Rajasthan, a land of majestic forts, royal palaces, and vibrant traditions, comes alive with a plethora of colorful festivals that celebrate its rich cultural heritage. September marks the end of the monsoon and ushers in the festive season, featuring events that showcase the state’s deep-rooted customs through music, dance, and art. Notable festivals in September include the Abhaneri Festival, which celebrates the cultural richness of the Abhaneri village, and Ganesh Chaturthi, which is widely observed with processions and religious fervor. The Marwar Festival in Jodhpur and Teej Festival also highlight local traditions with performances, fairs, and rituals. These festivals provide a unique and immersive experience for travelers.For an enhanced cultural journey, Tijara Fort-Palace offers a regal retreat, providing the perfect base to explore Rajasthan’s vibrant festival scene while staying amidst historical splendor.
Also Read: Best Monsoon Destinations in Rajasthan
TEEJ FESTIVAL
Teej Festival, celebrated in Jaipur and Udaipur in early September, honors the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. Women adorn themselves in vibrant saris, perform traditional dances, and pray for marital bliss. A grand procession in Jaipur features the idol of Goddess Teej carried through the streets, making it a vibrant spectacle. Kajli Teej, celebrated in Bundi during August-September, holds a similar significance. Women pray to Goddess Parvati for a stable and happy marital life, dressing in traditional attire with henna, bangles, and new clothes. The festival, lasting seven days, features cultural songs, monsoon hymns, and a grand fair in Bundi. Kajari Teej, or Badi Teej, represents devotion and marital harmony, where women, both married and single, observe a fast, read the Kajari Teej Vrat Katha, and seek blessings from Goddess Parvati for a prosperous married life.
GANESH CHATURTHI
Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated across Rajasthan, with grand festivities in Jaipur and Udaipur, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. The 10-day festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada, typically in September, and is marked by the installation of elaborately decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. The celebration starts with the pranapratishtha, a ritual to invoke life in the idols, followed by shhodashopachara, 16 forms of worship, with offerings of coconut, jaggery, and Ganesha’s favorite sweet, modak. The mythology behind Ganesh Chaturthi recalls Ganesha’s creation by Goddess Parvati and his resurrection with an elephant’s head by Lord Shiva. The festival concludes with grand processions and the immersion of idols in rivers, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailas. Historically, it gained public prominence under Maratha ruler Shivaji and was revived by Bal Gangadhar Tilak during British rule to promote unity and nationalism. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural and religious celebration, bringing communities together.
RISHI PANCHAMI
Rishi Panchami is a significant Hindu festival observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), and in 2024, it will fall on September 8. Dedicated to the Saptarishis (the seven great sages: Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vashishtha), the day is primarily observed by women to purify themselves from any unintentional lapses in observing religious customs during menstruation, a practice associated with removing Rajaswala Dosha.The rituals involve fasting, ritual bathing, and worship of the Saptarishis. Women tie rakhi to their brothers in some communities, like the Maheshwari community, as part of Bhai Panchami traditions. Additionally, devotees offer prayers to nature, especially Tulsi plants and the Nagbali (serpent deity). This day signifies devotion, purity, and respect for ancient traditions, with observances widespread in northern India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar
RADHA ASHTAMI
Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti, is a revered Hindu festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna and an embodiment of pure love and devotion. This sacred day falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, 15 days after Janmashtami, typically in August or September. Radha Ashtami holds special significance in regions like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Rajasthan, particularly in Nathdwara, where Krishna devotion is deeply rooted. Devotees honor Radha Rani through fasting, prayers, and devotional singing, while temples are adorned with flowers and the idols of Radha and Krishna are beautifully decorated. Rituals include offering bhog, performing aarti, and chanting hymns like the Radha Gayatri Mantra. The festival emphasizes.Radha’s unwavering love for Krishna, symbolizing selfless dedication, and is believed to bring happiness, positivity, and prosperity to those who celebrate it. In Rajasthan, Radha Ashtami is marked by grand processions, devotional gatherings, and spiritual reflection, making it an important cultural and religious event.
