Rajasthan Winter festival, celebrated in Mount Abu, is a cheerful event promoting a combination of regional culture and fun in an invigorating aura. The festival was initiated to provide a break from the monotony of the daily life through an ambience of celebration and festivity. This three day festival is organized in the last week of December by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board of Mount Abu. Mount Abu is a wondrous hill station offering a refreshing shelter from the scorching heat. However, during the event the place provides a beautiful essence of the regional cultural heritage amidst the mesmerizing natural beauty. The culture and lifestyle of the state can be beautifully experienced in the festival along with fun and frolic.
`Deepdaan` is a beautiful ceremony performed during this festival. During the ceremony, a number of lamps or Diyas are floated on the Nakki Lake. The magnificent lake lighted by the flames of numerous Diyas forms a visual treat. Local authorities organize colourful processions during the event which marks the initiation of Winter festival. The procession in fact begins from Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation`s Hotel Shikhar and advances towards Nakki Lake Chowk. The procession involves participation of enthusiastic local folks and folk artists hail not only from Rajasthan but also from other states like Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat to bestow vivid performances. Colourful attires of the artists make the performances even livelier.
Winter festival features a remarkable hospitality and warmth of the people hosting the event. During the festival skilled artists gather from different regions to showcase their talents through varied cultural performances. Folk as well as classical singers grace the event with their enchanting melodies. Exquisite dance forms of Rajasthan including Ghooomer, Gair and Daph form one of the most attractive features of the festival. Apart form cultural programs various sports also attract numerous tourists during the Winter festival of Mount Abu. Cricket matches are organized and rowing competitions are conducted in the lake. Other activities cherished in Winter festival include poetry reading, Gilli Danda, hot air ballooning, kite flying, skating race, tug of war between foreign tourists and domestic tourists, Panihari Matka race, musical chair race and many more. The exotic and picturesque destination of the festival enhances the enjoyment of Winter festival. At the final day of the festival dazzling fireworks illuminates the sky creating a majestic view.
