Bundi Festival or `Bundi Utsav` is a colourful festival celebrated in Bundi city in Rajasthan, particularly Hadoti District during the month of `Kartik` according to the Hindi calendar, which constitutes the month of November. This famous festival glorifies the local craftsmanship, traditions and culture which have been existent in Bundi since ancient times, and draws innumerable tourists from all across the globe and national visitors. One will be lucky enough to derive a beautiful taste of the exclusive culture of this western Indian state, if he is present at the Bundi Festival. Various artists from Bundi and also many parts of India conglomerate at Bundi to deliver live performances exhibiting their talents.
A long procession named `Shova Yatra` marks the beginning of the Bundi Utsav, which comprises the active participation of local men and women, all clad in their bright, traditional attires who march along the streets of Hadoti District. This Indian festival is often referred to as the festival of the common masses of the villages, since the rural art and culture is depicted through the events organised in Bundi Festival. Visitors will be tempted to purchase the large variety of traditional handicrafts and pottery artefacts which are displayed and sold at this grand festive event. Numerable spectacular paintings, accomplished by the regional artisans and painters of Bundi are also exhibited as well as sold in the festival. Musical dances, musical vocal performances and camel races are some of the several interesting contests which bring alive the festive ambience at the Bundi Festival.
Keshori Patan town is a tiny town located close to Bundi city, where a small cattle fair is observed during the days of the Bundi Festival, which resembles the grand cattle fair at Pushkar. Vedic hymns are chanted on the banks of Chambal River during this holy occasion and a spiritual ritual known as `Deep Dan` or `Light Donation` ceremony is performed during the Bundi Utsav, while the assembles people are engaged in offering prayers. Turban tying event, bridal dress event, rural sports competitions, etc. are some of the impressive events which add spice to the Bundi Festival. Other events like Musical Band Contests and a programme of classical folk dances are also noticed at this festival.
