Tips for Foreign Tourists to Enjoy Festivals in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, with its vibrant culture, regal history, and colorful festivals, offers an unparalleled experience for foreign tourists. From the Pushkar Camel Fair to the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, the state's festivals provide a unique window into the traditions and spirit of its people. However, navigating these festivals as a foreign visitor can be challenging without proper preparation. To ensure an enriching and enjoyable experience, here are essential tips to keep in mind:

Plan Your Travel in Advance –

Rajasthan's festivals attract large numbers of tourists, both domestic and international. Popular events like the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival , and the Jaipur Literature Festival see hotels and accommodations fill up quickly. To avoid last-minute inconveniences, book your flights, trains, and accommodations well in advance. For major festivals, it’s advisable to plan at least three to six months ahead to secure good deals on hotels and ensure availability.

For festivals like the Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Festival, staying in heritage hotels or desert camps can add a unique touch to your experience. These tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is crucial.

Understand the Cultural Context - Rajasthan's festivals are deeply rooted in the state’s religious and cultural traditions. While they are a delight to experience, it’s important to be aware of their significance. For instance, festivals like Gangaur and Teej are dedicated to the goddess Parvati and revolve around women’s prayers for marital bliss. Similarly, Urs in Ajmer is a deeply spiritual event for Muslim devotees. Understanding the history and religious significance of these festivals can enhance your experience and ensure you engage respectfully.

Research the festival you plan to attend. Learn about its religious significance, customs, and rituals so that you can fully appreciate its importance.

Dress Appropriately - Rajasthan is a conservative region, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially during religious festivals. While it’s tempting to wear colorful attire during Holi or Teej, ensure your clothing covers your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or mosques. Women should consider wearing scarves or dupattas while attending religious ceremonies.

You can find traditional Rajasthani attire at local markets, and wearing these outfits during festivals can enhance your cultural experience. For instance, ‘ghagras’ (skirts) for women and turbans for men are popular at the Pushkar Fair.

Embrace the Local Cuisine - Festivals in Rajasthan often feature traditional Rajasthani foods, from dal baati churma to gatte ki sabzi. While indulging in the local cuisine is a must, foreign tourists should be cautious about where they eat. Street food can be tempting, but it may not always meet hygiene standards that your stomach is accustomed to. Opt for freshly cooked dishes from reputable stalls or restaurants to avoid digestive issues.

Carry digestive aids like antacids or probiotics and bottled water to stay safe from potential foodborne illnesses. If you’re participating in the Holi festival, be cautious about consuming bhang (an edible preparation made from cannabis).

Be Prepared for Crowds - Rajasthan’s festivals are grand affairs, often attended by thousands of people. Whether it’s the bustling markets during Diwali in Jaipur or the chaotic camel trading at the Pushkar Fair, you’ll encounter large crowds at most events. Be prepared for this, and ensure you safeguard your belongings, especially in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur.

Always carry a secure bag with zippers and keep your money, passport, and valuables close. Avoid carrying large sums of cash; instead, rely on cards or digital payments, which are widely accepted in most places.

Capture Moments, But Respect Privacy - Rajasthan’s festivals offer numerous photographic opportunities, from the vibrant costumes to colorful decorations and traditional rituals. While it's tempting to photograph everything, always ask for permission before taking close-up shots of people, especially women or religious ceremonies. Some locals may feel uncomfortable being photographed, particularly in sensitive environments like temples or shrines.

If you’re interested in photographing people or intimate moments of rituals, it’s polite to seek consent first. A friendly smile and respectful gesture go a long way in making your request acceptable.

Prepare for the Weather - Rajasthan experiences a desert climate, and depending on the season, the weather can vary dramatically. Most of the major festivals take place between October and March, during the cooler months, making it an ideal time for travel. However, desert nights can be quite chilly, especially during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in February. Conversely, if you attend festivals like Teej or Gangaur in the summer months, you’ll face scorching temperatures.

Dress in layers during the winter months to stay warm in the evenings. In the summer, wear light cotton clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the dry desert air.

Participate in Local Customs and Rituals - Many of Rajasthan’s festivals offer tourists the chance to actively participate in local customs. For instance, during Holi, you’ll find people inviting you to join in the celebrations with colors and water. Similarly, during the Pushkar Fair, you can participate in camel rides, or at the Desert Festival, you can join a turban-tying competition. Engaging in these activities provides a deeper connection to the festival and the local culture.

While it’s fun to join the festivities, always be respectful of customs. For example, avoid rowdy behavior during Holi celebrations and understand that for locals, these festivals hold cultural and spiritual significance.

Stay in Heritage Properties for an Immersive Experience - Rajasthan is renowned for its heritage hotels, many of which are converted from palaces and forts. Staying in one of these properties during a festival will enhance your experience by immersing you in the royal atmosphere of Rajasthan. Many of these hotels also organize special festival-themed events, such as traditional dinners, cultural performances, and folk music shows.

Look for heritage hotels in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer that offer special packages during festivals. These hotels often provide unique experiences, such as rooftop views of Diwali fireworks or traditional Holi celebrations.

Learn Basic Hindi Phrases - While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Hindi phrases can be extremely helpful, especially in smaller towns or during festivals where the crowds are predominantly local. Simple greetings, thanking people, and asking for directions in Hindi can go a long way in creating a positive rapport with locals.

Useful phrases include "Namaste" (Hello), "Dhanyavaad" (Thank you), and "Kitna hai?" (How much is it?). Learning how to bargain in Hindi can also enhance your shopping experience at local markets.

Respect Local Time Schedules and Etiquette - Festivals in Rajasthan often follow specific schedules, especially religious ones like Gangaur or Teej. Punctuality is crucial if you want to witness important rituals or processions. Arrive early to get a good view of processions and ceremonies, as these can attract large crowds.

Don’t expect Western standards of timeliness, as some events may start later than scheduled. Always maintain patience and enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace of life during festival times.

Ensure Safety During Celebrations - Festivals like Holi and Diwali can get wild, with large gatherings and firecrackers. While the excitement is contagious, foreign tourists should be mindful of safety. During Holi, avoid unfamiliar colors that may contain harmful chemicals, and during Diwali, be cautious around fireworks.

Buy organic, skin-safe colors for Holi, and avoid areas where fireworks are being lit if you’re unfamiliar with the local safety practices. It’s also advisable to carry a basic first aid kit for any minor injuries or accidents.

Travel Insurance Is a Must - It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, but it becomes especially important when attending large festivals. From health emergencies to lost baggage, travel insurance provides peace of mind. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses, accidents, and any potential cancellations due to unexpected circumstances.

If you plan to participate in adventure activities during festivals, such as camel safaris at the Pushkar Fair or dune bashing at the Desert Festival, make sure your insurance covers these activities.

Respect Local Traditions, Especially in Sacred Spaces - Many festivals in Rajasthan are linked to religious practices. Whether it’s the Urs Festival in Ajmer, where devotees pay respects at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, or the Gangaur Festival, where women worship Gauri, tourists should be mindful of local customs. When visiting sacred spaces, remove your shoes, cover your head if required, and avoid disruptive behaviour.

Always ask for guidance if you're unsure about what’s considered appropriate behavior in religious settings. Rajasthanis are generally warm and welcoming, and they'll appreciate your efforts to respect their traditions.

Rajasthan’s festivals are a mesmerizing blend of culture, color, and community spirit, offering foreign tourists a unique and unforgettable experience. By planning ahead, dressing appropriately, respecting local customs, and staying mindful of safety, you can immerse yourself in the joyous celebrations while gaining a deeper understanding of Rajasthani heritage.