Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 3 months ago
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” hosts several vibrant festivals and events throughout the year that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the key festivals and events in Udaipur along with relevant details for first-time visitors:
1. Mewar Festival
When: March-April (Coinciding with Gangaur Festival)
Duration: 3 days
Description: Celebrating the arrival of spring, the Mewar Festival is one of the most important events in Udaipur. It features processions of beautifully adorned idols of Isar and Gangaur, traditional dances, songs, and cultural performances.
Highlights: Processions starting from the City Palace, immersion of idols in Lake Pichola, fireworks, and folk music.
Tips: Visit Gangaur Ghat for the best views of the processions and immerse yourself in local festivities.
2. Shilpgram Utsav
When: December 21-30
Duration: 10 days
Description: Held at the Shilpgram, a rural arts and crafts complex, this festival showcases the traditional arts, crafts, and culture of Rajasthan and other Indian states.
Highlights: Handicrafts exhibition, folk performances, traditional food stalls, and workshops.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and explore the various stalls and performances at leisure.
3. Udaipur World Music Festival
When: February
Duration: 3 days
Description: This annual festival features artists and musicians from around the world, performing various genres of music.
Highlights: Live music performances at different venues across the city, including Fateh Sagar Lake, Gandhi Ground, and other scenic spots.
Tips: Check the festival schedule in advance and plan your visit to different venues to enjoy diverse musical performances.
4. Diwali
When: October-November (Based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
Duration: 5 days
Description: The festival of lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Udaipur. The city is beautifully illuminated with lights, lamps, and fireworks.
Highlights: Festive decorations, Diwali markets, traditional sweets, and fireworks.
Tips: Explore the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, which are beautifully lit up during Diwali. Participate in local customs and enjoy festive treats.
5. Holi
When: March (Based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
Duration: 2 days
Description: The festival of colors is celebrated with fervor in Udaipur. The celebrations include a bonfire on the first day (Holika Dahan) and playing with colors on the second day.
Highlights: Holika Dahan near the City Palace, color-throwing celebrations at Jagdish Temple and other public areas.
Tips: Wear old clothes and protect your eyes and skin. Participate in public celebrations for an authentic experience.
6. Rang Yatra
When: March (Coinciding with Holi)
Duration: 1 day
Description: A unique festival celebrated a day before Holi, involving a procession with a parade of decorated horses and elephants, traditional music, and dance.
Highlights: Procession from the City Palace to Jagdish Temple, performances by local artists.
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the procession and performances.
7. Hariyali Amavasya Mela
When: July-August (Amavasya or new moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan)
Duration: 2 days
Description: This festival marks the onset of the monsoon season. A fair is held at the Fateh Sagar Lake area.
Highlights: Folk performances, traditional games, and local food stalls.
Tips: Enjoy the lush green surroundings of Fateh Sagar Lake and the festive atmosphere of the fair.
8. Navratri and Dussehra
When: September-October (Based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
Duration: 10 days
Description: Celebrating the victory of good over evil, Navratri involves nine nights of dance and music, followed by Dussehra on the tenth day.
Highlights: Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, Ramlila performances, and the burning of effigies of Ravana.
Tips: Participate in Garba and Dandiya Raas dances at various venues and witness the Dussehra celebrations at the local grounds.
9. Udaipur Light Festival
When: Diwali (October-November)
Duration: 1 day
Description: A modern festival featuring music, dance, and food, organized to celebrate Diwali.
Highlights: Live music performances, DJ nights, food stalls, and lantern releases.
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance and join the festivities for a contemporary celebration of Diwali.
10. Jagannath Rath Yatra
When: June-July (Based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
Duration: 1 day
Description: A chariot festival celebrating Lord Jagannath, with a grand procession of the deity’s idols.
Highlights: Procession starting from the Jagdish Temple, traditional music, and dance.
Tips: Join the procession early to experience the vibrant cultural and religious fervor.
These festivals and events offer a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences, allowing first-time visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Udaipur.
Subhash Staff answered 3 weeks ago
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” hosts a variety of vibrant festivals that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Udaipur:
1. Mewar Festival
When: March-April (coincides with Gangaur)
About: This festival marks the onset of spring and is one of the most important festivals in Udaipur. It’s celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by women, who dress in colorful traditional attire and carry idols of Goddess Gauri for processions.
Key Highlights: The festival includes processions, folk music and dance performances, fireworks, and ceremonies on the banks of Lake Pichola, followed by the immersion of idols in the lake.
2. Shilpgram Utsav
When: December
About: Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex near Udaipur, and this festival showcases the artistic talent of rural artisans from Rajasthan, as well as other states of India.
Key Highlights: A vibrant display of folk dances, craft stalls, and performances. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to experience rural life, buy traditional handicrafts, and enjoy live performances.
3. Holi (The Festival of Colors)
When: March (Phalguna month)
About: Holi is widely celebrated across Udaipur with much enthusiasm. The royal family plays a major role in celebrating the festival, especially with the traditional “Holika Dahan” ceremony in the City Palace.
Key Highlights: The burning of the Holika effigy, colorful powders, water games, traditional music, and dancing.
4. Diwali (Festival of Lights)
When: October-November
About: Diwali is celebrated with grandeur in Udaipur, like in the rest of India. Homes and streets are decorated with lights, diyas (oil lamps), and colorful rangoli.
Key Highlights: Firework displays, traditional sweets, shopping fairs, and temple visits.
5. Gangaur Festival
When: March-April
About: This is a festival dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), and women pray for marital bliss and prosperity. The celebration lasts 18 days, starting the day after Holi.
Key Highlights: Women dress in traditional attire, carry beautifully adorned idols of Gauri in processions through the city, and immerse them in Lake Pichola, accompanied by folk music and dance.
6. Rang Yatra
When: A day after Holi
About: An extension of the Holi celebrations, this event features colorful processions and the participation of the royal family, local people, and tourists.
Key Highlights: Participants throw colors at each other and celebrate with music, dancing, and feasting.
7. Hariyali Amavasya
When: July-August (Shravana month)
About: This festival marks the arrival of the monsoon season and the greenery it brings. It’s primarily celebrated with fairs in Udaipur.
Key Highlights: People enjoy the fair with rides, games, traditional performances, and local delicacies.
These festivals offer a great way to experience Udaipur’s vibrant culture and traditions!