Also known as the Festival of Colors, the vibrant Mewar Festival in Udaipur marks the arrival of spring.
While Udaipur - the city of lakes - remains captivating all year round, it transforms into a different entity altogether during late March (or early April) – all thanks to the extravagant Mewar Festival. The three-day festival marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, and it feels pure magic! With bright lights and vibrant decorations, along with all the amazing activities, it offers you a rollercoaster ride of thrill and excitement that you can cherish for a lifetime.
During the Mewar Festival, the locals dress up in their finest clothes and jewelry and take part in the celebration. And it's not just the locals who grace the festival; there are visitors from across the world who come here to explore the Rajasthani culture and hospitality.
(Credit: Rajasthan Tourism)
This year, the festival begins on March 27 and will continue till March 29. If you are planning to be a part of it, read ahead for a complete itinerary!
The Mewar Festival has a rich history that spans over centuries. According to the records, Maharana Uday Singh was once out for a hunting expedition and met a hermit on his way.
(Credit: rajasthan_tourism)
The hermit advised the king to build his capital city near a fertile valley that was protected by the Aravalli Hills. Uday Singh agreed, founded the city as well as built his palace in the region. Then, he started a festival which went on to be known as the Mewar Festival.
Udaipur is a prime tourist spot, hence, it's not much of a hassle to reach there. The nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is located about 22 km away from the city center. On the other hand, the nearest railway stations are Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station.
However, if you prefer traveling on the road, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi.
(Credit: indemb_muscat)
Major Attractions That You Can't Miss
The Mewar Festival offers so much that you cannot get enough of it. Below, we have discussed the major attractions here that you simply cannot afford to miss.
The Gangaur Procession: The Gangaur Procession offers you a vibrant cultural experience like no other. During the procession, the local women dress up in their finest clothes and carry decorated idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a colorful procession to Lake Pichola. Also, the newlywed women keep a fast on the day and grace the procession with various customs.
(Credit: udaipurupdates)
It's an opportunity to witness the traditions of Rajasthan that make the state so beautiful.
Precisely, the heart of the Mewar Festival is the cultural performances consisting of folk music and dance. The local folk artists sing traditional songs (using traditional instruments), while several women dance gracefully. Here, you will get to listen to some amazing renditions of songs like "Padharo Mhare Des", "Kesariya Balaam Aao Ni", "Chirmi", etc. On the other hand, traditional Rajasthani dance forms like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya are performed here.
You will get to witness a stellar display of fireworks at the end of the festival, and it's unlike anything that you have experienced so far. It is a representation of the grandeur of the festival, reflecting the joy and happiness that the city is known for.
The burst of colors against the night sky, along with the vibrant enthusiasm of the crowd - aah! It's something that will forever linger in your mind.
During the festival, the locals draw colorful rangolis in front of their houses and shops. Make sure to take loads of photos of such rangolis.
There is a boat procession which you can also take part in.
If you have some spare time, do visit the nearby attractions such as Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Fateh Sagar Lake, etc.
Attending the Mewar Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience! It's celebrated with loads of enthusiasm - and the vibes will surely leave you in awe.
