Summer doesn’t just arrive in Mount Abu, it is ushered in with the merriment and euphoria of the Summer Festival. A yearly event in Mt. Abu, the Summer Festival is organized by the Rajasthan government in the month of April-May. This year it is being celebrated from 17-18 May.

While the rest of the country sears in the summer heat, the weather in Mount Abu remains pleasant and welcoming. No wonder, the Summer Festival attracts thousands of tourists, performers, artists, and traders to this hill station. The entire town turns into an elaborate fair with spectacular events lined up throughout the day and night for everyone to enjoy.

A 2-Day Extravaganza

The Summer Festival is enjoyed over a span of two fun and activity-filled days.

  • Day 1 – A vivacious procession is carried out to the Nakki Lake to mark the commencement of the event. Most of the events occur around this lake which is believed to have been dug by the Gods themselves, using their nails. The day is dedicated to cultural performances by artists who come from all over the state to participate and display their talents to the public.

The cultural events are held in the majestic Polo Ground which has hosted many royal polo matches in the past. It is now used for public recreational activities.

  • Day 2 – The second day is replete with buzzing activities like CRPF Band Show, Tug of War, Panihari Matka Race, Skating Race, Deepdan, etc. Both tourists and locals can participate in competitions and earn laurels. These events take place around the Nakki Lake area which is at the centre of the town. The tranquil water of the picturesque lake is famous among tourists for boating.

A stupendous firework display marks the last night of the wonderful Summer Festival. The entire sky comes alive with brilliant colours and sounds that make for an entertaining display.

 

An Exhibit of Rajasthan’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Folk and classical music and traditional dances form an important component of the festival, making it a true delight for the senses. You can listen to the age-old ballads that weave together tales of heroic figures, warriors, love, betrayal, and hardships. These ballads will transport you back into the bygone era with their detailed narrative.

Then there are the mesmerizing dance performances that showcase the supreme talent of the dancers in a lively manner. The colourful Gair, challenging Ghoomar, and fluidic kalbeliya are some of the beautiful dances you will get to witness at the festival. Watching the dancers coordinate their steps and lose themselves in the foot-tapping rhythm is a memorable experience in itself.

The pièce de résistance is the Sham-e-Qawwali or qawwali night where the maestros gather on stage to deliver a sparkling concert under the full moon summer night of the auspicious Buddha Purnima. Hearing the qawwals belt out soul rendering numbers under the open sky is a total delight.

All these cultural gems are reminiscent of the resilient spirit and valour of the people of Rajasthan.

Besides the shows, you can also partake in shopping and sampling various Rajasthani culinary delights at the numerous stalls that dot the hill station. These stalls offer terrific deals and unique handicrafts to take home as souvenirs.

When Tourists and Locals Rejoice Together

The competitions organized during the festival are a chance for the locals to test their strength, flaunt their skills and bravery. They indulge in various games and sports to earn coveted prizes. The whole atmosphere with sounds of applause and cheering is enough to give you an adrenaline rush!

Source: zoomcar

The show by the CRPF Band is captivating and will fill you with patriotic zeal and fervour. It is heartening to see the CRPF men putting up an enthralling display. The Boat Race at the Nakki Lake is also amongst the most awaited events of the festival. Locals practice for days to perfect their coordination and skills in order to emerge triumphantly.

Various races are organised as part of the event and it is interesting to watch the participants run with smiles on their face. The panihari matka race involves carrying water pails on the head and is reflective of the hardships faced by rural women who travel great distances to fetch water.

Tourists can also participate in the competitions and enjoy the breath-taking spectacle.

 

Spend Your Summer Break in Mount Abu

The beautiful climate and abundant beauty of Mount Abu invite you to discover a summer break like no other. The Summer Festival promises an insight into the artistic brilliance and lively spirit of this royal state. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and combine your vacation with a dose of culture and revelry.  At Sterling Mount Abu, we make sure that you get an exotic experience of the effervescence of Mount Abu Summer Festival in its most authentic form.