Rajasthan Festivals Archives - Tourism Rajasthan

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Teej and Gangaur: Rajasthan’s Festivals of Colour and Devotion

November 9, 2026 No Comments

Teej and Gangaur are two of Rajasthan’s most colourful festivals, both celebrated mainly by women. Songs, swings, new clothes, henna and processions fill the streets, and the rituals are rooted in devotion to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Dates depend on the lunar calendar, so check them every year.

Gangaur

Gangaur is celebrated in the Chaitra month, usually in March or April, soon after Holi. It honours Gauri, another form of Parvati, and Isar, an affectionate name for Shiva.

What happens: Women and girls pray for a happy married life or a good husband, dress in bright clothes and decorate clay images of Gauri and Isar.
Processions: On the final days, images are carried through the streets with music and dance. In Jaipur, the procession usually passes near the City Palace and the old city. In Udaipur, boat processions on Lake Pichola are a highlight. Bikaner and Jaisalmer also hold their own celebrations.

Teej

Teej is linked to the monsoon, in the month of Shravan, and is often called Hariyali Teej. The green landscape inspires the theme of the festival.

Swings: Decorated swings are hung from trees and balconies, and women sing songs as they swing.
Dress and henna: Green clothes, bangles and henna designs are popular.
Food: Sweets such as ghewar are especially associated with the season.
Processions: Jaipur is known for its Teej procession, which features decorated elephants and folk performers, though arrangements can vary.

How to Enjoy the Festivals Respectfully

Ask before taking photographs, especially of women and during rituals.
Dress modestly and follow local customs.
Arrive early for processions, because streets get crowded.
Keep your belongings safe in crowds.
Support local artisans by buying handmade bangles, textiles and sweets.

Where to Go

Jaipur: For large street processions.
Udaipur: For lakeside Gangaur celebrations.
Bikaner and Jaisalmer: For desert-style celebrations.

Read our Hindi article on गणगौर और तीज for more on traditions, and our Jaipur guide and Udaipur guide for trip planning. For the best time to travel, see our season guide.

Camel Festival in Bikaner and Desert Festival in Jaisalmer: What to Expect

November 7, 2026 No Comments

Every winter, Rajasthan’s desert towns host two lively festivals that celebrate camels, folk music and desert culture. The Camel Festival in Bikaner and the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer are different in flavour, and many travellers try to visit at least one. Dates change every year, so always confirm them with the state tourism department before booking.

Camel Festival, Bikaner

Held in January, this festival is organised around the camel, which has been central to desert life for centuries. The setting is Bikaner’s sandy grounds and the backdrop of the old fort.

Decorated camels: Animals wear colourful ornaments and are judged on grooming and style.
Races and dances: You can watch camel races, camel dances and sometimes even camel polo.
Fur-cutting art: Local artists shape designs in camel fur, a skill you rarely see elsewhere.
Folk performances: Music and dance from the region take place in the evening.

Bikaner is also home to a well-known research centre on camels, and its fort and old haveli district make the city a worthwhile stop in itself. Read more about the fort in our Hindi guide to Junagarh Fort.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

Usually held in February, this festival brings colour to the Golden City. Events take place near the fort and at the Sam sand dunes, which glow at sunset.

Turban-tying and moustache contests, which are great fun to watch.
Folk music and dance, including performers from desert communities.
Camel rides and tug-of-war, along with cultural parades.
A night on the dunes, where the festival often ends with music and a starlit sky.

For more on the city, read our Jaisalmer guide.

Tips for Visiting

Book early. Hotels fill up quickly in festival weeks.
Confirm the dates. They are set each year, and schedules can change.
Dress warmly. Evenings in the desert are cold in winter.
Treat the animals kindly. Avoid rides that look tiring for the camel.
Respect local customs and ask before photographing people.
Carry some cash, because card acceptance is patchy in smaller towns.

Other Festivals

If you enjoy festivals, also read about the Pushkar Camel Fair and the monsoon traditions in Teej and Gangaur. For general planning, see our season guide.