Rajasthan, the land of kings, is a state that never fails to mesmerize visitors with its royal charm, colorful traditions, and age-old cultural richness. Known for its magnificent forts, grand palaces, intricately carved temples, and vibrant festivals, Rajasthan offers an experience that blends history, heritage, and celebration. Among its many unique festivals, the Mount Abu Winter Festival holds a special place, as it showcases the very soul of Rajasthan in the midst of the state’s only hill station.
Celebrated every year in December, the Mount Abu Winter Festival is jointly organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Municipal Board of Mount Abu. The event kicks off with a grand procession through the town, followed by the serene Deepdaan ceremony at Nakki Lake, where hundreds of diyas (earthen lamps) float on the water, creating a magical sight. Visitors are treated to a spectacular mix of cultural performances, folk music, traditional dances, and vibrant shows that highlight the artistic brilliance of Rajasthan and other Indian states.
But the Mount Abu Winter Festival is not just about art and rituals—it is also a hub of excitement and entertainment. The festival features a wide range of sports and traditional games, including cricket matches, tug of war, kite flying, skating, horse races, and even gilli danda, giving it a truly rustic yet fun-filled charm. These activities bring together both locals and tourists, creating an environment of community, joy, and celebration.
Adding to the festive spirit are food stalls serving authentic Rajasthani delicacies such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and sweet treats like malpua and ghewar. The exhibitions and handicraft stalls further attract visitors, offering a chance to take home beautifully crafted souvenirs that represent the artistry of the desert state. And as the evenings set in, the festival lights up with fireworks, musical concerts, and dance performances, turning Mount Abu into a lively carnival of colors and sounds.
The Mount Abu Winter Festival is more than just a cultural event—it is a celebration of Rajasthan’s heritage, traditions, and festive spirit, set against the serene backdrop of the Aravalli hills. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or someone looking for a joyful getaway, this festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, festivity, and charm.
So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to witness the magic of Rajasthan come alive at the Mount Abu Winter Festival—a celebration where tradition meets joy, and culture meets festivity!
Date & Venue of Winter Festival
The winter festival will take place from 29th December till 31st December 2025 in MOunt Abu, Rajasthan.
History of Winter Festival
The Winter Festival in Rajasthan, India, traces its roots to the late 20th century. Introduced to promote tourism and showcase the state's cultural richness, the festival began in Mount Abu, highlighting Rajasthan's heritage, art, and cuisine. Launched by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Municipal Board of Mount Abu, it quickly evolved into a three-day extravaganza.
Over the years, the Winter Festival has become a cherished annual event, contributing to the cultural tapestry and tourism appeal of Rajasthan.
Major Attractions of Winter Festival 2025 in Mount Abu
1. 3-Days that Celebrate Culturally Rich Rajasthan. This festival continues for 3 days straight and each day is full of fun and fervour around the magnificent location and energetic ambience of Mount Abu. The motive behind organising the festival is to introduce the rich heritage and art of the state to the kids and tourists in a fun way.
2. Cultural Performances. The festival has become a grand affair now owing to the talented performances put together by the artists who excel in different dance forms and singing classic folk songs. One may enjoy folk dances such as Ghoomar, Gair, and Kalbelia dance along with concerts by renowned folk artists.
3. Savour the Rajasthani Food. The food of Rajasthan is as unique as the state itself. The local dishes are a fine blend of raw yet rich flavours that will only leave you craving for more. If you are planning to visit the state then you must taste the following: Dal Batti Churma, Gatte ki Sabji, Laal Maans, Ker Sangri, Papad ki Sabji, Raab, Pyaz ki Kachori and Ghewar.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan that is adorned with picturesque beauty. The lush green hills and the colourful culture of the place make it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. You can easily reach here by air, road or rail. Mount Abu is nearly 750km via NH 48, 770km via NH 48, 1,900km via NH 19 and 1,700km via NH 48 from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Scroll down to find out the best and budget-friendly travel options to reach Mount Abu.
By Air.
The nearest domestic airport is Dabok Airport which is also known as Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. The nearest international airport is in Ahmedabad which is nearly 220km away. From the airport, one is required to hire a taxi or get on a bus to reach Mount Abu.
By Train.
The railway junction of Mount Abu is known as Abu Road and is connected to many major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. After deboarding the train here one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the desired place in Mount Abu.
Arriving from Delhi you may travel by Yoga Express, or Ashram Express, from Mumbai Ranakpur Express, or Jodhpur Express, from Jaipur by Aravali Express, from Ajmer Junction by Intercity Express and from Bengaluru Ajmer Express.
By Road.
If you love road trips and are planning to visit Mount Abu by road then you may either take a tourist bus to reach the hill station or may drive to the place in your car or bike. The well-established road network in the state connects Mount Abu to Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ajmer via motorable roads.
One-way bus fare to Mount Abu from Delhi starts from Rs.800, from Udaipur Rs.260, from Ajmer Rs.450, and from Jaipur Rs.400. The price may go up to Rs.1000 if you opt for luxury buses that come loaded with amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, live tracking facilities, comfy seats and a lot more.
Conclusion
Winter festival in Rajasthan radiated cultural vibrancy and festive charm. With traditional music, vibrant attire, and lively dances, it showcased the rich heritage of the region. The colorful processions, illuminated palaces, and local delicacies added to the enchanting atmosphere, creating a memorable celebration of Rajasthan's unique cultural identity during the winter festivities.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Festival
Q1. Where is the annual Winter Festival celebrated in Rajasthan?
A1. The annual Winter Festival is celebrated in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan. It is a vibrant cultural event that showcases the state’s art, heritage, and traditions.
Q2. What is the festival of December in Rajasthan?
A2. The most popular festival of December in Rajasthan is the Mount Abu Winter Festival, which takes place towards the end of the year. It is marked by folk dances, music, cultural shows, and the famous Deepdaan ceremony at Nakki Lake.
Q3. What is the famous festival of Rajasthan?
A3. Rajasthan is famous for several festivals, but the most well-known are the Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), Teej, Gangaur, and the Mount Abu Winter Festival. Each festival highlights the state’s rich culture, traditions, and community spirit.
Q4. Which festival is celebrated in winter?
A4. In Rajasthan, the Mount Abu Winter Festival is celebrated in winter. Nationally, other famous winter festivals in India include the Hornbill Festival (Nagaland), Manali Winter Carnival (Himachal Pradesh), and Goa Carnival.
Q5. What is the largest winter festival?
A5. In Rajasthan, the Mount Abu Winter Festival is considered the largest winter festival. On a national scale, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Manali Winter Carnival are also recognized as some of India’s biggest winter festivals, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
