Abhaneri Festival 2025 - Here's What to Look Forward To!

Imagine the golden rays of the autumn sun casting magical shadows over ancient stone structures, the air filled with the rhythmic beats of dholak drums, and colourful swirls of traditional Rajasthani skirts spinning in perfect harmony. Welcome to the enchanting world of the Abhaneri Festival, where the desert state's timeless traditions come alive in the most spectacular way possible.

As September approaches, Rajasthan prepares to showcase its cultural heart through the Abhaneri Festival 2025, a celebration that promises to transport you into a realm where history, art, and tradition dance together.

With Club Mahindra resorts in Rajasthan as your base, your journey into Rajasthan’s living heritage promises comfort, authenticity, and cherished memories.

In this blog

• The Legacy of Abhaneri
• