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When one thinks of Rajasthan, one’s mind usually goes to the arid deserts, the grand palaces, the rich cultural heritage, and the warm hosts. Yet, beyond all these notions, Rajasthan hides another gem in its land that attracts thousands of travelers every year- its lively festivals.
Be it the Kabir Yatra or the Marwar Festival- Rajasthan knows how to celebrate best. The dynamic celebrations of the Abhaneri Festival in Rajasthan stand witness to this fact. Bringing together indigenous culture, art, and traditions- the festival binds the state in the thread of harmony and unleashes a reign of joy on everyone.
The festival takes place in Dausa district of Rajasthan. It is mainly centred in the Abhaneri Village. The main celebration takes place in Chand Boari step-well, which is very closer to Harshad Mata temple. The nearest railway station is located in Bandikui, which is 8 km away from Abhaneri village.
Abhaneri festival is celebrated for 2-4 days (subject to change every year). It is usually celebrated in September or October.
In 2019, the festival will tentatively be celebrated on 29th and 30th September
In the northern part of Rajasthan, a small district called Dhundar is located under which, a tiny village by the name of Abhaneri, dating back to 9th century, exists. Although many might not have heard of the place, it carries the weight of rich history and tradition on its shoulders. It holds the rich legacy of post-Gupta as well as medieval eras. Artifacts from the place can now be found in various museums around the world.
The village is quite popular for its famous Chand Baori stepwell. It is amongst the biggest stepwells and carries the traces of a long history. The baori or the well has 2500 steps built in a neat symmetry and descends 20 meters to the bottom of the well. In olden times, these wells were made to provide water to the dryer areas of the region.
Another cultural attraction of the region is the Harshat Mata Temple which also attracts thousands of visitors every year and traces a line of rich cultural heritage.
Hop into your car and take a quick detour from the frantic stress of everyday life. The celebrations of the festival, the vibrancy and zeal in the air and the high-spirits with which you are welcomed will be the perfect detox for you. As you reach and gear up to join the festivities, look out for the following events:
This is a musical rendezvous hosted by the Manganiyars community singers. The musical experience through various folk-singing performances and enchanting tunes of the traditional instruments will transcend you into another reality. The Manganiyars seek blessings of Lord Krishna before beginning their performance. Their songs take you down the history lane and speak of the valour of kings, queens and Rajasthan’s rich history. The Langa Singing event of the festival is popular far and wide and will certainly leave you humming a tune or two.
Kalbelia dance or also known as the ‘snake-charmer dance’ is a unique showcase by the tribal community that will forever stay with you as a memory. The vivid traditional clothes can be seen moving gracefully, as the dancers move to the rhythmic beats and unfurl an exotic aura. The experience is so joyous that by the end of it, you will be tapping your feet to match with the tune.
Just when you are unwinding from the magical spell of the singing of the Manganiyars, the ‘Kacchi Ghodi Dance’ will bring you back to your senses immediately.
Performed by Bavaria bandits of the Shekhawati region, this art form is unique to the culture of Rajasthan and brings a sense of adventure and passion into the celebrations. The dance is performed by males situated on a dummy horse. They carry real swords in their hands and move them in rhythmic motions with the loud sounds of the ‘dhol’ or ‘drum.’ An element of daredevilry is also added, as the performers play with fire. The procession is like a scene straight out of a movie, that you cannot take your eyes away from.
If the men perform acts of courage in the ‘Kachhi Ghodi Dance’, the women bring the spotlight onto them during this event. The dance is generally performed by women of the Bhawai community. Wearing colourful ghagra-cholis, the motion of them twirling in the night while balancing 7-8 earthern pots on their head without any support, is a sight to behold. This is a must-watch event if you attend the Abhaneri Festival.
Raas-Leelas are popular throughout the country, but in Rajasthan, the Abhaneri Festival displays the best kind of these performances. A dance cum drama exhibition. these lively events are of great entertainment to the audience, as they outline a 200-year-old tradition of Ramayana on the stage. Many enjoy these performances as they outline a religious history while others appreciate the artform and the traditional music accompanying the performance.
Want to take a trip down to your childhood? Remember, when you watched your first-ever puppet show as a kid and were completely blown away?
The puppet shows in the festival serve the purpose of igniting your inner child and instilling in you that familiar sense of awe and excitement. Puppetry in Rajasthan is an art form that has been growing since a long time. Hence, there is no better place and time to watch puppets narrating interesting tales and meeting your inner-child again.
Besides the variety of performances and showcases, the festival also gives you the opportunity to see or buy great traditional souvenirs to take when you return from your trip. The art and craft exhibition’s venue is decorated with Rangolis and flowers and showcases authentic handicrafts that can be bought at an affordable price.
How can you visit Rajasthan and not ride camels?
The experience of a camel safari in decorated camel carts that will take you around the city and the festival area is another experience that gives you the perfect memories to cherish.
The festival is perfect for a quick weekend getaway to experience the color, vibrancy, and richness of Rajasthan. So, the next time when someone asks you to tell them something unique about Rajasthan, you can begin the list with your own memories of the Abhaneri Festival!
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April 15, 2024 
