Select Country
The Matsya Festival is a colorful, multi-day fiesta celebrated in Alwar, Rajasthan and is one of the most prominent festivals of the state. This Alwar festival honors and celebrates the rich social culture, legacy, and history of the region and attracts locals as well as tourists from across the world. During the two day festival held in late November or early December, you will get to experience adventure, the vibrancy of culture, the fascinating traditions of Alwar- all against the backdrop of its opulent palaces and forts. There are also various adventure sports that you can partake in. The festival includes local sightseeing or Alwar Darshan that will give you an insight into the lifestyle, traditions, customs, and culture of the locals. This year, the Matsya Festival will be held on the 25th and 26th of November.
Matsya is an expression in Sanskrit that means fish. According to Hindu folklore, the symbol of fish was used to depict the supreme Lord Vishnu. As one of the many avatars of Vishnu, Matsya was believed to be a protector of the primary man, Manu, from the gushing water. The ancient city of Alwar was a part of the Matsya Kingdom, one of the sixteen Mahajanpadas. The Matsya festival has a substantial historical and cultural value where people come together to take part in games, sports, dance and sing, and make merry.
The Matsya Festival has something to do for all age groups. The major attraction of the festival are the adventure sports conducted at and around the Siliserh Lake. Visitors can satiate their hunger for adventure and experience the city in a whole different way. Popularly organized adventure sports are:
The festival also has musical concerts, performances of folk dances, and other cultural programs that add to the festivities of the grand Alwar Festival. There has been a recent addition of stand-up comedy shows as well to tickle your funny bone.
While enjoying the fairs and festivities of the Matsya Festival, you will get to experience ancient and traditional celebrations first hand. The flamboyant gala includes games that are unique to Alwar and Rajasthani culture. The locals are welcoming and encourage you to be a part of the traditions. Some of the prominent games are:
The Matsya Festival is a colorful, multi-day fiesta celebrated in Alwar, Rajasthan and is one of the most prominent festivals of the state. This Alwar festival honors and celebrates the rich social culture, legacy, and history of the region and attracts locals as well as tourists from across the world. During the two day festival held in late November or early December, you will get to experience adventure, the vibrancy of culture, the fascinating traditions of Alwar- all against the backdrop of its opulent palaces and forts. There are also various adventure sports that you can partake in. The festival includes local sightseeing or Alwar Darshan that will give you an insight into the lifestyle, traditions, customs, and culture of the locals. This year, the Matsya Festival will be held on the 25th and 26th of November.
Matsya is an expression in Sanskrit that means fish. According to Hindu folklore, the symbol of fish was used to depict the supreme Lord Vishnu. As one of the many avatars of Vishnu, Matsya was believed to be a protector of the primary man, Manu, from the gushing water. The ancient city of Alwar was a part of the Matsya Kingdom, one of the sixteen Mahajanpadas. The Matsya festival has a substantial historical and cultural value where people come together to take part in games, sports, dance and sing, and make merry.
The Matsya Festival has something to do for all age groups. The major attraction of the festival are the adventure sports conducted at and around the Siliserh Lake. Visitors can satiate their hunger for adventure and experience the city in a whole different way. Popularly organized adventure sports are:
The festival also has musical concerts, performances of folk dances, and other cultural programs that add to the festivities of the grand Alwar Festival. There has been a recent addition of stand-up comedy shows as well to tickle your funny bone.
While enjoying the fairs and festivities of the Matsya Festival, you will get to experience ancient and traditional celebrations first hand. The flamboyant gala includes games that are unique to Alwar and Rajasthani culture. The locals are welcoming and encourage you to be a part of the traditions. Some of the prominent games are:
Rumal Jhapatta is a friendly, simple, and competitive match that translates to ‘grab the handkerchief’. As the name suggests, the players are required to grab a ‘rumal’ placed on the ground. It’s a game of speed and quick thinking won by grabbing the handkerchief before the other player.
Rassa Kassi is a game of tug of war that is played mainly by women wearing traditional attire. It is a competitive team game, where strength is the main attribute tested. On some level, the game depicts feminine power and energy. It subtly celebrates womanhood.
Teer Andazi is a game of archery that was played by the royalty of Rajasthan. The regional game is one of the most popular games in the Alwar Festival as well as the other fairs of Rajasthan and the. The bows and arrows are made from materials that are native to the region.
Dharohar is an exhibition set up at the festival to showcase the native archaeological artefacts of Alwar and Rajasthan.
Alwar Darshan is a local sightseeing excursion that is organized for tourists to experience the blend of culture and history that lies at the very heart of this city. Through the Darshan, you will get to enjoy the heritage sites, monuments, temples, forts, palaces, and all that adds its unique flavor to the charming city of Alwal. Along with this, you will also get to witness beautiful lakes, wildlife, and panoramic views.
