Numerous festivals are celebrated throughout Rajasthan every year. Every single important event in Rajasthan is marked by Festivals and fairs in Rajasthan. The religious festivals have their origins in mythology, to mark off seasons or they are simply centered on some local deity or a hero. There are several cattle fairs that take place in Rajasthan. Several other festivals and fairs have been introduced by the Tourism Department to showcase the heritage of a region. The best part of these festivals is that they display the Rajasthan`s roots to the world. Inspite of all kinds of modernization this Indian state has been successful in sticking to its roots.

The festivals are usually marked by cultural entertainment, important trade events and intermingling with various aspects of the local lifestyles where the entire atmosphere is dazzlingly theatrical and lively. The list of festivals in Rajasthan include:-

Baneshwar Fair: Held in January or February it is mainly celebrated by the tribal people of Rajasthan, Bhills. People from neighboring states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also take part in this fair. During the festival the Shiva linga is worshipped and then a fair precedes. Baneshwar is another name for Lord Shiva.

Gangaur Festival: This is celebrated to mark the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri (Parvati). It is celebrated by both married and unmarried girls. In totality it is a 18-day festival and it ultimately finishes off with a grand procession in which Lord Shiva himself arrives to take his bride home.

Mahavir ji Fair: Held in the month of either March or April it is one of the biggest fairs of the Jain community in Rajasthan. Before people participate in the fair they offer their prayers at Mahavir ji Temple. According to legends the holy statue of Mahavirji was discovered by a cowherd on this day. Every year a celebration takes place to mark this day.

Desert Festival: This festival continues for three days. The folk songs and dances are performed during this festival. The events at stadium include a turban tying competition, camel races and acrobatics. It is generally held in the month January or February. Another spectacular event that takes place in Rajasthan is the Camel Festival and Elephant Festival.

Garib Nawaz Urs: It takes in the holy city of Ajmer. On this day the death anniversary of Moin-ud-din Chishti, a Sufi Saint. Devotees from far and wide visit the Dargah and offer chadars and other offerings.

Teej: It is mainly celebrated by the married women where they pray to the gods for the welfare of their families and husbands. In Jaipur it is a visual treat to watch the procession that is take out on this day. On this day the married women worship Teej Mata or goddess Parvati. Marwar festival is also an interesting event to watch out for.

Brij Festival: This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The well known Raslila is performed is performed on this day. It is celebrated just before Holi. Hence in a way it announces the coming of Holi. This too is a resplendent festival to watch. The most predominant factor in Brij Festival is colour. No one is spared from splashing colours. Other popular festivals in Rajasthan are Dussehra mela and Diwali.

There are hosts of fairs that are held in Rajasthan. These are Nagaur fair, Sheetla mata fair, Gogaji fair and Chandrabhaga Fair.