The city of Bundi is located in the southeastern part of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is part of the Hadoti region and is situated about 36 kilometers from the city of Kota.
The Bundi Festival, also known as Bundi Utsav, was started as a cultural and tourism initiative. The first festival was organized in 1996 with public participation, following a plan prepared in 1995. In that time Bundi District Collector, Madhukar Gupta, was instrumental in this effort to involve the local people.
The Bundi Festival is an annual, three-day event. It is celebrated in the Bengali month of Kartik, which typically corresponds to October-November.
The festival is a vibrant showcase of art, culture, and craftsmanship. It includes a variety of activities and events. A colorful procession (Shobha Yatra) with decorated camels, cultural performances featuring traditional folk music and dance. Ethnic sports and competitions like turban tying, bridal clothing, and musical band competitions. The Deepdaan ceremony, where thousands of earthen lamps (diyas) are lit and a spectacular firework display on the Nawal Sagar Lake
The festival is deeply connected to the local culture and people of the Hadoti region. It serves as a platform to showcase and preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage, traditional art forms, and historical significance.
The event provides a platform for local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their skills, contributing to the economic development of the region by attracting both domestic and international tourists.
