Mewar Festival
Duration: Three days
Period: During the months of March and April
Significance: Onset of the spring season
Main Attractions: Cultural fair, grand procession, cultural performances, crafts market
Nearest Airport: Udaipur Domestic Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur Railway Station
The desert lands of Rajasthan are a fertile ground for origination of varied range of festivals and fairs that are celebrated here with great passion and gusto. The colorful culture of this land is decked with various festivals that celebrate religious occasions, courageous deeds of their heroes, and change of season. There is no dearth of occasions that have become a reason of celebration for the warm and friendly people of Rajasthan. The Mewar Festival is one such joyous festival celebrated to welcome the advent of spring in this otherwise simmering land. This spectacular festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in the pristine lake city of Udaipur. The festival is observed during the months of March and April, which is a great time to visit this magnificent historical city of Udaipur.
The festivities and exuberance of this festival increases manifolds as its celebrations coincide with the Gangaur Festival, which is celebrated throughout Rajasthan with great devotion and zeal. The festivities of these two occasions are completely intermingled with each other, which make the celebrations even more enchanting for a novice tourist. The marvelous Mewar Festival paints the monumental and romantic city of Udaipur in such intriguing shades of rejoicing that it becomes an absolute visual delight for the spectators. The traditional Rajasthani songs, energetic dances, colorful processions, devotional music and fireworks make this festival a must attend event for travelers from across the world and within India as well.
History
The region of Mewar has always been a significant part of ancient Rajputana and a Rajput stronghold as well. The region displays creative instincts of its brave rulers in the form of various impressive palaces and forts built by them. Mewar is placed among the mountains of Aravali due to which this region is much cooler in temperature, compared to the rest of the state. The mesmerizing city of Udaipur has always been the Crown Jewel of the Mewar Kingdom, ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for almost 1200 years. The foundation of this city was laid by Maharana Udai Singh on the banks of Lake Pichola in 1599 AD. The Mewar Festival celebrated in this city is one of the most significant festivals of Rajasthan and a great opportunity for travelers to understand the traditions and culture of this region.
Celebrations
Along with celebrating the advent of spring in Rajasthan, the festival also rejoices the unison of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Gana and Gauri. The main highlight of the festival is the enigmatic and grand procession that is taken out on the final day of the three-day long carnival. Women decorate the idols of Isar as well as Gauri. The procession commences with singers and dancers enthusiastically leading the parade through various streets of the city. Women dressed in colorful attire and traditional jewelry form the larger part of the procession. The procession culminates on the banks of Lake Pichola, from where the idols of the main deities are transferred aboard the beautifully festooned boats. This majestic boat procession is taken out in boats on the azure waters of Lake Pichola.
During the three days of festivities, various cultural events are organized throughout the city and on the banks of the lake as well. One can enjoy various folk songs and dances performed by local artists at these events. These cultural shows are great places to interact with the local people of the city. The most awaited event aside from the religious aspect is the lighting of the fireworks on the banks of the pristine Lake Pichola. The spectacular fireworks are lit on the final evening of the festival. These celebrations make this festival extremely unique and wonderful.
How to Reach
The city of Udaipur is one of the most visited tourist destinations of India and thus, is well connected with the rest of Rajasthan and country with the following modes of transportation.
By Air
The city has its own domestic airport, placed 22 km from the city center. The airport has daily connectivity with flights from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Aurangabad and Delhi. Prepaid taxis are available from there to reach the city.
By Train
Udaipur Railway Station is a regular stopover for various trains from in and around Rajasthan, which includes trains from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh etc.
By Road
Udaipur Bus Stand has regular bus services that connect it with Delhi, Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Indore, Kota, Ajmer, Ahmedabad and Mt. Abu.
