As the New Year dawns, Rajasthan readies for a host of festivals which are a part of life in India’s colourful desert state. These festivals hold an unusual lure not only for the Rajasthanis, but also for tourists from around the world. The famous Rajasthan festivals that welcome the New Year are the Desert Festival, the Nagaur Cattle Fair and the Beneshwar Fair.
One of the most awaited celebrations is the three-day Desert Festival held in Jaisalmer. Held annually during the months of January/February, the Desert Festival ends on Poornima, the full moon day. This year, the festival will be held from January 28-30.
The usually quiet Jaisalmer desert springs to life with villagers arriving from in and around to celebrate the festival. Organised by the Department of Tourism, the Desert Festival displays the rich and colourful culture of the state. Dressed in vibrant and colourful attire, Rajasthani men and women dance to the lingering tunes of ballads of heroism, romance and tragedy of the local heroes. The festival also showcases the performing arts of the region. Ghair and Ghoomar dancers in colourful swirling skirts and tie and dye dupattas are a wonderful sight. Bedecked camels trek across the sands of this desert citadel and camel polo and camel dances are popular events on the occasion.
The desert festival is also a musical treat and musicians and renowned artists vie to display their skills. The crowds enjoy the amusing turban tying and longest moustache competitions. Snake charmers, puppeteers and acrobats hold people spellbound with their antics. Tug of war and Panihari Matka race are thrilling events in which visitors can participate.
The airport nearest to Jaisalmer is in Jodhpur, 300 km away. From there, one can hire a cab or take a bus or train to Jaisalmer.
The next occasion to celebrate is the eight-day Nagaur Fair or Ramdeoji Cattle Fair. Being held this year from January 22-25, this annual cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and draws huge crowds of tourists. The picturesque Nagaur township located between Jodhpur and Bikaner turns into a virtual a sea of animals. Over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses are traded here every year.
Not only are the camels, cattle and horses lavishly decorated, but their owners too dress up for the occasion in colourful and beautiful traditional attire. Sporting colourful turbans and long moustaches, the traders vie to buy high pedigree animals. The Nagaur bullocks are among the best in the country.
Other attractions include the ‘mirchi’ (red chilly) bazaar, wood and iron craft and camel leather accessories, sports like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cockfights; jugglers, puppeteers, storytellers and exciting evening campfires. Nagaur is well connected to the major cities by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jodhpur, about 135 km away.
Another January celebration is the annual Beneshwar Fair in Dungarpur in the south of Rajasthan.. Falling this year during January 26-30, 2010, Beneshwar is the biggest tribal fair in the country. Held in the honour of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and Lord Vishnu, the fair attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the region. Bhils, a tribal community of Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara constitute the major part of the gathering.
The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the Rivers Som and Mahi. After the religious rites are performed in the temple of Baneshwar Mahadev, the Bhils gather around to sing traditional folk songs. Local people also participate in the fair and entertainment includes folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatics.
The fair site is about 6 km from Sabla, a village on the Udaipur-Banswar-Dungarpur bus route, which, in turn, is 123 km from Udaipur. Buses go right up to the bank of the River Som during the fair.