Jodphur, like the rest of the country, likes to party and there are numerous festivals and holidays held throughout the year. Below are a few of the more popular ones in Jodphur itself as well as locations nearby. As with many festivals, holidays and fairs, they are often celebrated according to the different moon phases so the actual time/s of the event/ can change from one year to the next. Due to this, the information below is intended as a guide only and if you want to attend any you are advised to check on the dates before you travel.

Camel Festival, Bikaner (January) This enchanting desert city comes alive with music, dance and camel races. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor has an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camels, camel races and participate or watch local dance performances.

Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (January/February) is essentially a cattle fair, that provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.

Kite Festival (14th January) A festival with a difference - as kites take to the sky all over Rajasthan. In the evening, kites with lights in them and fireworks brighten the skies above. The main celebrations are in Jaipur and Jodhpur. If you like kite flying, you should be here at this time.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (January/February) One of the most popular of all festivals it is a journey into the heart of the desert, to the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. This is one event that is highly recommended. Be there!

Baneshwar Fair, Baneshwar (January/February) This religious festival has traditional rituals and is the centre of attraction of a large number of tribes from the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

Holi is the most popular of the seasonal festivals and normally falls in the month of March. This festival is held over two days; on the first day, at night 'Holika', the witch is burnt in a big bonfire signifying the end of winter and beginning of new year. On the second day people splash colours or coloured powder on their friends and relatives.

Gangaur dedicated to the goddess Parvati, is held for a period of fifteen days following Holi and is mainly celebrated by women. Married women invoke her blessings for material happiness; while unmarried girls pray to her, to be granted ideal husbands. Colourful wooden images of goddess are worshipped in each home. The procession of the wooden image of Gauri (Parvati) is taken through the streets of Jodhpur. At night ladies apply henna to their palms and soles as an indication of their sohaag (happy married life).

Nav Sati held in (March/April) at Ban Ganga in Bifara Tehsil, Jodhpur attracts thousands of people. It is organized in the memory of nine women, who had committed sati (an ancient custom of sacrificing ones life at the funeral pyre of the husband) at this place. A dip in Banganga River is a must, before participating in the fair. The villagers later gather in groups arid enjoy themselves in singing and dancing to the beat of the drums.

Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March/April) This festival celebrates Holi and is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephant sports/shows (such as elephant polo) and also join in on this festival of colours.

Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar) Held in memory of the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organized to mark the festivals which are always popular with locals and visitors alike.

Summer Festival, Mt.Abu (June) Organized in the only hill station of Rajasthan, the coldest place at this time of the year, folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and visitors are welcome and have ample time to relax and enjoy themselves.

Veerpuri Fair held on the last Monday of Shravan (July/August) in the beautiful garden at Mandore celebrates the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan, whose images are installed in a gallery known as hall of heroes. People from all communities gather here in their traditional colourful attire. They offer cash, coconuts or sweets to the images of Ganesh, Bhairav, Chamunda etc.

Teej Festival, Jaipur (July/August) This festival marks the advent of the wet monsoon. Women dress in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails. Essentially a women's festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying themselves in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.

Nag Panchami (August/September) is celebrated in honour of the Serpent King, Cobra (Naga). This fair is held on Bhadtapada Budi Panchami of every year. People of all communities participate and gather and snake charmers and their cobras are worshiped especially by women. Huge effigies of the mythical serpent are displayed during the fair. The panorama during this festival is very colourful and eye-catching.

Dussehra Festival, Kota (October) Dussehra means the Tenth Day, and is the 10th day of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana. It’s not the most exciting festival spectator wise, but can prove fun if you meet up with the right crowd.