The Shehnai Wandan show is a musical recital of flutes performed by esteemed artists. It is one of the most sought after events for tourists.
The festival lets you relive the spirit of yesteryear and boasts the vibrant heritage of Alwar. You will get to be a part of it through traditional games and cultural events hosted here. The festival also holds various art, cultural, and historical exhibitions for you to learn about the city’s legacy.
Alwar is an exciting tourist destination nestled in the Aravalli ranges. A prominent region of Rajasthan, the charm of the district is enhanced by scenic water bodies, exotic wildlife, and refreshing nature. The city’s heritage and culture date back to 1500 BC and is believed to be a part of one of the oldest kingdoms of Rajasthan. The place is an archaeological and historical delight with magnificent and intricate architecture. There is so much that the city offers to tourists of all ages.
The Alwar city Palace was constructed under the rule of Raja Bhakhtwar Singh in 1793 AD. The palace is an enchanting amalgamation of the styles of the Rajputs and the Mughals. You can see the melange through the architecture of the castle. In the artistically designed and built palace, you will get to see grand courtrooms, artefacts, marble pavilions, and much more.
Built to honour Maharaja Bakhtawar and Maharani Rani Moosi, this cenotaph is a fine reflection of Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit the Moosi Maharani Chatri to explore one of the most elegant memorials in the country. Its domed arcs and marble pavilions mixed with red sandstone is a royal treat to the eyes.
Bala Qila translates to a ‘young fort’ that dates back to the 10th century. It is a fortified structure made out of mud and located upon a picturesque hill. The fort is decorated and structured with columns made of marble, and the facade is dotted with beautiful balconies.
If you want to learn about the opulent lifestyle that once was led by the Alwar Maharajas, then you must visit the Palace Museum. The museum has rare artefacts and manuscripts on display. You will find fascinating ornaments and art pieces here. The Palace Museum’s collection depicts the era from the rule of Muhammad Ghori to Aurangzeb.
Hills and dense forests surround the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar. At the sariska Wildlife Safari, you will see various species of wildlife with the crowning jewel of Sariska being the majestic tigers. Within the reserve, you will find many ancient ruins of temples and pavilions.
A great way to relax and rejuvenate at the end of sightseeing is by relaxing on a boat in Siliserh Lake. You can choose from paddle boats to motorboats and watch the sunset. When on the lake, you will find yourself enveloped with the true essence of Alwar. You can experience the spirit of Alwar as the lake is blessed with a view of the forests, forts, cenotaphs, and the city.
Alwar is one of the most prominent and well-connected cities in Rajasthan. Travelling to the city is easy and convenient. Also, moving in and around the city is easy as well.
The closest airport to Alwar is in the urban city of Jaipur located 162 km away. From the airport, you can easily hire cabs or rent a car to visit Alwar.
Bus services to Alwar can be easily availed from the state capital, Jaipur. The city is well connected to the rest of the state through highways making reaching at Alwar via road relatively trouble-free.
Alwar Railway Junction is the local station located centrally in the city. Many passenger trains from places all over the country make a stop at the station.
Alwar is known for its hospitality and tourism; hence, finding a hotel is easy as options are abundant for you. The city has top luxurious hotels and heritage hotels if you seek to relish the opulence the city offers. You can also find numerous budget hotels and humble homestays scattered across the city through dedicated online portals. For backpackers, you can check into hostels as well. There are resorts by the lake and in the forest regions if you wish to have a breathtaking view to enjoy from your window every morning.
Alwar and the Matsya Festival offers a unique experience that you would want to capture on reel. The vibrant colours and the robust celebrations of the Alwar Festival are photo-worthy. Cameras and phones as cameras are allowed during the festival. However, you are required to pay a small amount of money as camera fees at heritage sites like palaces and forts to use them.
Alwar Festival is a little-known celebration that is gradually gaining a lot of popularity. It exhibits the rich cultural and social heritage of the region through exhibitions, sports events, classical shows, cultural performances, and more. It won’t be wrong to conclude that Rajasthan’s legacy truly comes to life through the Matsya festival in Alwar, a city dotted with beautiful lakes, dense forests, and prestigious forts and palaces.
, you will get to experience ancient and traditional celebrations first hand. The flamboyant gala includes games that are unique to Alwar and Rajasthani culture. The locals are welcoming and encourage you to be a part of the traditions. Some of the prominent games are:
Rumal Jhapatta is a friendly, simple, and competitive match that translates to ‘grab the handkerchief’. As the name suggests, the players are required to grab a ‘rumal’ placed on the ground. It’s a game of speed and quick thinking won by grabbing the handkerchief before the other player.
Rassa Kassi is a game of tug of war that is played mainly by women wearing traditional attire. It is a competitive team game, where strength is the main attribute tested. On some level, the game depicts feminine power and energy. It subtly celebrates womanhood.
