If The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has inspired you to visit India and the city of Jaipur then be prepared to be immersed in a brilliantly creative city. This is a place where the bazaars tempt visitors into a spending spree and the dusky haze of the Pink City is an inspiration. The festivals held in and around the city at various times of the year are arguably one of the best kept secrets beyond the traditional tourist trail. Here are some of the best parties in town for enjoying the spirit of adventure and cultural enlightenment.

Jaipur Elephant Festival

Just before the Hindu festival of Holi, the city of Jaipur is alive with elephants and watching these beautifully decorated animals parade, take part in beauty contests and even tug of war competitions is a brilliant spectacle. The atmosphere is one of majesty and yet there is a party feel to it. The catwalk of elephants really is a feast for the eyes and when fireworks light up the evening sky at the Chaugan Stadium the magic of Jaipur is pure delight.

Jaipur Literature Festival

January is the time to visit Jaipur for its annual literature festival when some of the greatest Indian writers and those from overseas gather to discuss the latest books and hold workshops. This is a feast of literary debate and there are also music concerts at this very popular event on the social calendar. For bookworms who like to party a trip to this event is recommended.

Makar Sankranti

For a day of colour the festival of Makar Sankranti is worth visiting. This is the famous official day in Jaipur when everyone flies their kites all day long. By getting into the spirit of adventure holidays one can suddenly take on an element of spontaneity, resulting in some wonderful memories. Just get down to the bazaar and buy your very own kite.  All you need now is a balcony and you can mingle with the locals as they cover the sky in a collage of colour. Feeling brave? Take part in a tournament where rivals cut each other’s ropes causing the kite to fall to the ground – great fun!

Teej Festival

Teej is at its very best in Jaipur where the coming of the monsoon is celebrated in style. Taking place in July and August this is a festival for women and unmarried girls who take to the streets in their best clothes and with hands decorated in henna. The women pray for their husbands and marital bliss whilst gifts of sweets are received from in-laws. At this time of festivities the bazaars in Jaipur are decorated in a really elaborate style and well worth exploring. The procession in the streets is the other main event with animals and people parading and another reason for visiting Jaipur at this time.

Gangaur

Gangaur is another festival celebrated by women and is especially popular in Rajasthan. This is a celebration of the perfectly married woman and Gan and Gaur are words used as derivations of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Parvati. Women carry specially painted pots on their heads during the two week long celebration. The partying comes to a head with a massive procession through towns and villages where animals are decorated. When the pots are broken the ceremony comes to an end in a region known for celebrating in style.

There are scores of other festivals in the Jaipur area from camel racing to a celebration of donkeys. Some are specific to Jaipur whilst others such as the colour powder throwing in Holi are seen all over India. For a wonderful exotic experience a visit at a time of partying in this part of the world is definitely well worth the effort.

Author: Rachael Rowe has travelled in India and enjoys the buzz of adventure holidays.