The Mount Abu Summer Festival is the only time of the year when the hill station stops feeling like a weekend escape and starts feeling like a live cultural arena. People don’t come here in May for sightseeing alone they come for packed evenings at Nakki Lake, open-ground performances, local food stalls, crowd energy, and events that make the town louder than usual, in a good way. If someone is searching for this festival, they’re not curious about history; they want to know what they’ll actually experience, how to plan it, how much to spend, and whether it’s worth dealing with the crowd.
The Mount Abu Summer Festival is expected to take place in May 2026, following the same 3-day celebration pattern of music, lakefront events, folk performances, and games. Final confirmed dates are typically released by Rajasthan Tourism a few weeks before May.
Why the Mount Abu Summer Festival Is Special?
This festival is planned every year by the Rajasthan Tourism Department. The motive remains bringing people together with culture and fun. The local singers, dancers, artists, and food sellers all come together. Thus, display the beautiful traditions of Rajasthan. It is as if the heart of the state is beating within this small hill town.
Mount Abu Summer Festival: Music Dance & Cultural Celebrations – Major Highlights.
Now, let’s check out Mount Abu festival things to do.
- Folk dances that narrate a story.
Dressed and turbaned dancers move in circular fashion to narrate stories through dance. Ghoomar and Gair dances are full of energy and fun. Also explore: Mewar Festival Udaipur 2026. - Live Music Shows.
One gets to listen to the local instruments like dholak and algoza. The singers sing songs that sound much like the wind blowing across the desert. - Boat Race on Nakki Lake.
This race is full of laughter and cheerful moments! People clap and enjoy as the boats move across the water. So, this something beyond Music & dance in Mount Abu. - Matka Race & Tug of War.
There are some friendly games that one and all can play. It shows how simple things can make people smile together. - Puppet Shows & Street Plays.
Artists from cities like Bikaner and Jaisalmer come to show stories with puppets and dramas. Both kids and grown-ups love them. You will see the culture of Rajasthan. - Food & Handicraft Market.
Try yummy foods such as gatte ki sabzi, mirchi vada, and dal baati churma. You can also buy handmade things like jewelry, clothes, and tiny art pieces. Enjoy the activities in Rajasthan like no other.
Two-Day Celebration Plan for Mount Abu Summer Festival.
Here we have a sample Mount Abu Festival itinerary for you.
| Days | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Events include an opening parade, which begins near Hotel Shikhar. Followed by dances near Nakki Lake with yummy food stalls and night walks at the colorful bazaar. |
| Day 2 | Fun games at Polo Ground. Also, shopping at craft fairs, boat races, music concerts in Mount Abu. Also, a grand fireworks show over the lake. |
The festival structure remains similar every year. The 2026 edition is likely to follow the same sequence of morning activities, lake events in the evening, and night performances, with official dates usually announced before May.
Mount Abu Summer Festival Celebration
- Nakki Lake: The most famous place of Mount Abu festival. During night when the water lights shine with music floating across the lake.
- Polo Ground: This is a big open ground where people play games, dance, and watch shows together.
- Hotel Shikhar (RTDC): This is the starting point of all the parades. Several main events generally originate here.
The Weather during Festival Period.
Even in summer, the weather in Mount Abu remains cool. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C, and hence one can comfortably walk, dance, and enjoy the shows. Though it is summer, it can get a bit cold in the evening, so bring a light jacket or shawl with you. The sky also looks very pretty when the sun sets behind the hills.
How to Reach Mount Abu for the Summer Festival.
| From | Route | Distance and Time | Where You Can Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udaipur | NH 27 → Mount Abu | 165 km – 3.5 hours. | RTDC Hotel Shikhar, Hotel Hillock, The Palace Hotel. You can also do Udaipur to Mount Abu Road Trip. |
| Ahmedabad | NH 27 → Abu Road → Mount Abu | 225 km – 4 hours. | Cama Rajputana Club Resort, Hotel Aranya Village. |
| Jaipur | NH 58 Sirohi → Abu Road | 495 km – 8 hours. | Connaught House, Palanpur Palace Hotel. |
Travel Tip: If you are going with friends or family, you can book Force Urbania or a Tempo Traveller. This will make the hill journey smooth and enjoyable for groups in general.
Extra Things to Do During the Mount Abu Summer Festival.
There are more things to do in Mount Abu. Let’s check out.
- Boating at Sunset.
When the sun goes down, the lake shines like gold. Take a small boat ride and enjoy the calm water. - Guru Shikhar.
This is the highest point of the Aravalli Hills. You’ll also see mountains and can visit a small peaceful temple at the top. Moreover, this is something other than attending the events in Mount Abu. - Visiting Delwara Jain Temples.
These ancient temples are made of white marble. They are quiet and super beautiful. - Visit Sunset Point.
During the evenings, this is where people sit. Thus, to watch the sun go down with local singers playing music. It’s magical! You can also follow: Mount Abu travel guide.
Useful Travel Tips During Summer Festival: Music Dance & Cultural Celebrations.
Following basic travel tips is everyone’s moral duty. So, follow these.
- Wear cotton clothes in the day and bring along a light jacket for the evening. Drink water: You are going to do a lot of walking and dancing, so don’t forget to drink water and eat snacks.
- Many people visit during the festival, so book your stay near Nakki Lake or Polo Ground in advance.
- Join in the fun, try local food, and talk to people in a good way. Respect temples and traditions.
Conclusion – Celebrate the Spirit of Mount Abu Summer Festival.
The Mount Abu Summer Festival is not about music and dance alone. It signifies joy, sharing, and friendship. It is also a festival full of life with the sound of drums, colorful clothes, lights on the lake, and smiling faces. This festival is for you if you want to go on a vacation where you can enjoy mountains. Also, cool weather, and Rajasthani culture together. Moreover, Mount Abu in summer is like a dream — full of fun, color, and love.
FAQs
Mount Abu Summer Festival 2026 will be held in May 2026, most likely in the middle week (around 10–20 May), as it follows the same yearly schedule set for peak summer tourism. The final confirmed dates are usually released 4–6 weeks before May by Rajasthan Tourism.
Yes, it is worth visiting because it combines live folk music, boat races on Nakki Lake, street food, daily competitions, and night cultural shows. It feels like a small carnival mixed with Rajasthani culture, not a basic fair.
You can walk in for free. There are no entry tickets for festival programs. Only if you want to participate in races or contests, you register at the venue on the same day.
Reach by 5:30–6:00 PM to secure a front view. After 7:00 PM, it gets crowded and you end up standing far behind.
Yes, prices rise by 30–60% in festival week. Book at least 10–15 days before, or 20+ days if you want lake-side hotels. Last-minute rooms cost more and are usually far from the main event area.
Yes, if you stay near Nakki Lake or Polo Ground (within 1.5 km radius). All major festival spots are walkable, and walking is actually faster than driving due to traffic blocks in evenings.
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