illegal-animal-trafficking-nagaur-cattle-fair/1/881484.html|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mahashivaratri Animal Fair, Karauli===
One of the state's major animal fairs, this is held every year in the dark half of Phalguna, coinciding with Mahashivaratri. Originating in princely times, it features a large sale of Haryanvi-breed livestock. Besides Rajasthan traders, participants also come from [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]]. About a week after its conclusion, a general goods fair is held at the same site, where local merchants and villagers set up stalls selling essential commodities. During princely rule, jewellery shops also formed part of the fair.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Keep alive the identity of the Shivaratri animal fair|url=https://www.patrika.com/story/karauli/shivaratri-cattle-fair-is-not-lost-identification-2476691.html|publisher= Patrika|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235428/https://www.patrika.com/story/karauli/shivaratri-cattle-fair-is-not-lost-identification-2476691.html|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gomati Sagar Animal Fair, Jhalawar===
Held annually from the thirteenth day of the bright half of Vaishakha to the fifth day of the dark half of Jyeshtha in Jhalrapatan town, this fair marks the sanctity of Gomati Sagar. It is the largest and most famous fair in the Hadoti region. The Department of Animal Husbandry has organized it since May 1959.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dainik Bhaskar|title=Animal fair at Gomati Sagar cancelled|work=Dainik Bhaskar |date=May 2015 |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/RAJ-OTH-MAT-latest-jhalrapatan-news-034021-1792180-NOR.html|publisher= Bhaskar|accessdate=26 September 2017}}</ref>

===Gogamedi Animal Fair, Hanumangarh===
[[Gogamedi]], one of the five sacred shrines of the folk-deity Goga Ji, lies in [[Nohar]] tehsil of [[Hanumangarh district|Hanumangarh]] district. The animal fair is held every year from the full moon of Shravan to the full moon of Bhadrapada. The Department of Animal Husbandry has been conducting it since August 1959.<ref>{{cite web|last1=NDTV|title=Gogamedi Fair 2017: The Grand Rajasthani Food, Cattle and Handicraft Fair in Honour of Goga Ji Maharaj|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/gogamedi-fair-2017-the-grand-rajasthani-food-cattle-and-handicraft-fair-in-honour-of-goga-ji-maharaj-1738301|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100215/https://www.ndtv.com/food/gogamedi-fair-2017-the-grand-rajasthani-food-cattle-and-handicraft-fair-in-honour-of-goga-ji-maharaj-1738301|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Jaswant Exhibition and Animal Fair, Bharatpur===
Organized in memory of Maharaja [[Jaswant Singh of Bharatpur]] State, this exhibition and animal fair is held annually from the fifth to the fourteenth day of the bright half of Ashwin. The Department of Animal Husbandry has been in charge since October 1958. It features a significant trade in Haryana-breed bulls.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Raftaar News|title=Meeting held regarding Shri Jaswant Exhibition and Animal Fair|url=http://news.raftaar.in/meeting-cattle-bharatpur-khask-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A7-%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95/detail/6d967969424e2e95ee33e65d28dbcad7|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926190912/http://news.raftaar.in/meeting-cattle-bharatpur-khask-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A7-%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95/detail/6d967969424e2e95ee33e65d28dbcad7|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
It is the largest animal fair in terms of revenue.

===Chandrabhaga Animal Fair, Jhalawar===
Every year from the eleventh day of the bright half of Kartika to the fifth day of the dark half of Margashirsha in [[Jhalrapatan]], this fair features large-scale trading of Malvi-breed bulls. It has been organized by the Animal Husbandry Department since November 1958.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Chandrabhaga fair inaugurated in Jhalrapatan|url=https://www.patrika.com/story/jhalawar/chandrabhaga-kartik-fair-2016-opening-in-jhalrapatan-2370857.html|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926145007/https://www.patrika.com/story/jhalawar/chandrabhaga-kartik-fair-2016-opening-in-jhalrapatan-2370857.html|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Activities – Animal Husbandry Rajasthan|url=http://animalhusbandry.rajasthan.gov.in/activities.aspx|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926143321/http://animalhusbandry.rajasthan.gov.in/activities.aspx|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Pushkar Animal Fair, Ajmer===
{{Main|Pushkar Fair}}
[[File:Inde pushkar foire.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Pushkar Fair, 2006]]
[[Pushkar]], a famous Hindu pilgrimage about 11 km from Ajmer, hosts its fair on Kartika Purnima, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors who bathe in [[Pushkar Lake]] to purify themselves. Pilgrims and tourists visit the Rang Ji and other temples for spiritual merit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aajtak.intoday.in/gallery/colorful-pushkar-fair-begins-in-ajmer-2-4472.html|title=Colorful Pushkar Fair begins|date=23 November 2012 |access-date=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825101832/http://aajtak.intoday.in/gallery/colorful-pushkar-fair-begins-in-ajmer-2-4472.html|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1151127/jsp/bihar/story\_55367.jsp|title=Through foreign eyes, Sonepur fares better; visitors say Bihar's fair mirrors real India more than Pushkar's|access-date=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825102702/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1151127/jsp/bihar/story\_55367.jsp|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The state administration accords special importance to this fair: local authorities handle logistics, while the Arts, Culture & Tourism Department organizes cultural events. An animal fair runs alongside, with competitions for best livestock breeds and awards for outstanding animals. The camel fair during Kartika has given Pushkar worldwide renown, drawing a rich confluence of cultures—from foreign tourists to tribal and rural breeders from across Rajasthan and neighbouring regions. The vast sandy grounds are filled with row upon row of stalls, food vendors, circuses, rides, and of course innumerable camels, reflecting its evolution into a grand animal market.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patrika|title=Pushkar Fair to get high-tech surveillance this year|date=20 September 2017 |url=https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/pushkar-fair-will-be-high-tech-this-year-cctv-cameras-watch-tourists-1829641/|accessdate=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926142929/https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/pushkar-fair-will-be-high-tech-this-year-cctv-cameras-watch-tourists-1829641/|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Kapil Muni Camel Fair Kolayat, Bikaner ===
The Kolayat Fair is held annually in the town of [[Kolayat]], located about 50 km from Bikaner. It is organized in the Hindu month of Kartik, particularly on the full moon day (Kartik Purnima), and coincides with a large cattle fair, especially for camels. Pilgrims come to bathe in the holy [[Kolayat Lake]], which is believed to have been blessed by the sage [[Kapila|Kapil Muni]]. The Kolayat Fair is both religious and commercial in nature. While many devotees participate in rituals and offer deep-daan (lamp offerings) at the ghats of the lake, livestock breeders from Rajasthan and nearby states gather to buy and sell camels, horses, and other cattle. The Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department supports the event with veterinary care and vaccination services, and organizes livestock competitions. The fairgrounds also feature folk music, cultural performances, rural handicrafts, and exhibitions, making it an attraction for domestic and international tourists alike.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-26 |title=You cannot miss these 6 festivals that are attracting tourists to Rajasthan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/rajasthan-desert-carnival-travel-lifetr-1070769-2017-10-26 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhaskar |first=Dainik |title=Kolayat fair |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/bikaner/news/animal-fair-held-in-kolayat-winners-of-camel-breed-makeup-and-dance-competition-were-awarded-133971820.html}}</ref>

== Religious Fairs==

Rajasthan hosts numerous religious fairs celebrated with devotion and festivity by diverse communities. These fairs center around local deities, saints, and seasonal observances, combining religious rituals with folk traditions and cultural displays.

=== Baba Ramdev Fair, Ramdevra ===
[[File:Devotees during the two month long carnival at Ramdevra.jpg|thumb|right|Devotees during the two month long carnival at Ramdevra]]
Held at Ramdevra village in [[Jaisalmer district]], this fair commemorates the 14th-century saint Baba Ramdev, revered by both Hindus and Muslims. It takes place during Bhadrapada (August–September), drawing lakhs of pilgrims who visit the samadhi (tomb) of Baba Ramdev, sing devotional bhajans, and undertake foot pilgrimages (padyatra) from Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ramdevra Temple |url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/jaisalmer.html |publisher=Rajasthan Tourism |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ramdevra fair begins in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/ramdevra-fair-begins-in-rajasthans-jaisalmer-3177835 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>

=== Beneshwar Fair ===
Held at the confluence of the Mahi, Jakham, and Som rivers in [[Dungarpur district]], the Beneshwar Fair is a major tribal festival in honor of Lord Shiva as Baneshwar Mahadev. It is organized on Magha Shukla Ekadashi (January–February) and attended primarily by the Bhil tribe, who perform holy dips, devotional rituals, and enjoy tribal dances and music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baneshwar Fair in Dungarpur |url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/rajasthan-tourism/english/pdf/press-release-pdf/52.pdf |publisher=Rajasthan Tourism |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-31 |title=Rajasthan to host Baneshwar Fair in February |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/travel-tourism/rajasthan-to-host-baneshwar-fair-in-february/530944/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

=== Gautam Rishi Fair ===
The Gautam Rishi Fair (Gautam Ji Mela) is held each year on April 13 at Chautila Hill near Sheoganj in [[Sirohi district]], dedicated to the Meena tribal deity Gautam Rishi.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gautam Ji Fair |url=https://www.india9.com/i9show/Gautam-Ji-Fair-39493.htm |publisher=India9 |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref> Devotees begin by digging a pit in the dry bed of the Sukhdi River; on the fair's opening day, water is believed to miraculously emerge—symbolically the Ganga—and remain until the mela concludes.<ref>{{cite news |title=सिरोही के चोटिला में गौतम ऋषि मेला शुरू |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/sirohi/news/gautam-rishi-fair-started-in-chotila-of-sirohi-134837671.html |publisher=Dainik Bhaskar |date=14 April 2024 |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref> Over three days, the fair features tribal music and devotional singing, communal feasting, and a modest livestock market, drawing tens of thousands of participants from Rajasthan and Gujarat.<ref>{{cite web |title=All Famous in Sirohi |url=https://pinkcity2india.com/raj/sirohi/html/all_famous_sirohi.html |publisher=Pinkcity2india |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref>

=== Khatu Shyamji Lakhi Fair ===

[[File:Shyam Kund, Khatu Shyam, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|right|Shyam Kund, Khatu Shyam, Rajasthan]]
The Khatu Shyamji Fair is held every Phalgun (February–March) at Khatu in [[Sikar district]], where the temple of Shyam Baba (Barbarika, grandson of Bhima) stands. Lakhs of devotees attend the five-day mela for darshan, night-long [[bhajan]] sessions, and processions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Khatu Shyamji Mandir |url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/khatu-shyam-temple.html |publisher=Rajasthan Tourism |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title=Khatu Shyam Fair 2025: New Traffic Route Announced |url=https://www.patrika.com/en/special-news/khatu-shyam-fair-2025-new-traffic-route-announced-19413645 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Patrika News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Phooldol Mela, Shahpura ===
The Phooldol Mela is the principal annual festival of the Ramsnehi [[Sampradaya]], held at the Ramdwara in Shahpura (Bhilwara district) for five days immediately following Holi (Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi). Devotees from across Rajasthan and Gujarat create elaborate flower swings (phool dol), install a murti of Nirgun Ram in a floral palki, and ceremonially swing it while singing devotional hymns in the vernacular. The festival commemorates Swami Ramcharan Ji Maharaj's establishment of the sect's Shahpura center in the late 18th century.<ref>{{cite web |title=260th Phool Dol Festival of Shri Ramsnehi Sect |work=Dainik Bhaskar |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/bhilwara/shahpura/news/260th-phool-dol-festival-of-shri-ramsnehi-sect-134658108.html |date=March 2025 |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref>
Throughout the mela, Ramsnehi saints in their characteristic pink robes lead daily ''satsangs'' (spiritual discourses) and *aartis*, while congregants offer dates, roasted chickpeas, and colored water as ''prasad''. A communal feast ''(langar)'' is served each afternoon, emphasizing the sect's ideals of equality and service.
Local authorities provide water, electricity, and basic medical camps, while the Ramdwara Trust arranges temporary lodging for pilgrims. In recent years, the mela has attracted photographers and travel writers, spotlighting Ramsnehi devotional art and community harmony.<ref>{{cite web |title=फूलडोल मेला शाहपुरा शुरू |work=Dainik Bhaskar |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/bhilwara/shahpura/news/fuldol-festival-of-shri-ramsnehi-sect-started-in-shahpura-134664627.html |date=March 2025 |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=अंतरराष्ट्रीय रामस्नेही संप्रदाय का फूलडोल महोत्सव मेला 20 से शुरू, जाने पूरा शेड्यूल और डिटेल्स |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/dharm/phooldol-mahotsav-fair-starts-from-20th-know-complete-schedule-and-details-8159231.html |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref>

=== Kaila Devi Fair ===
The Kaila Devi Fair takes place in Chaitra (March–April) at Kaila village in Karauli district. Devotees perform dandvat (prostration) pilgrimages to the temple of Kaila Devi, a form of Durga, followed by ritual bathing in the Kalisil River, folk singing, and camping.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaila Devi Temple |url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/karauli.html |publisher=Rajasthan Tourism |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kailadevi Mela 2025: करौली में 27 मार्च से शुरू हो रहा कैलादेवी मेला, इस बार बस मिलने में नहीं होगी कोई परेशानी! |url=https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/rajasthan-news/kailadevi-fair-is-starting-from-27th-march-in-karauli-rajasthan-roadways-will-run-350-buses-from-24th-march-7967539 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=rajasthan.ndtv.in |language=hi}}</ref>

=== Karni Mata Fair ===

[[File:Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke.jpg|thumb|right|Karni Mata Temple Deshnoke]]
Organized twice a year during Navratri at Deshnok near Bikaner, this fair honors Karni Mata, whose temple is famous for thousands of sacred rats ''(kabas)''. Pilgrims offer prasad and seek blessings, creating a festive market around the temple.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karni Mata Temple |url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/bikaner.html |publisher=Rajasthan Tourism |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref>

=== Sheetla Mata Fair ===
Held in Chaitra (March–April) at Seel-Ki-Doongri near Chaksu in Jaipur district, the Sheetla Mata Fair celebrates the goddess of healing. Devotees offer *basi roti* (stale food) and prayers for protection from diseases, accompanied by folk music and trade stalls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sheetla Mata Fair |url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/fairsfestivals/sheetla-mata-fair.html |publisher=Tour My India |accessdate=11 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sheetla Mata, Sheetla Mata Fair, Sheetla Mata Festival |url=https://www.rajasthanexplored.com/rajasthan-festivals/sheetala-mata-fair.html |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=www.rajasthanexplored.com}}</ref>

