Jodhpur Events, Things to Do and Festivals

(Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India)

Each year in the city of Jodhpur, many exciting festivals and religious Hindu events take place, always drawing crowds and adding an air of excitement. The seasonal things to do often reflect the rich heritage of the Jodhpur region and its cultural traditions, with the Marwar Festival being amongst the area's biggest celebrations.

Held each year in either late September or early October (during the Indian month of Ashwin), the Marwar Festival remembers the main heroes and past rulers of Jodhpur and throughout Rajasthan, and lasts for around two days. Formerly named the Maand Festival, the Marwar features a series of enjoyable events, which include camel shows, folk music and dancing, being staged at venues such as both the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Jodhpur Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015: General Information

Other very important and popular events held within the Rajasthan area include:

• Bikaner Camel Festival - January, held close to Jodhpur, in Bikaner, next to the Junagarh Fort
• Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival - mid-January, a three-day family orientated event at the Polo Ground
• Republic Day - January 26th, a national holiday in Jodhpur and throughout India
• Jodhpur Nagaur Fair - January / February, one of the biggest fairs in the whole of India, with camel racing, juggling, costumed performers, animal markets and many further fun events suitable for all ages
• Shekhawati Festival - mid-February, takes place in nearby Nawalgarh, Shekhawati
• Jaisalmer Desert Festival - February, in the neighbouring city of Jaisalmer, with snake charming, acrobatics, fire dancing and all kinds of live entertainment, with an especially impressive backdrop
• Summer Festival - June, lasting three days and held on Mount Abu, nearby Jodhpur, with live music, boat racing on Lake Nakki and spectacular evening fireworks
• Gangaur Festival - July to August, one of Rajasthan's most colourful annual events, celebrated by those worshipping Lord Shiva's consort, Gauri
• Ganesh Chaturthi Festival - August / September, commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha and lasting some ten days
• Krishna Janmashtami - August / September, marking the birth of Krishna
• Independence Day - August 15th, national event, celebrating India's independence from the British in 1947
• Kota Dussehra (Vijayadashami) - October, with festivities in Jodhpur lasting two weeks and including colourful processions, bonfires and market stalls