Last updated: 11 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
November is Rajasthan's busiest festival month. Depending on the year, it can bring Diwali, the Pushkar Fair, the Bundi Festival, the Matsya Festival in Alwar, the Chandrabhaga Fair and the end of the Kota Dussehra fair.
Most of these follow the Hindu lunar calendar, so their dates move a little every year. Below is what each festival is like, when it usually falls, and how to plan from Jaipur.
Rajasthan Festivals in November at a Glance
- Kota Dussehra Fair: starts on Dussehra in October and often runs into early November.
- Diwali: late October or early to mid November.
- Pushkar Fair: about a week, ending on Kartik Purnima, the full moon, usually in November.
- Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar: around Kartik Purnima, the same full moon.
- Matsya Festival, Alwar: usually late November.
- Bundi Festival: usually in November, just after Kartik Purnima.
- Kumbhalgarh Festival: usually late November or early December.
Each year, check the exact dates on the official Rajasthan Tourism fairs and festivals list before you book.
Diwali in Jaipur
Jaipur's markets glow with lights for several days around Diwali, which falls in late October or November. It is the easiest festival to enjoy, because you are already in the city.
Read our full guide to Diwali in Jaipur for the best bazaars, timings and tips.
Pushkar Fair
The most famous fair in Rajasthan, with camel trading, folk music, competitions and pilgrims at the holy lake. It ends on Kartik Purnima, the full moon.
Pushkar is about 145 km from Jaipur. Our Pushkar Camel Fair guide covers the best days and how to get there.
Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar
Held at Jhalrapatan in Jhalawar district, in south-east Rajasthan. Pilgrims bathe in the Chandrabhaga river around the full moon, and there is a large cattle fair. It is far less touristy than Pushkar.
Matsya Festival, Alwar
Alwar's own festival celebrates the region's heritage, named after the ancient Matsya kingdom. Alwar lies between Delhi and Jaipur, so it can fit into a Golden Triangle route.
Bundi Festival
Bundi is a small, charming town known for its stepwells, palace murals and blue houses. During the festival, the old town fills with folk music, dance and crafts. It is ideal for travellers who prefer smaller crowds.
Kota Dussehra Fair
Kota's Dussehra celebration is one of the largest in Rajasthan. The fair continues into early November, so you can still catch its last days if you travel early in the month.
Kumbhalgarh Festival
Held at Kumbhalgarh Fort near Udaipur, with music and dance against the fort's huge walls. In some years it falls in early December, so check the dates if your trip runs late.
A Sample Festival Week From Jaipur
One week can cover the highlights of late November. Here is one way to plan it:
- Days 1 to 2: Jaipur, with a morning at our elephant sanctuary.
- Days 3 to 4: Pushkar Fair, ideally around the middle of the fair.
- Days 5 to 6: Bundi Festival, which usually follows Pushkar.
- Day 7: back to Jaipur, or on towards Udaipur.
Prefer day trips from a single base? Our Jaipur day tours can help you plan.
Festival Day Tips
Mornings: the best time for photos and the calmest crowds. Fair grounds are at their most colourful soon after sunrise.
Afternoons: dusty and busy. Take a break in the shade and drink plenty of water.
Evenings: music and lights take over. November nights are cool, so carry a warm layer.
- Book rooms early; festival towns fill up weeks in advance.
- Dress modestly at religious sites and remove shoes where asked.
- Ask before taking photos of people.
- Keep small change for stalls, snacks and tips.
Add Elephants to Your Festival Trip
Most festival routes pass through Jaipur. Our sanctuary is 10 to 15 km from the city centre and open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A visit takes 2 to 4 hours.
In November there is no bathing, as it runs from March to October, but feeding, painting, walking and safari are all included. See our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page to plan your visit.
For weather and packing, read Jaipur weather in October and November.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Pick one big fair and one small one, book early, and save a morning for our elephants in Jaipur. Happy festival season!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur