Udaipur – the city of lakes, palaces, and timeless charm – is not just a visual treat, but also a cultural haven where traditions are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. Known for its regal heritage and vibrant folk culture, Udaipur boasts a calendar packed with festivals that blend spiritual significance, royal grandeur, and communal joy. If you’re planning a trip to Udaipur, syncing your visit with these festivals can turn your journey into an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to the festival calendar of Udaipur – what to experience and when!
January – Mewar Festival Preparations Begin
While the Mewar Festival technically happens later in March or April, the early months see preparations and the cultural rhythm building up. January also brings in Makar Sankranti, celebrated by flying colorful kites across the skies of Udaipur. Locals gather on rooftops, share sweets like til ke laddoo and gajak, and compete in friendly kite battles.
Experience:
- Kite flying from rooftops
- Shopping for local winter snacks in Hathipole and Bapu Bazaar
February – Shilpgram Utsav & Valentine Vibes
The famous Shilpgram Utsav often continues from late December into early January, but the cultural energy remains throughout February with local fairs, folk performances, and art exhibits in nearby villages. This is also the month for couples and travelers seeking romance in the royal city. Udaipur’s gardens, lakefronts, and rooftop cafes come alive with Valentine-themed events.
Experience:
- Traditional Rajasthani crafts and textiles
- Couple boat rides on Lake Pichola
- Romantic rooftop dining at Ambrai or Upre
March – Holi: Festival of Colors
One of the most joyous festivals in Udaipur, Holi is celebrated with a royal touch. The Mewar royal family hosts a grand event called Holika Dahan in the City Palace courtyard. The next day, locals and tourists gather in celebration, smearing colors, dancing to live music, and enjoying festive treats like gujiya and bhang.
Experience:
- Royal Holika Dahan at City Palace
- Street-side color play with locals
- Traditional music and dance events
April – Mewar Festival
This festival is unique to Udaipur and celebrates the arrival of spring. Women dress in traditional attire and carry idols of Isar and Gangaur in a ceremonial procession to Lake Pichola. Folk songs, dances, and fireworks are part of this vibrant celebration.
Experience:
- Processions near Gangaur Ghat
- Evening boat shows and fireworks
- Cultural performances at Bagore Ki Haveli
May – Spiritual Sojourns
While May is quieter in terms of grand festivals, it’s a great time to explore spiritual side trips near Udaipur. Temples like Jagdish Mandir and Eklingji see devotees during special full moon rituals. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a peaceful and reflective experience.
Experience:
- Visit temples and spiritual sites
- Local sweet offerings and bhajans
- Early morning lake walks and meditation sessions
June – Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace Magic
With the onset of the monsoon by late June, the city starts preparing for festivals like Hariyali Amavasya, though it’s officially in July. This is the time when Udaipur turns lush and green, and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) becomes a prime spot for panoramic views and cloud watching.
Experience:
- Sunset views at Monsoon Palace
- Pre-monsoon showers over Lake Fatehsagar
- Exploring hidden cafes with monsoon views
July – Hariyali Amavasya Fair
This festival celebrates the arrival of monsoon and greenery. The local fair at Saheliyon Ki Bari and Fatehsagar becomes a hub for games, swings, traditional food stalls, and folk performances. It’s a time of community bonding and rural charm.
Experience:
- Local village fair atmosphere
- Monsoon delicacies like mirchi bada and dal baati
- Folk music and women dressed in green attire
August – Raksha Bandhan & Janmashtami
The festival of sibling love – Raksha Bandhan – is celebrated with warmth across Udaipur’s families. Soon after comes Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with dahi handi events and temple festivities, especially at Jagdish Mandir.
Experience:
- Traditional sweets like ladoos and pedas
- Night celebrations in temples
- Krishna plays and dramas (Raas Leela)
September – Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi brings a burst of color and rhythm to the streets of Udaipur. Clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and temples, followed by processions and immersion ceremonies at lakes.
Experience:
- Artistic Ganesh idols in marketplaces
- Cultural events in neighborhoods
- Visarjan (immersion) processions with music and dance
October – Navratri & Dussehra
The city lights up during Navratri, with nine nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas. Locals gather in traditional attire at community grounds to dance and worship the goddess Durga. It ends with Dussehra, marked by dramatic Ram Leela performances and burning effigies of Ravana.
Experience:
- Garba nights with local bands
- Street food during festival fairs
- Fireworks at Dussehra Maidan
November – Diwali & Dev Deepawali
The biggest and most dazzling festival of India – Diwali – is celebrated with grandeur in Udaipur. The City Palace is illuminated, and the entire old city sparkles with lamps, candles, and lights. Dev Deepawali, celebrated on the Kartik Purnima, is especially beautiful along the ghats.
Experience:
- Light shows at City Palace
- Shopping for local décor items in Bada Bazaar
- Traditional sweets like ghevar, sohan halwa, and chakki
December – Winter Charm & Weddings
While December may not have many traditional festivals, it is the peak wedding season in Udaipur. The city becomes a hub for grand destination weddings, especially in heritage hotels like The Leela, Oberoi Udaivilas, and Jagmandir.
Experience:
- Fireworks from royal wedding venues
- Cool weather, perfect for sightseeing
- Hot street snacks and cultural fests
Final Thoughts
Udaipur’s festival calendar is not just about dates – it’s a celebration of life, legacy, and local love. From spiritual rituals to royal processions, colorful fairs to cultural nights, each month in Udaipur offers a different flavor of festivity.
Plan your trip around these festivals to experience Udaipur in its full cultural glory. Whether you’re a photographer, culture enthusiast, solo traveler, or honeymooner – there’s always a reason to fall in love with the city again and again.
