Plan your trip · Chittorgarh
What's on in Chittorgarh
Upcoming festivals, fairs and events in Chittorgarh — plan your visit around them, then check the best time to visit.
Nothing dated is confirmed for Chittorgarh right now, so here is the year instead — the fixtures that come round annually, and what each one means for a visit.
The year in Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh's calendar runs through most of the year, with the busiest weeks in the clear, comfortable months and a quieter stretch in the heaviest rain. Broadly, Oct – Mar is when visiting is most comfortable here, and that is when the calendar is busiest — which also means accommodation is most expensive and books furthest ahead.
Most of these follow lunar calendars and move by weeks from year to year, so treat the windows below as the season rather than the date, and confirm the year’s dates before you book around one.
Signature to Chittorgarh
Jauhar Mela
🗓️ February–MarchA commemoration of the fort's sieges, with descendants of Rajput clans processing through the fort.
Planning: The fort is vast — allow a full day and start early whatever the season.
Across Rajasthan
Teej and Gangaur
🗓️ July–August and March–AprilProcessions of decorated idols through the old cities, especially Jaipur and Udaipur.
Planning: Good street photography, heavy crowds in the old-city lanes.
Nationwide
Diwali
🗓️ October–NovemberThe biggest holiday of the year — lamps, sweets, fireworks and a week of visiting family. Cities are lit up and markets stay open late.
Holi
🗓️ MarchColoured powder and water, thrown at anyone within reach, mostly through the morning.
Navratri and Dussehra
🗓️ September–OctoberNine nights of fasting, music and dance, ending with Dussehra. What it looks like changes completely by region — garba in Gujarat, pandals in Bengal, processions in the south.
Eid al-Fitr
🗓️ shifts ~11 days earlier each yearThe end of Ramadan. The old quarters of Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Bhopal are at their best in the evenings through the preceding month, when food streets run past midnight.
Makar Sankranti and Pongal
🗓️ mid-JanuaryThe harvest turn, marked with kites in the west and north and four days of Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Chittorgarh's two biggest events are tied to its history. The Jauhar Mela, usually held in February or March, remembers the jauhars that took place during the sieges of the fort, with processions by members of Rajput families. Meera Mahotsav, held around Sharad Purnima in October, honours the poet-saint Meera Bai with devotional music, bhajans and cultural programmes.
The town also celebrates the festivals of Rajasthan and the rest of India, including Teej, Gangaur, Navratri, Diwali and Holi. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year, so check the dates before you plan your trip around an event.
Tips for Attending Events & Festivals in Chittorgarh
- Book accommodation early for the Jauhar Mela and Meera Mahotsav, as the town has a limited number of hotels.
- Arrive early at the fort on festival days, as roads up the hill get busy.
- Treat the Jauhar Mela as a solemn commemoration and follow the lead of the people around you.
- Dress modestly for temple visits and religious events.
- Carry water and sun protection for daytime events.
- Keep your belongings secure in crowds.
Questions
Chittorgarh — FAQ
What are the main festivals in Chittorgarh?
The Jauhar Mela and Meera Mahotsav are Chittorgarh's own events. Teej, Gangaur, Navratri, Diwali and Holi are also celebrated across the town.
What is the Jauhar Mela?
The Jauhar Mela is an annual event at Chittorgarh Fort that remembers the Rajput women who died in the jauhars during the sieges of the fort, and the warriors who fell. Descendants of Rajput families take part in a procession. It is usually held in February or March.
When is Meera Mahotsav held?
Meera Mahotsav is usually held around Sharad Purnima in October, over two or three days. It features bhajans, music and cultural programmes in honour of Meera Bai. Check the dates for the year before you travel.
Is Chittorgarh good to visit during Diwali?
Yes. The weather is pleasant in October and November, and the town and its markets are lit up. It is also a busy holiday time, so book your stay early.