Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Jaipur

While Ganguar is celebrated with much pageantry all over Rajasthan, it is especially festive in Jaipur. This important...

While Ganguar is celebrated with much pageantry all over Rajasthan, it is especially festive in Jaipur. This important event is held in honor of Gauri, the goddess of purity and abundance, and it provides a rare occasion when men and women can meet and talk freely. Many men even select their partners and elope during this two-day festival. Women, on the other hand, celebrate their patron goddess, sing songs for the men and cause lots of cheerful commotion.

Hours: Sun, Mar 25, 2012 Mon, Mar 26, 2012

People come from all over India to participate in the Banganga Fair, which takes place in Bairath, a historical township...

People come from all over India to participate in the Banganga Fair, which takes place in Bairath, a historical township near Jaipur. This is a time of cleansing for Hindu devotees, who bathe in the river and pay homage to holy sites. Others may participate in the song and dance that accompanies these traditional rituals. In addition, merry-go-rounds entertain children, and traders come to sell their goods, making it a great place to purchase a unique, commemorative souvenir.

Hours: Sun, Mar 25, 2012 Mon, Mar 26, 2012

This two-day event is similar to Ganguar, but rather focuses on married women, who pray to Shiva and Parvati for marital...

This two-day event is similar to Ganguar, but rather focuses on married women, who pray to Shiva and Parvati for marital bliss during the monsoon months of July and August. Clad in colorful costumes, women sing songs and proceed from the City Palace to the Old City. Swings are hung, decorated and enjoyed by all, while eight men parade a Palanquin of Parvati to onlookers, who come dressed in their finest for the occasion. It's a carefree, jubilant affair.

Hours: Sun, Jul 22, 2012 Mon, Jul 23, 2012

Commemorating the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, Dussehra is one of the most important Hindu events, as well as a...

Commemorating the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, Dussehra is one of the most important Hindu events, as well as a celebration of winter's emergence after a long, hot summer season. This three-day festival is a joyous celebration, with reenactments of Ram's triumph using fireworks. In the finale, effigies of Ravana are set aflame and a special puja, or Hindu prayer, is offered at the City Palace. There's no event in Jaipur comparable to the celebratory Dussehra Festival.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk Mon, Oct 22, 2012 Tue, Oct 23, 2012 Wed, Oct 24, 2012

Diwali, or the "Festival of Lights," celebrates the triumph of good over evil. As with most Indian festivals,...

Diwali, or the "Festival of Lights," celebrates the triumph of good over evil. As with most Indian festivals, Diwali is a religious event, marking the homecoming of good Lord Rama after a 14-year exile. Townsfolk welcomed him home by lighting earthen lamps. Thus today, all over Jaipur, homes are decorated with lights and candles, fireworks are ignited and markets compete for the best-decorated-market award. Visitors can take in the extravaganza by lighting a candle of their own.

Hours: Wed, Nov 14, 2012

Without a doubt, Pushkar is the largest camel fair in the world, boasting entertaining competitions, great bazaar...

Without a doubt, Pushkar is the largest camel fair in the world, boasting entertaining competitions, great bazaar shopping, plenty of musical entertainment, fun sporting events and camels as far as the eye can see. This popular yearly event takes place in Ajmer, located 100 km west of Jaipur. Locals travel here as a pilgrimage and to buy or trade camels, but tourists are also welcome to participate in this piece of Indian culture and tradition.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Tue, Nov 20, 2012 Wed, Nov 21, 2012 Thu, Nov 22, 2012 Fri, Nov 23, 2012 Sat, Nov 24, 2012 Sun, Nov 25, 2012 Mon, Nov 26, 2012 Tue, Nov 27, 2012 Wed, Nov 28, 2012

Every January, the Kite Festival, or Makar Sankranti, ushers in the sun's movement into the Northern Hemisphere. Heads...

Every January, the Kite Festival, or Makar Sankranti, ushers in the sun's movement into the Northern Hemisphere. Heads turn to the sky as kites nearly blot out the sun. Festivities begin at the Polo Grounds, where countless kites battle for dominance. Air Force helicopters unleash kites from above, while children release balloons from below. On the third day, kite competitions and a farewell dinner at the beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace draw the exciting celebration to a close.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk Sat, Jan 12, 2013 Sun, Jan 13, 2013 Mon, Jan 14, 2013

This annual event is held on the day of Holi --the Indian festival of colors -- and features elephants, a symbol of...

This annual event is held on the day of Holi --the Indian festival of colors -- and features elephants, a symbol of wealth and strength in India. A procession of elegantly groomed, gold-glittered elephants moves through the city, followed by folk dancers and townspeople. There are also elephant races, polo matches and an interesting tug-of-war match between elephants and men (two guesses at the usual winner!). This vibrant yearly festival is truly a sight to be seen.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk Tue, Mar 26, 2013

Coinciding with Ganguar, the Mewar Festival welcomes the advent of spring and is one of the biggest celebrations of the...

Coinciding with Ganguar, the Mewar Festival welcomes the advent of spring and is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The event takes place in Udaipur, located 50 km north of Jaipur, where a lively procession parades images of Igar through the city to Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Once there, the images are transferred to boats and offered to the lake amidst song, dance and, of course, fireworks. This three-day event is steeped in history and tradition.

Hours: Sun, Mar 25, 2012 Mon, Mar 26, 2012 Tue, Mar 27, 2012