October 2024 will be a month filled with vibrant cultural festivities across Rajasthan, celebrating the state’s rich heritage, artistry, and traditions. From grand fairs to intimate rituals, Rajasthan’s festivals in October will offer visitors an unforgettable glimpse into its royal past and cultural diversity. Here’s a look at the key cultural events taking place during this time:
Navratri (October 3-12, 2024)
Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is a highly anticipated Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga’s victory over evil. Spanning nine nights, each day worships one of Durga’s nine avatars. The festival culminates in Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In Rajasthan, Navratri is celebrated with devotional fervor, fasting, and vibrant cultural events such as folk dances and music performances.
Ashwa Poojan (October 9, 2024)
A unique royal tradition in Udaipur, Ashwa Poojan is a festival dedicated to the horse, honoring its historical significance in Rajasthan’s martial past. Royal families adorn their horses and offer prayers for their valor and strength. The event features grand royal processions, where decorated horses are paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional folk performances, offering an immersive cultural experience for visitors.
Durga Ashtami (October 10, 2024)
Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is celebrated across Rajasthan with special prayers, rituals, and cultural activities. Temples are adorned with decorations, and devotees perform rituals honoring Goddess Durga. Folk dances, music, and community events create a lively atmosphere, while the tradition of Kanya Puja (honoring young girls as embodiments of the goddess) is practiced, fostering community spirit and devotion.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) (October 12, 2024)
Celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, Vijayadashami or Dussehra is observed with grand processions, folk performances, and the burning of large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath. The Kota Dussehra Festival, from October 12-24, 2024, is one of the most spectacular celebrations, with beautifully adorned elephants, camels, and horses, along with vibrant cultural programs, craft exhibitions, and traditional food stalls, attracting both tourists and locals.
Marwar Festival (October 16-17, 2024)
Dedicated to the valor of Rajput warriors, the Marwar Festival in Jodhpur is a two-day cultural event that showcases Rajasthan’s vibrant heritage. Traditional Maand singing, which tells tales of love and bravery, is a key highlight, along with Kalbelia and Ghoomar dances, camel shows, turban-tying competitions, and polo matches. Set against the backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, the festival is a grand celebration of Marwar’s royal legacy.
Abhaneri Festival (October 16-17, 2024)
Held in the village of Abhaneri, this festival celebrates Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage with traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances like Kalbelia and Ghoomar. The historic Chand Baori stepwell serves as the backdrop for the festival’s activities, including puppet shows, craft exhibitions, and Rajasthani cuisine. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the Abhaneri Festival is a blend of history, culture, and art.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) (October 16-20, 2024)
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is an internationally acclaimed event held at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, showcasing traditional Rajasthani folk music alongside international collaborations. Featuring over 250 artists, including renowned local performers like Lakha Khan and international artists such as Riff Cohen, RIFF is a fusion of global and local traditions. Set under the full moon of Sharad Purnima, the festival combines nighttime concerts with interactive daytime sessions, making it a must-attend cultural event.
Karva Chauth (October 17, 2024)
Karva Chauth is a significant festival for married women across Northern and Western India, including Rajasthan. On this day, women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands’ long life and prosperity. The festival is marked by community gatherings, vibrant attire, and decorated earthen pots (karvas) exchanged among women. Rooted in devotion and sisterhood, the festival ends when women break their fast after sighting the moon, surrounded by family.
Pushkar Camel Fair (Starting October 29, 2024)
Although the Pushkar Camel Fair officially begins in November, the pre-festival activities start in late October. These early events feature camel beauty contests, traditional folk performances, and the vibrant setup of campsites around Pushkar Lake. The spiritual atmosphere, combined with the cultural events, offers visitors an authentic experience of rural Rajasthan.
Chhoti Diwali (November 1, 2024)
Also known as Chhoti Diwali or Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated a day before Diwali. The day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Early morning rituals include an oil bath (Abhyanga Snan), prayers, and the lighting of lamps. Homes are decorated with rangolis and diyas, setting the festive tone for Diwali.
