Marwar Festival 2025 is one of the most vibrant cultural festivals of Rajasthan. Set against the backdrop of Jodhpur’s forts and palaces, the festival brings alive the stories of Rajput bravery, music, dance and folk traditions. Originally known as Maand Festival, it is celebrated every year during the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin which usually falls in September or October.
Marwar Festival will be celebrated on 6th and 7th October, 2025. The main events will be held at Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, two of the most iconic landmarks of Jodhpur.
What is the Marwar Festival and Why Do We Celebrate It?
The Marwar Festival is an annual cultural event held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan to pay tribute to the bravery and legacy of the Rajput warriors of Marwar. Originally known as the Maand Festival, it is named after the traditional Rajasthani folk music called Maand which tells stories of kings, queens and battles.
The festival is held during the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September–October) which is a time of celebrations and storytelling. It brings together folk singers, dancers, artists and craftsmen who showcase Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
We celebrate the Marwar Festival to:
- Save Rajasthani traditions like folk music and dances.
- Honor Rajput warriors who shaped the history of Marwar.
- Promote cultural tourism in Jodhpur by combining history with live performances, fairs and exhibitions.
For you it’s not just a festival but a living museum of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture, royal history and desert life.
Marwar Festival 2025 Dates, Timings & Venue
The Marwar Festival will begin on Monday, 6 October 2025, and the Marwar Festival will end on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Cultural events ordinarily start in the evening, at 5:00 PM, once the desert sun has started its descent and the temperature begins to cool.
- Dates: October 6-7, 2025
- Venue: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and other areas in Jodhpur
- Time: Afternoon to late evening (main events from 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM)
- Entry: Most cultural programs are free of charge (some heritage locations may have a nominal fee)
👉 Official updates may be published on the Rajasthan Tourism site and the Utsav portal.
History and Significance of Marwar Festival
The Marwar Festival originated from Rajasthan’s tradition of honoring the valiant Rajput warriors. In the past, it was known as the Maand Festival after the folk style of singing called Maand, which tells stories of kings, queens, and warriors. These song styles are not only for entertainment but are also a way to tell and preserve the oral history of Rajasthan.
The festival turned into a cultural display of the Marwar region, which includes Jodhpur and nearby districts. Today, it represents not only warrior ballads but also art, dance, handicrafts, and food traditions of Rajasthan. Guests visiting the festival will be provided an insight into the same customs, which have existed for centuries, that now exist in Rajasthan.
Major Attractions of Marwar Festival 2025
The Marwar Festival stands out among various cultural festivals in India because it features unique competitions and folk events that no other festival in the country can match. Here are a few highlights you can expect in 2025:
- Folk Music and Dance: Local performers offer Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, and other provincial dances to the sounds of the dholak and kamayacha.
- Camel Shows: The camel, the state animal of Rajasthan, is at center stage with decorated parades, polo, and tattoo displays.
- Turban-Tying Competition: Local and visiting tourists compete to see who can tie the most stylish and original Rajasthani turbans.
- Mustache Contest: Rajasthan is famous for its impressive mustaches, and this contest will celebrate the boldest and most beautiful ones.
- Handicrafts & Food Stalls: A fair will be set up around the venues, where participants can shop for block-printed fabrics, silver jewelry, and miniature paintings, while also tasting dal baati churma and mawa kachori.
👉 Events typically start in the evening at the Mehrangarh Fort courtyards, capping off with an elaborate cultural evening at Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Things to Do in Jodhpur During the Festival
While Marwar’s festival is the main attraction, Jodhpur is full of places and heritage experiences that is worth exploring.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Visit the fort’s museum and battlements before attending the shows in the evening.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: Half palace, half luxury hotel, and half museum, it is a palace that offers a royal sampling of Rajasthan.
- Jaswant Thada: A white marble memorial also called the “Taj Mahal of Marwar.”
- Clock Tower Market (Sardar Market): famous for spices, handicrafts and antiques.
- Local Cuisine: Try Mirchi Vada at Janta Sweet Home, Kachoris on Local Halwais and Thalis at Gypsy style restaurants.
If you have extra time, you can plan day trips to Mandore Gardens, Osian temples or even Thart Safari near Jaisalmer.
How to Reach Jodhpur
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport (JDH) provides flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad.
- By Train: Jodhpur Junction connects Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. People like trains such as the Mandore Express and the Rajasthan Sampark Kranti.
- By Road: NH62 and NH114 connect Jodhpur to Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jaipur. Taxis and buses are easily available.
💡 Tip: As the festival takes place in October, book your tickets and hotels by August or early September 2025 before the prices surge during the last minute.
Best Places to Stay in Jodhpur
During the festival, the hotels get booked fast, so book early.
- Luxury Stays: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Taj Hari Mahal
- Mid-Range Hotels: Ajit Bhawan, Ranbank
- Budget Options: Guesthouses around the Clock Tower or ancient city homestays
👉 If you want to stay close to the festival spots, try locating rooms close to the Mehrangarh Fort or the Umaid Bhawan Road.
Suggested Itinerary for Marwar Festival 2025
Day 1 – 6th October 2025
- Morning: Explore Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada
- Afternoon: Shop at Clock Tower Market
- Evening: Opening ceremony & folk dance & music shows at Mehrangarh Fort
Day 2 – 7th October 2025
- Morning: Join in the fun with turban-tying and mustache competitions
- Afternoon: Take a cultural walk through the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- Evening: Enjoy the camel show followed by the grand closing cultural night at Umaid Bhawan Palace
Final Travel Tips
- Pack light cottons for the day and a jacket or wrap for cooler evenings.
- Take a camera – the festival is heaven for photographers.
- You can even attempt to fit in by wearing a Rajasthani turban or traditional dress.
- If you want to learn more about the extensive history of the Rajputs, hire a guide.
Why Book Your Marwar Festival 2025 Tour with Rajasthan Places?
Going to Marwar Festival 2025? Let us at Rajasthan Places make it easy and fun for you.
Here’s why travelers choose us:
- Customized Itineraries: We include festival events, sightseeing and nearby attractions in our itineraries.
- Handpicked Stays: From heritage havelis to luxury palaces we take care of your comfort at every step.
- Hassle Free Arrangements: Festival entry, guided tours and transport are all taken care of by us.
- Local Expertise: Our team is based in Rajasthan, so you get insider tips and authentic experiences.
- Unique Experiences: You can add private camel safaris, fort photography tours, and folk music nights to your trip.
👉 Book now with Rajasthan Places and book your spot for one of Rajasthan’s biggest cultural festivals. With our expert planning you’ll not just attend Marwar Festival you’ll experience Rajasthan like a local.
Conclusion
The Marwar Festival 2025 is more than a cultural show – it is Rajasthan’s history and heritage that comes alive for two unforgettable days. From the Greatness of Mehrangarh fort to the liveliness of folk dances, it provides an experience you can’t miss. Whether you are a traveler, history lover or photographer, this festival is your chance to see Rajasthan at its best.
Mark your dates: 6th–7th October 2025, Jodhpur. Book now and be a part of one of India’s biggest cultural festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Marwar Festival 2025 will start from October 6th and 7th, 2025, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The main venues are Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, with smaller events across Jodhpur city.
Most cultural programs are free, but you may need tickets for some heritage sites like Mehrangarh Fort or Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum.
You can fly to Jodhpur Airport, take a train to Jodhpur Junction, or drive from Jaipur, Udaipur or Jaisalmer.
If you want to be close by, book a hotel near Mehrangarh Fort or Umaid Bhawan Road. Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury palaces like Umaid Bhawan Palace.
The festival is popular with both domestic and international tourists so expect moderate crowds, especially in the evening cultural shows. Book your hotels and tours in advance.
Yes! Many tourists combine the festival with trips to Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jaipur or Pushkar as October is the start of Rajasthan’s peak tourist season.
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