RAMDEVRA FAIR
The Ramdevra Fair, held annually in Ramdevra near Jaisalmer from late August to early September, is a significant pilgrimage honoring Baba Ramdev, a revered saint considered a local deity with miraculous powers. Thousands of devotees, many walking barefoot, make their way to the Baba Ramdevji Temple, chanting hymns and offering prayers. Baba Ramdev, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is venerated for his spiritual teachings and commitment to social equality. The temple houses his samadhi (resting place), and the fair is marked by rituals such as aarti, devotional singing, and community prayers. The fair creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere, drawing both Hindus and Muslims, and is a cultural celebration of Rajasthan’s traditions, making it a key event in the region.
ANANT CHATURDASHI
Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Anant Chaudas, will be celebrated on September 19, 2024. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his infinite form, Shesha, the divine serpent, and coincides with the conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, particularly in regions like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. On this day, devotees immerse idols of Lord Ganesha in water, a ritual called Ganesh Visarjan, marking the deity’s return to his celestial abode.Devotees also perform the Anant Puja by tying a sacred thread, known as Anant Sutra, on their wrists, symbolizing Lord Vishnu’s infinite form and seeking protection and prosperity. According to a legend from the Mahabharata, the ritual promises safety and divine blessings, fostering an eternal bond with Lord Vishnu. Anant Chaturdashi symbolizes devotion, the removal of obstacles, and the acknowledgement of divine grace for a prosperous life.
ABHANERI FESTIVAL
The Abhaneri Festival is a cultural extravaganza celebrated annually in the village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan, near Dausa and about 95 km from Jaipur. Held between September 17th to 19th in 2024, the festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department to showcase the state’s rich traditions and heritage. The backdrop of the festivities is the historic Chand Baori stepwell and Harshat Mata Temple, both dating back to the 9th century.The festival includes mesmerizing performances of traditional folk dances such as Kalbelia (snake charmer dance), Ghoomar, and Kachhi Ghodi, as well as Langa singing and Bhawai—a dance where performers balance pots on their heads. Other attractions include puppet shows, camel cart rides, and handicraft exhibitions. The beautifully lit Chand Baori adds to the magical atmosphere of the event, immersing visitors in the cultural vibrancy of Rajasthan. The Abhaneri Festival provides an opportunity to explore Rajasthan’s artistic heritage while experiencing its spiritual ambiance. This event offers a chance to enjoy Rajasthani culture through folk performances, rural sports, and unique local handicrafts, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic cultural experience.
SANKASHTI CHATURTHI
Sankatahara Chaturthi, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi, is observed on the 4th lunar day after the Full Moon during Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon, every month. The word “Sankata” means problems, and “Hara” means removal, making this day significant for eliminating obstacles and difficulties. On this auspicious occasion, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped to seek his blessings for success and relief from hardships. According to mythology, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, and after a battle with Lord Shiva, Ganesha was resurrected with an elephant’s head, earning him the title of the remover of obstacles. The rituals of Sankatahara Chaturthi involve smashing coconuts, symbolizing the destruction of ego, illusion, and karma, which cause obstacles. Devotees also perform special prayers, install Ganesha idols, and observe fasting (Vrat) until moonrise, seeking spiritual and material progress.
Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural festivals in September provide a rich and immersive experience, blending spirituality, music, dance, and traditional celebrations. As the post-monsoon landscape turns scenic, these festivals become a reflection of Rajasthan’s deep-rooted heritage, making it an exciting time to visit. From religious observances to folk performances, the state comes alive with color and energy. The festivals showcase the diversity of Rajasthani culture, offering visitors a unique glimpse into local traditions, spirituality, and artistic expressions. September thus becomes a festive and culturally active month, perfect for experiencing Rajasthan’s rich cultural tapestry.
