Pushkar, Oct/Nov
Pushkar Camel Fair
Tens of thousands of camels, cattle and horses traded over a week, alongside camel races, a ferris wheel and a holy dip in Pushkar Lake — Rajasthan's best-known festival internationally.
The desert state's calendar of fairs
Festivals of Rajasthan
Rajasthan's festival calendar is built around its pastoral and desert economy — camel and cattle fairs that double as the year's biggest social and trading events, alongside royal-era celebrations that outlasted the monarchy itself.
Jaipur, statewide, Jul/Aug
Teej
A monsoon festival celebrating the goddess Parvati — Jaipur's Teej procession, with a decorated palanquin carried through the old city, is the state's largest.
Jaipur, statewide, Mar/Apr
Gangaur
An 18-day festival for married women and girls, honouring Gauri (Parvati) — the Jaipur procession is one of the most photographed events in the state.
Jaisalmer, Jan/Feb
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
Three days of camel races, turban-tying contests and folk music in the Sam sand dunes — the best-timed trip to pair with a desert safari.
Jodhpur, Sep/Oct
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur
A celebration of Marwar folk music and dance, held partly within Mehrangarh Fort itself — smaller and more local than Pushkar's fair.