Fairs & Festivals
Makar
Sankranti
The festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This has now become
the festival of kite-flying which does not spare the soaring spirits of anyone
in Jaipur. The devoted ones, however, take a holy dip in the kund at Galtaji.
The traditional sweet associated with it is Phirni, made in abundance by the
halwais of Jaipur
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Gangaur
tYoung girls and newly married women praying for their loved one or husband
respectively, offer prayers to Goddess Parvati in spring (March-April). A
colourful procession follows the silver and gold palanquins of Goddess Parvati
brought out from the City Palace. Ghever, the traditional sweet associated
with this festival is prepared all over the city.
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Elephant
Festival
This festival is held on the day of Holi, the festival of colours, at the
Chaughan stadium. Beautifully decorated and caparisoned elephants assemble
to participate in the royal procession. Elephant polo, elephant race,elephant
tug-of-war with a few tourist and holi on elephant back are some of the exciting
events.
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Teej
To celebrate the advent of the monsoon, girls and young women dressed in colourful
leharia sarees or costumes, sing songs and offer puja to goddess parvati,
and pray for conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession comes out
of the City Palace for two consecutive days. Villagers come to watch it in
large numbers and buy knick-knacks from the stalls on the footpaths of the
main bazars.
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Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated by staging Ramlila in different parts of the city and
cuminating in the ceremonial burning of the giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran
and Meghnath, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King, and victory
of Good over Evil. A mela is organised at Amer and thousands of devotees visit
the templeof Shila Mataji situated there. Special puja is offered by the former
Maharaja in the City Palace amidst traditional fanfare. Durga Puja is celebrated
in several community pandals for four days by the large Bengali population in
the city.
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Diwali
Celebrated every year in October- November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular
of all Indian festivals. The origin of this festival can be traced back to
the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returend to this kingdom Ayodhya
after 14 years of exile. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen
lamps ) to celebrate his return. To date, on Diwali day, houses all over India
glow with the twinkle of innumerable divas, candles and electric lights. The
night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic
design against the black canvas of the sky. During the Diwali celebration
decoration and lighting is done throughout the walled Pink City, with every
market competing with the others to pick-up the best decorated market award.
There are special prizes for the best decorated individual buildings as well.
Most people prefer walking through the street to enjoy this dazzling extravanganza.
