Travel

10 Winter Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan you should not miss

Rajasthan is a land of hospitality, vibrant culture, royalty, history, and rich heritage. Its royal monuments and architectural marvels capture the essence of Incredible India in one state. What makes it more alluring are its numerous fairs and festivals. The state has literary festivals, religious fairs, musical fairs, animal fairs and festivals to mark the changing seasons; but it is during winter that Rajasthan is at its colourful best. The winter festivals bring alive age-old traditions, and beautiful rituals and highlight Rajasthan’s rustic charm to the outside world. They are a rich blend of trading, commercial activities and social gatherings that bring people closer. And if you are willing to go on a voyage of self-discovery, free-fall into a whirlwind of colours, music, songs, and dances then these celebrations are just the right scoop for you in winter.

Many of these events were put on hold since 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. After travel restrictions were lifted by the Government of India some months ago, tourists have started pouring in. The winter season brings foreign tourists to the desert state in large numbers, and they spend months here moving from one place to another, savouring the rich legacy. Even domestic tourists are now resorting to revenge tourism and hopefully, there will be grand celebrations across the state this year.

A majority of these events are organized by Rajasthan Tourism and attract international tourists in large numbers. Many cultural organizations and institutions also hold festivals to support local culture and heritage. Md. Masarrath Ali Khan lists the 10 winter festivals you should not miss in the desert state this year.

(1) UDAIPUR WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (16-18 Sep 2022)

Organized by SEHER in Udaipur, it is one of the country’s biggest world musical extravaganzas. It brings together global artists and ensembles from over 20 countries including Iran, Switzerland, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Senegal, France, Italy, and India. The event is designed to cater to the musical sensibilities of people of different ages and from all walks of life. An absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience, this one is a sheer treat for lovers of good music.

(2) KOTA DUSSEHRA FAIR

The Dussehra Festival is celebrated all over the country, but the Dussehra Mela at Kota is an important fair in the cultural calendar of Rajasthan. It is the longest festival celebrated in Rajasthan for 25 days. More than 75 feet tall idols of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnad (usually filled with crackers) are torched and set to fire on Dussehra day to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Rich in courtly splendour and age-old traditions, this event is marked by a glittering procession.

On Vijayadashmi, an arrow is shot at the effigy of Ravan which depicts the death of Ravan at the hands of Ram. Lakhs of people gather in the Dussehra Maidan to witness this event. Prominent artists from all over the country are invited to participate in various cultural programmes. The events include Cine Sandhya, Bhajan Sandhya Kavi Sammelan, Sindhi cultural programme, Rajasthani folk music and dance programme, All-India mushaira, Punjabi programme, Qawwali Night and Bhojpuri Night etc.

(3) MARWAR FESTIVAL (8-9 Oct 2022)

The music and dance of the Marwar region are the main themes of the Marwar Festival celebrated in Jodhpur. It is a tribute to the brave Rajput heroes and their glorious past and provides a deep insight into their local art and culture. The best folk dances like Dandi Gair, Kalbelia and Ghoomar allow the lovers of art to soak in the local culture. Shows like moustache shows, turban tying competitions, tug-of-war, Matka races, traditional dress competitions, Puppet shows, magic shows, camel tattoo shows, horse riding, and horse polo keep the tourists engaged all through the day. The best of the lip-smacking delicacies and the aroma of the local snacks make it a must-visit festival. Some programmes of this festival are also held at Clock Tower and Osian’s sand dunes.

(4) PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR (1-9 Nov 2022)

If you love cattle, this one is for you, held at Pushkar, 11 km from Ajmer. Thousands of camels and their traders spend days and nights at the sand dunes, making it their temporary home. The camels are lovingly seared and bedecked in their finery for the camel decoration competition. Tourists enjoy watching puppet shows, snake and mongoose fights, and the snake charmers sway the crowds with their acts. Lively cultural and musical programmes are held at the fairground. As the full moon night of Kartik month approaches, the town swells with tourists. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Pushkar Sarovar and visit the Brahma Temple. Hot air ballooning is an added attraction at the fair.

(5) KOLAYAT FAIR

While the International Pushkar Camel Fair at Pushkar is halfway through, the Kolayat Fair begins at the Kolayat Lake of Bikaner. A sage name Kapil Muni had meditated here for the salvation of mankind. There is a shrine dedicated to him on a ghat named after him. The festivities begin in front of the Kapil Muni Ghat in the early hours of the morning and eventually spread to 51 ghats surrounding the lake. The pilgrims perform different kinds of worshipping rituals. They make offerings made of coconut, sugar drops, sugar cubes and dry fruits to the sage, participate in the aarti and take a holy bath in the lake. In the evening, earthen lamps are lit and set afloat on the waters of the lake, in a ritual called Deep Malika and the lake transforms into a visual spectacle. A cattle fair is held during the fair in which buffaloes, camels and horses are traded.

(6) BUNDI FESTIVAL

The Bundi Festival includes a colourful Shobha Yatra, arts-and-crafts fair, ethnic sports, cultural exhibitions, classical music and dance programmes, turban tying competitions, musical band competition and a sparkling firework display. Early in the morning, after the full moon night of Kartika Purnima, men and women clad in attractive colourful costumes light diyas or lamps on the banks of River Chambal and seek blessings. Programmes are also held at the 84-pillared-cenotaph. During the day, tourists enjoy a visit to the Garh Palace and Chitrashala (an open art gallery of miniature art executed in Bundi School of Paintings).

(7) JAIPUR JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

The ‘Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival’ is a three-day celebration of world-class music from Contemporary, Fusion, Latin and Mainstream Jazz to Electric, Punk and Soul Blues. This cross-cultural initiative conceptualized and produced by SEHER provides an international platform for musicians and artists to display their talent. The programmes are held at the iconic Central Park of Jaipur.

(8) MATSYA FESTIVAL (25-26 Nov 2022)

Legend says that during the Vedic period, an Indo-Aryan clan that resided on the west side of the Yamuna River named its kingdom ‘Matsya Mahajanpada.’ As the present-day Alwar, Bharatpur, and some areas of Jaipur are geographically located in the same region, this festival is named as Matsya Festival. It is celebrated to glorify the prosperity, traditional values, and colourful customs of the Alwar region. The events of the Matsya Festival are held at different forts and palaces to bring the limelight to the hidden marvels and historic gems. Thousands of pilgrims attend the aarti performed in the Shree Jagannath Ji Temple. This is followed by competitions like mehendi and rangoli, tug-of-war, rumal jhapatta (handkerchief snatching) and teer andazi (archery), sand art performances, Eco-trekking, parasailing, hot air balloon rides, all in the backdrop of folk music, and dance performances. The magnificence of Alwar’s numerous palaces and forts, lakes, hunting lodges, archaeological sites, and thick forests, make it a delightful setting for a flamboyant celebration.

Add to it a leisurely visit to Alwar’s magnificent landmarks: City Palace, and Fateh Jung Gumbad. Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Vinay Vilas Palace, Siliserh Lake, Nangli Circle and nearby Jaisamand Lake – and you get a rich potpourri of colourful Rajasthan.

(9). KUMBHALGARH FESTIVAL

Kumbhalgarh Fort hosts a grand festival to pay tribute to Rana Kumbha for his splendid art and architecture. Tourists visit the magnificent fort and appreciate its grandeur during the day. The local artisans display and sell their ethnic handicrafts, handmade jewellery, and a plethora of souvenirs, and they also show how these items are hand-crafted. Nights come alive with musical concerts, puppet shows, and folk and cultural performances like Kalbeliya, Sapera, Terah Thaali, Kachi Ghodi, and Odissi all in the backdrop of the magnificent fort, wonderfully illuminated in golden yellow lights.

(10). DESERT FESTIVAL (3-5 Feb 2023)

The empty sand dunes around Jaisalmer come alive with a mesmerising performance during the Desert Festival. Rajasthani men and tall, beautiful women dressed in their best and brightest costumes dance and sing ballads of valour, romance, and tragedy, while traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other to display their musical talent. Puppet shows, camel tattoo shows, camel races, camel polo, traditional processions, camel mounted bands, folk dances add their flavour to the festival.

Conclusion:

Tourists and visitors have to follow all Covid-19-related safety precautions while taking part in these fairs. The actual dates of the events may vary by a couple of days due to the changes in the lunar calendar. For more information, contact

Department of Tourism, Paryatan Bhavan, Govt Hostel Campus, M.I.Road, Jaipur-302001, Ph: 0141- 2822863. A list of upcoming fairs and festivals is available at https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/fairs-and-festivals.html

August 29, 2022

The 5 Most Expensive Private Islands You Can Rent For New Year’s

There’s celebration, and then there’s arrival. New Year’s Eve isn’t meant to be lost in crowded parties or noisy resorts. It’s a moment that deserves space, serenity, and a horizon wide enough to hold your dreams for the year ahead. As India’s luxury travel scene steps into 2026, the idea of escape has transformed. No longer just vacations, private island rentals have become portals where time slows down, sea wind feels like scripture, and silence heals in ways noise never can. Dhanush Kumar writes about the five most extravagant private islands you can rent for the New Year in and around India. 1. Munjoh Private Island- Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India Tucked deep within the turquoise cradle of the Andaman lies Munjoh Private Island, a sanctuary carved for those who prefer whisper over crowds. This ultra-luxury island offers private beaches, palm-lined coves, and villas that blend barefoot simplicity with refined indulgence. At night, the sky becomes a cathedral of stars. At dawn, the island wakes in a golden hush. Private chefs craft ocean-fresh menus, spa therapists arrive at your doorstep, and your very own yacht stands ready. 2.Fregate Island- Seychelles Just a few hours from India by air, the Seychelles unfold like a dream, and Fregate Island is its crown jewel. This is luxury at its most uncompromised. Only a handful of villas exist on the entire island, each carved into the landscape with an artist’s touch. Think infinity pools suspended above the sea, private butlers who know your preferences before you speak, and beaches so untouched they look ancient. Fregate is where billionaires and Hollywood royalty choose to vanish. A perfect place to let the New Year rise without the world watching. 3.Sirai Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania Far across the Indian Ocean, but spiritually close to India’s sense of coastal

Travel

Healing Temples: Where Faith Meets Alternative Medicine In India

In India, the divine and the medicinal have never lived apart. Here, faith isn’t just a prayer; it’s a pulse. It flows through temple corridors scented with camphor, rises with mantras at dawn, and lingers in the herbal smoke of age-old rituals. Long before laboratories and hospitals defined health, Indians sought balance between the physical and the spiritual, between body, mind, and the cosmos. Today, as the modern world burns out in its search for healing, these healing temples stand quietly, bridging belief and therapy, mysticism, and science. They remind us that medicine need not always come in a bottle; sometimes, it’s found in devotion, energy, and sacred tradition. Dhanush Kumar takes us on a journey through the heart of India, where faith and alternative medicine walk hand in hand. 1.Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu Tucked in the heart of Tamil Nadu lies Vaitheeswaran Koil, named after Vaidyanatha Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva known as the Divine Healer. For centuries, devotees have arrived here with faith in the temple’s sacred waters and rituals for their curative powers. The temple’s theertham is believed to have medicinal properties, infused with herbs used in ancient Siddha medicine even the priests here know the old healing chants and herbal combinations. From skin diseases to chronic pain, this temple is seen as a place where faith amplifies natural healing, where medicine is both prayed for and practiced. 2.Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Kerala Deep within the lush forests of Kerala’s Kannur district, the Kottiyoor Shiva Temple blooms every year during its monsoon festival. What makes it extraordinary isn’t its architecture but its elemental simplicity. Built near natural springs, it turns into an open-air altar of mud, water, and air, the original Ayurvedic ingredients. Devotees bathe in the spring believed to balance the body’s doshas, Vata, Pitta, and