Teer Andazi is a game of archery that was played by the royalty of Rajasthan. The regional game is one of the most popular games in the Alwar Festival as well as the other fairs of Rajasthan and the. The bows and arrows are made from materials that are native to the region.
Dharohar is an exhibition set up at the festival to showcase the native archaeological artifacts of Alwar and Rajasthan.
Alwar Darshan is a local sightseeing excursion that is organized for tourists to experience the blend of culture and history that lies at the very heart of this city. Through the Darshan, you will get to enjoy the heritage sites, monuments, temples, forts, palaces, and all that adds its unique flavor to the charming city of Alwal. Along with this, you will also get to witness beautiful lakes, wildlife, and panoramic views.
The Shehnai Wandan show is a musical recital of flutes performed by esteemed artists. It is one of the most sought after events for tourists.
The festival lets you relive the spirit of yesteryear and boasts the vibrant heritage of Alwar. You will get to be a part of it through traditional games and cultural events hosted here. The festival also holds various art, cultural, and historical exhibitions for you to learn about the city’s legacy.
Alwar is an exciting tourist destination nestled in the Aravalli ranges. A prominent region of Rajasthan, the charm of the district is enhanced by scenic water bodies, exotic wildlife, and refreshing nature. The city’s heritage and culture date back to 1500 BC and is believed to be a part of one of the oldest kingdoms of Rajasthan. The place is an archaeological and historical delight with magnificent and intricate architecture. There is so much that the city offers to tourists of all ages.
The Alwar city Palace was constructed under the rule of Raja Bhakhtwar Singh in 1793 AD. The palace is an enchanting amalgamation of the styles of the Rajputs and the Mughals. You can see the melange through the architecture of the castle. In the artistically designed and built palace, you will get to see grand courtrooms, artefacts, marble pavilions, and much more.
Built to honour Maharaja Bakhtawar and Maharani Rani Moosi, this cenotaph is a fine reflection of Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit the Moosi Maharani Chatri to explore one of the most elegant memorials in the country. Its domed arcs and marble pavilions mixed with red sandstone is a royal treat to the eyes.
Bala Qila translates to a ‘young fort’ that dates back to the 10th century. It is a fortified structure made out of mud and located upon a picturesque hill. The fort is decorated and structured with columns made of marble, and the facade is dotted with beautiful balconies.
If you want to learn about the opulent lifestyle that once was led by the Alwar Maharajas, then you must visit the Palace Museum. The museum has rare artefacts and manuscripts on display. You will find fascinating ornaments and art pieces here. The Palace Museum’s collection depicts the era from the rule of Muhammad Ghori to Aurangzeb.
Hills and dense forests surround the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar. At the sariska Wildlife Safari, you will see various species of wildlife with the crowning jewel of Sariska being the majestic tigers. Within the reserve, you will find many ancient ruins of temples and pavilions.
A great way to relax and rejuvenate at the end of sightseeing is by relaxing on a boat in Siliserh Lake. You can choose from paddle boats to motorboats and watch the sunset. When on the lake, you will find yourself enveloped with the true essence of Alwar. You can experience the spirit of Alwar as the lake is blessed with a view of the forests, forts, cenotaphs, and the city.
Alwar is one of the most prominent and well-connected cities in Rajasthan. Travelling to the city is easy and convenient. Also, moving in and around the city is easy as well.
The closest airport to Alwar is in the urban city of Jaipur located 162 km away. From the airport, you can easily hire cabs or rent a car to visit Alwar.
Bus services to Alwar can be easily availed from the state capital, Jaipur. The city is well connected to the rest of the state through highways making reaching at Alwar via road relatively trouble-free.
Alwar Railway Junction is the local station located centrally in the city. Many passenger trains from places all over the country make a stop at the station.
Alwar is known for its hospitality and tourism; hence, finding a hotel is easy as options are abundant for you. The city has top luxurious hotels and heritage hotels if you seek to relish the opulence the city offers. You can also find numerous budget hotels and humble homestays scattered across the city through dedicated online portals. For backpackers, you can check into hostels as well. There are resorts by the lake and in the forest regions if you wish to have a breathtaking view to enjoy from your window every morning.
Alwar and the Matsya Festival offers a unique experience that you would want to capture on reel. The vibrant colours and the robust celebrations of the Alwar Festival are photo-worthy. Cameras and phones as cameras are allowed during the festival. However, you are required to pay a small amount of money as camera fees at heritage sites like palaces and forts to use them.
Alwar Festival is a little-known celebration that is gradually gaining a lot of popularity. It exhibits the rich cultural and social heritage of the region through exhibitions, sports events, classical shows, cultural performances, and more. It won’t be wrong to conclude that Rajasthan’s legacy truly comes to life through the Matsya festival in Alwar, a city dotted with beautiful lakes, dense forests, and prestigious forts and palaces.
Please go back to portrait mode for the best experience
April 15, 2024 
