Do you want to experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan? The Mewar Festival in Udaipur is the perfect event. Celebrated in spring, it brings joy and happiness to the city of lakes. Udaipur transforms with bright colours and lively decorations to welcome everyone. This festival marks the arrival of spring. The gardens are full of colourful flowers, making the city a sight to behold. It's a time when age-old Rajput traditions come to life. Visitors can enjoy Rajput hospitality and hear the phrase 'Padharo Mhare Des', a warm welcome in Rajputana style.
The festival draws people from many villages. Udaipur buzzes with excitement as artists and tourists arrive. The Mewar Festival happens alongside the Gangaur Festival, adding to the city's festive atmosphere. Bright lights and decorations fill the local markets. The festival honours the Royal House of Mewar's history, a tradition going back over 75 years.
Mewar Festival 2024 Date, Venue, & Tickets
Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan organises three-day Mewar Festival, also known as Gangaur Festival in association with Udaipur District Administration. This charming festival is held in the Hindu month of Chaitra or March or April, which coincides with the festival of colours Holi. A variety of functions and activities are held during the festival and multiple venues simultaneously. The entry to this festival is open for all and no tickets are charged from the visitors.
History Of Mewar Festival
The history of this iconic festival dates back to the era when the Sisodia dynasty used to rule Udaipur and nearby Mewar region. According to the historical records, Maharana Udai Singh once met a holy man during one of his hunting expeditions. It is believed that upon meeting the king, the holy man blessed the king and also advised him to build a palace at that place. The king readily agreed and as per the instructions of the saint, founded the city and built a palace in this region.
Major Attractions Of Mewar Festival 2024
Udaipur attracts thousands of tourists every year. The city is peppered with lakes and other water bodies, verdant parks and gardens, magnificent forts and palaces, museums, dance, music, and more that is the major attraction for the tourists coming here. During the Mewar Festival, the whole city is drenched in light and comes alive with interesting activities. Here are a few attractions that make the Mewar Festival a must-visit event in Rajasthan.
1. Magnificent Gangaur Procession
As the Mewar Festival coincides with the Gangaur Festival, it holds a special significance for women. Gangaur celebrations start from the very next day of Holi as the locals gather the ashes of Holi fire which is then used to bury Barley seeds on the Earth.
During this period, the newly married women are also required to keep a fast for ensuring a happy married life. However, a great number of unmarried women also keep a fast with the desire to attain marital bliss in the future.
On the day of Gangaur, the women dress in their most sophisticated and fine clothing and take the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a colourful procession to Lake Pichola where the idols are safely further carried on in special boats. Witnessing several colourful boats sailing on azure water is a moment worth cherishing.
2. Folk Dance Performances
The procession of the Mewar Festival is then followed by a number of cultural events which are inclusive of dance performances of Ghoomar and Kalbeliya. When Rajasthani women twirl gracefully in their colourful ghaghra odhni, the view is truly breathtakingly beautiful. Visitors are forced to tap their feet to the melodious beats.
3. Folk Music
Rajasthani folk artists sing their traditional songs based on classical tunes and welcome the tourists to the land of royalty with their peculiar performances. Amazing renditions of maand, like Kesariya baalam aao ni, padharo mhare des, moomal, chirmi, gangaur, and more are a delight to hear. The music is so heart touching that it transports you to a world of your dreams.
4. Rangoli
Beautiful and colourful rangolis are drawn in the front of houses and shops. Rangoli is considered to be very auspicious and as such it can be commonly seen during the festival.
5. Lighting
Shops, homes, historical monuments, palaces, forts, etc., shines with beautiful lights. Bazaars are also decorated with colourful lights. It seems everyone is excited to welcome the Spring season, the season of renewal.
6. Concerts
Concerts are also organised during Mewar Festival where some well-known and some budding artists display their musical skills. Most of these concerts are organised against the beautiful backdrop of shining and lighted-up forts and palaces.
7. Impressive Firework Display
At the end of the three-day festival, one gets to watch an impressive display of fireworks.
How To Reach Udaipur For Mewar Festival
Udaipur is a popular city and occupies a prominent position on the World Tourism Map. It attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is easy to access using different modes of transport. Here, we bring you details that can help you decide the best way of reaching here and enjoy the magnificent and truly glorious Mewar Festival.
- Nearest Major City. Jaipur
- Nearest Airport. Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok
- Nearest Rail Base. Udaipur City Railway Station
- Distance From Jaipur. 393.5 Km
By Air
Deboard at the Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) situated 25-35 km away. The airport is well-routed with other Indian cities via several prominent airlines. From the airport, take a taxi or some other means of locally available means of transport like an auto-rickshaw to reach here.
- Distance From The Airport. 20.1 Km
By Train
There are two railway stations available; one is Udaipur City Railway station and Rana Pratap Nagar railway station. You get smooth connectivity with the major cities across India like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Indore, and many more.
- Distance From Udaipur City Railway Station. 3.6 Km
- Distance From Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station. 2 Km
By Road
Udaipur is well-connected by roadways and national highways to other Indian cities. To travel here, you can consider travelling here by private/state-run buses. Otherwise, you can also consider booking a taxi to reach here from nearby cities and towns or take your own vehicle here.
- Distance From Kumbhalgarh. 84.1 Km
- Distance From Nathdwara. 45.6 Km
- Distance From Ajmer. 264.4 Km
- Distance From Pushkar. 279.1 Km
- Distance From Jaipur. 393.5 Km
- Distance From Jodhpur. 250.5 Km
- Distance From Ahmedabad. 266.7 Km
- Distance From Indore. 409.3 Km
- Distance From Kota. 282.2 Km
- Distance From Delhi. 663 Km
- Distance From Mumbai. 761 Km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1799 Km
- Distance From Bangalore. 1646 Km
Conclusion
The Mewar Festival is a fantastic opportunity to dive into Rajasthan's rich culture. It's a time of vibrant colours, traditional music, and dance. The festival is not just a celebration of spring but a showcase of Udaipur's heritage. Tourists can explore the decorated markets, enjoy local delicacies, and experience the warmth of Rajasthani hospitality. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Rajasthan.
Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.
With Adotrip, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mewar Festival 2024
Ques 1. Why is the Mewar Festival celebrated?
Ans 1. Mewar Festival is celebrated with a lot of gusto and excitement to welcome the onset of the Spring season. The festival is the best time to experience the rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage of the Mewar region. The city comes alive with a brighter and vibrant look, attracting thousands of visitors.
Ques 2. When is the Mewar Festival celebrated?
Ans 2. This charming festival is held in the Hindu month of Chaitra or March or April, which coincides with the festival of colours Holi. You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
Ques 3. What are the key highlights of the Mewar Festival?
Ans 3. The Mewar Festival's highlights include traditional Rajasthani dances, music, and processions. The city of Udaipur gets adorned with lights and decorations. The festival also features a unique boat procession on the lake and the crowning of the Mewar Queen.
Ques 4. What can tourists do during the Mewar Festival?
Ans 4. Tourists can watch folk performances, participate in cultural events, and enjoy boat rides on Udaipur's lakes. Exploring the decorated markets and trying local cuisine are also popular activities. Visitors can witness the traditional rituals and get a taste of the local lifestyle.
Ques 5. Is the Mewar Festival suitable for families?
Ans 5. Yes, the Mewar Festival is a family-friendly event. It offers activities and sights that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The festival's safe and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for families to experience the culture and traditions of Rajasthan together.