Travel

Hidden Gems I Can’t Stop Talking About

Who: Dimpi Sanghvi – Travel & Lifestyle Creator, Storyteller, and Curator of Slow Travel Experiences With a lens that finds beauty in the simplest of details, Dimpi Sanghvi is redefining mindful travel. A creator with a love for storytelling and design, she transforms ordinary journeys into visual poetry evoking nostalgia, warmth, and curiosity in every frame. Through her platform, she brings together her twin passions travel and slow living encouraging her audience to pause, wander, and feel. Whether she’s exploring Cuba’s colourful streets or uncovering hidden gems around the world, Dimpi’s storytelling reminds us that travel isn’t just about distance it’s about depth. Featured Destination: Cuba Why Dimpi Recommends It:“Cuba is like stepping into another era,” Dimpi says. “Havana’s pastel-hued buildings, cobblestone lanes, and beautifully preserved vintage cars feel like a living time capsule. What makes it special is the rhythm the music that flows through the streets, the impromptu dancing, and the locals’ warmth that instantly makes you feel at home. Cuba isn’t just a destination; it’s a mood, a melody, an emotion.” Top 3 Must-Do Experiences: Take a ride in a classic vintage car through the vibrant streets of Havana the city’s most iconic experience. Witness the cannon shot ceremony at La Cabaña, a fascinating ritual that’s been performed nightly since the 18th century. Visit a Cuban cigar and Havana rum factory to experience the meticulous artistry behind the island’s most famous exports.Best Local Dish or Drink: “Order a Daiquiri at El Floridita the birthplace of the cocktail and Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunt,” Dimpi says. “It’s the perfect way to cool off after a day under the Cuban sun.” One Thing Travellers Should Know: Vegetarian options can be limited, so carrying some essentials or snacks is a good idea. “But honestly, the charm of Cuba more than makes

Travel

Places I’d Go Back to in a Heartbeat

Who: Roop Verma Travel Creator, Storyteller, and Seeker of Global Magic Meet Roop Verma, a creator who finds joy in both quiet European mornings and electric Asian nights. Whether it’s sipping espresso on a sun-drenched street in Paris or chasing neon reflections through Tokyo’s midnight rain, Roop travels to feel alive to find beauty in hidden corners and capture fleeting moments that make the world pause. Through his lens and words, Roop brings his audience along for the ride every trip feels like a shared heartbeat, a collective discovery. “Travel changes you,” he says. “Each place leaves me a little more in awe and a lot more in love with this crazy, beautiful world.” Featured Destination: Provence, France Why I Recommend It: “Provence feels otherworldly,” Roop says with a smile. “It’s a place where lavender fields stretch forever, sunsets look hand-painted, and every village feels like a dream you never want to wake up from.” What Makes It Special: “There’s a calm magic here a rhythm that makes you slow down and just exist. In Provence, time doesn’t rush; it breathes.” Top 3 Must-Do Experiences: Wander through endless lavender fields at sunrise.2. Sip rosé in a café in Gordes, watching the village come alive.3. Explore local markets in Aix-en-Provence overflowing with cheeses, pastries, and vintage trinkets. Best Local Dish or Drink: “Freshly baked tarte aux fruits paired with a chilled glass of rosé it’s Provence on a plate,” says Roop. “And my favourite thing? Losing myself in the farmers’ markets of Aix-en-Provence they’re pure sensory bliss.” One Thing Travelers Should Know: “Provence moves at its own pace slow, intentional, and full of wonder. So, don’t rush it or you’ll miss the magic.” Insider Tip: “Rent a car and drive through the lavender hills. Every turn is a postcard, every stop