Discover the Heartbeat of Rajasthan Through Its Folk Traditions

Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage is alive and thriving, transforming the very essence of its tourism. Folk traditions such as music, dance, puppetry, and rituals are now at the centre of an immersive travel experience, offering visitors a genuine connection to the state's vibrant culture.

The Rajasthan Tourism Department has actively promoted folk arts through a calendar of over 30 festivals and fairs each year, including Gangaur, Teej, the Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair, and Brij Festival. Indigenous performers from communities like Manganiyars, Langas, Mirasis, Bhats, Bhopas, and Jogis are regularly showcased, both at these events and in trade fairs and tourism markets. This initiative not only helps safeguard Rajasthan’s cultural heritage but also provides vital livelihoods for local artists.

Daleep Singh Rathore, Joint Director of the Tourism Department, emphasises the shift towards “experiential tourism.” Visitors no longer just wish to see—they want to feel and live the culture. Live folk performances—songs, instruments, dance, and storytelling—offer truly immersive encounters. Thousands of artists are now benefitting financially from these efforts, bringing prosperity to rural communities.

Traditionally, Rajasthan’s folk arts have been integral to everyday life—performed in fields, courtyards, weddings, and festivals. Today, these age-old traditions such as Maand music, Ghoomar dance, Chari fire dances, and storytelling of Pabuji ki Phad continue to animate village life and captivate audiences.

Each region boasts its own style, attire, instruments, and voices—from the Manganiyars of Jaisalmer and the Langas of Barmer to the Ravanhattha in Mewar and the Terah Taali performers in Shekhawati.

Cultural heritage is now a key pillar of Rajasthan’s tourism strategy. Artists are featured in heritage hotels, fairs, and music festivals, with folk music and dance becoming vital tools for cultural preservation and economic growth. Traditional instruments such as the Sarangi, Kamaycha, Ravanhattha, Morchang, Pungi, and Khadtal attract tourists eager to see, learn, and even try their hand at playing.

Puppet shows, Khyal, Nautanki, Phad painting, and devotional storytelling are woven into travel packages, elevating respect for artists and fostering a vibrant cultural economy in both rural and urban Rajasthan.

From village festivals to international stages, Rajasthan’s folk culture is making the nation proud across the globe. Music festivals held in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Shekhawati draw visitors from around the world seeking authentic cultural experiences. Today’s tourism isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about connection, learning, and experiencing a piece of Rajasthan’s soul, beautifully shared with the world.