== Other Festivals of Rajasthan ==

* '''Desert Festival, Jaisalmer''' – The Desert Festival is a three-day annual event held in Jaisalmer, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Thar Desert. The festival features folk music and dance, camel races, turban-tying competitions, and traditional attire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-09 |title=4-day Desert Festival begins in Jaisalmer today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/4-day-desert-festival-begins-in-jaisalmer-today/articleshow/118076899.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Camel Festival, Bikaner''' – Celebrated in Bikaner, this festival honors the camel, a vital animal in desert life. Events include camel races, camel dances, folk performances, and handicraft exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2025-01-11 |title=International Camel Festival Begins In Rajasthan's Bikaner; Heritage Walk Showcases City's Unique Culture |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/international-camel-festival-in-bikaner-rajasthan-and-heritage-walk-enn25011102065 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Thar Mahotsav, Barmer''' – Organized in Barmer, the Thar Festival highlights the folk traditions of western Rajasthan. It includes performances by local artists, camel and cattle shows, craft exhibitions, and displays of regional cuisine and attire.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajasthan is hosting 3-day Thar Mahotsav till March 20 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/rajasthan-is-hosting-3-day-thar-mahotsav-till-march-20/articleshow/98735391.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Bundi Festival''' – Held in the town of Bundi, this festival combines cultural events with traditional rituals. It includes folk music and dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, and a procession through the streets of the town.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-18 |title=3-day Bundi festival starts today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/bundi-mahotsav-2024-a-3-day-celebration-of-culture-food-and-fun/articleshow/115392547.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Mewar Festival, Udaipur''' – Celebrated in Udaipur during the spring season, the Mewar Festival coincides with the traditional Gangaur celebration. It features decorated idols, processions, folk performances, and fireworks by Lake Pichola.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-12 |title=Mewar Festival Celebrations Begins in Udaipur |url=https://udaipurtimes.com/celebrations/mewar-festival-celebrations-2024-in-udaipur-started/cid14127942.htm |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=udaipurtimes.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Marwar Festival, Jodhpur''' – The Marwar Festival is dedicated to the folk culture and martial traditions of the Marwar region. It includes performances of folk music and dance, competitions, and exhibitions of local handicrafts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dey |first=Panchali|title=All that you need to know about Marwar Festival of Jodhpur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/all-that-you-need-to-know-about-marwar-festival-of-jodhpur/articleshow/66331062.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Teej Festival''' – Teej is a monsoon festival celebrated primarily by women in Jaipur and other cities. It honors the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is marked by processions, songs, dancing, and ritual observances.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-08 |title=Tradition triumphs in Jaipur's Teej parade |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/tradition-triumphs-in-citys-teej-parade/articleshow/112359367.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Gangaur Festival''' – Gangaur is one of the most significant festivals in Rajasthan, particularly for women. It celebrates marital fidelity and the goddess Gauri, and is marked by fasting, rituals, and colorful processions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-18 |title=Celebrating Gangaur: Top destinations in Rajasthan to experience this colourful tradition |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/things-to-do/celebrating-gangaur-top-destinations-in-rajasthan-to-experience-this-colourful-tradition/photostory/119155863.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* '''Shekhawati Festival''' – Organized across towns like Nawalgarh, Mandawa, and Jhunjhunu, the Shekhawati Festival celebrates the art and architecture of the Shekhawati region. It features heritage walks, folk performances, and exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=शेखावाटी उत्सव 2025 में दिखेगी राजस्थानी लोक संस्कृति की शानदार झलक, ये होंगे मुख्य आकर्षण |url=https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/rajasthan-news/shekhawati-utsav-2025-great-glimpse-of-rajasthani-folk-culture-will-be-seen-these-will-be-main-attractions-7982471 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=rajasthan.ndtv.in |language=hi}}</ref>
* '''Kite Festival, Jaipur''' – Observed on Makar Sankranti (14 January), the Kite Festival in Jaipur is a popular celebration where the sky is filled with kites of various colors and shapes. It includes local competitions and cultural performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-12 |title=Jaipur's heritage kite market stares at bleak future: 'We make enough for dal-roti, not ghee' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/jaipurs-heritage-kite-market-sankranti-manjha-9775098/lite/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Urs Festival, Ajmer''' – The Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is an annual Sufi festival held at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It commemorates the saint's death anniversary and attracts thousands of devotees for prayers, qawwali music, and rituals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-02 |title=PM Modi to send ceremonial 'Chadar' Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-to-send-ceremonial-chadar-ajmer-sharif-dargah-on-urs-of-khwaja-moinuddin-chishti/articleshow/116876927.cms |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Festivals in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Cultural festivals in India]]
[[Category:Annual events in India]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]

Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan - Revision history

Kishore121 at 09:36, 18 April 2026