Festivals are joyous occasions celebrated by one and all in the community
India is a land of festivals. Each and every state has festivals that are unique to the land. In Jaipur as well there are a few important festivals. All other Hindu festivals are observed in Rajasthan.
Teej Festival
This festival is celebrated in August. It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. In accordance with that married women, pray for marital bliss and for the long life of their husbands. A beautiful procession marks the occasion. The idol of Teej adorned in fine jewellery and brilliant attire heads the procession in a palanquin.
Fairs and Other Events
Kite Festival
Celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti on January 14 th , the kite festival transforms the blue sky to a brilliant kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and patterns. An extension of this, the Desert Kite Festival is celebrated in Jaipur every five years. Huge kites line the sky, carrying a social message, caricatures of famous people etc.
Gangaur Festival
Celebrated a fortnight after Holi, this festival falls in the month of March or April. One of the most important festival in Rajasthan, it is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. Festivities continue for eighteen days, where married ladies pray to the goddess for marital bliss and happiness. Colorful processions through the city mark this festival. Horses, elephants all accompany the palanquin carrying the idols of Gan or Lord Shiva and Gaur or Goddess Parvati.
Elephant Festival
Introduced by Rajasthan Tourism as a means to promote cultural tourism in the state, this festival has traditionally been attracting large crowds. Celebrated in March every year, beautifully decorated elephants march in a grand procession during the festival. The elephants participate in various events like pet races, polo etc.