A Guide to Udaipur’s Festivals: From Mewar to Shilpgram

Experience Udaipur's vibrant festivals, from Mewar’s grandeur to Shilpgram’s artistry. Explore Rajasthan’s lively traditions firsthand.

3 min

Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," isn’t just famous for its scenic beauty and royal palaces; it’s also a vibrant cultural hub in Rajasthan, hosting a series of spectacular festivals. From the grand Mewar Festival celebrating spring to the culturally immersive Shilpgram Festival that showcases Rajasthan’s traditional arts, these events offer travelers a unique way to experience Udaipur’s rich heritage.

1. Mewar Festival

When: March-April (around the time of Gangaur)
Highlights: Colorful processions, traditional music, folk dances, and cultural performances.

The Mewar Festival is an annual celebration welcoming spring and is especially significant for the women of Rajasthan, who honor the goddess Gauri during Gangaur. This festival, celebrated with great fervor, includes vibrant processions, decorated idols, folk music, and dances, culminating in an idol immersion ceremony at Lake Pichola. Travelers can enjoy a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani culture with spectacular performances and artisan displays.

Traveler Tip: Visit early in the day to explore the colorful street processions. Remember to check for timings as they can vary.
Entrance Fee: Free (for most activities, though some events may have entry fees).
Best Spot to Watch: Gangaur Ghat, where most festivities take place.

2. Shilpgram Festival

When: December (usually from 21st to 30th)
Highlights: Handicraft exhibitions, folk music, dance performances, and workshops.

The Shilpgram Festival is a grand cultural fair that takes place at the Shilpgram complex, a crafts village located on the outskirts of Udaipur. This ten-day event showcases Rajasthani craftsmanship, providing a platform for artisans from across the state to display and sell their unique creations, from pottery to textiles. Visitors can witness artisans at work, learn traditional skills through workshops, and enjoy folk music and dance.

Traveler Tip: Arrive early to explore the artisan stalls, and stay late for captivating folk performances.
Entrance Fee: Approximately INR 30 (local) and INR 50 (foreign visitors).
Best Place to Shop: Head to the handicraft stalls for unique souvenirs, textiles, and handmade pottery.

3. Diwali – The Festival of Lights

When: October-November (dates vary according to the lunar calendar)
Highlights: Spectacular fireworks, decorated homes, traditional lamps, and sweets.

Udaipur’s Diwali celebrations are unmatched, with locals lighting up the city with earthen lamps, setting off fireworks, and decorating temples and palaces. This five-day festival is steeped in tradition and mythology, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Markets are bustling, and palaces are illuminated, offering a beautiful nightscape for visitors.

Traveler Tip: Visit the City Palace for an unforgettable view of Udaipur illuminated by thousands of lamps.
Special Experience: Savor local sweets like “Ghevar” and “Kaju Katli” from local shops, which add to the Diwali experience.

4. Holi - The Festival of Colors

When: March (exact dates vary)
Highlights: Powdered color play, bonfire rituals, traditional Holika Dahan celebration.

Holi in Udaipur is a unique experience, blending royal traditions with local enthusiasm. The festival kicks off with a grand Holika Dahan (bonfire) in the City Palace, attended by the royal family. This is followed by the color-splashing celebration the next morning, where locals and tourists join in vibrant color play.

Traveler Tip: Wear old clothes, and cover your camera with plastic for protection from the colors.
Special Experience: Participate in the City Palace Holi celebration for a more authentic royal experience.

5. Teej Festival

When: July-August
Highlights: Colorful swings, women’s processions, and celebrations of monsoon.

Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan as a festival dedicated to the monsoon, the goddess Parvati, and the well-being of husbands. Udaipur’s celebrations are marked by women wearing green attire, singing folk songs, and swinging on beautifully decorated swings. The festival is an ode to marital bliss, with processions, traditional dances, and henna art.

Traveler Tip: Look for temporary mehndi (henna) stalls to get a traditional Rajasthani design.
Special Sight: Watch the colorful Teej processions at Jagdish Chowk.

6. Hariyali Amavasya Mela

When: August
Highlights: Rides, food stalls, cultural programs, and vibrant local engagement.

This traditional monsoon festival is celebrated to honor nature, and Udaipur’s locals celebrate with a grand fair, or “mela.” Held at the Gulab Bagh gardens, this two-day event is filled with rides, food stalls, and local entertainment, offering a close-up look at rural Rajasthani traditions and lifestyles.

Traveler Tip: Visit on the first day for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Best for: Families and those interested in experiencing Udaipur’s rural culture.

Essential Tips for Travelers

Best Time to Visit Udaipur: October to March is ideal for experiencing multiple festivals.
Dress Appropriately: Many festivals involve temple visits, so it’s best to wear modest attire.
Safety First: Some festivals can get crowded. Keep your belongings safe and stay hydrated.
Capture the Moments: Udaipur’s festivals are visually stunning. A good camera is essential!

To make the most of your Udaipur trip, let Hi Tours arrange a custom itinerary for you. From exclusive access to festival events to comfortable accommodations, Hi Tours ensures a memorable experience in Udaipur. Contact Hi Tours today and dive into the vibrant world of Rajasthan’s festivals!

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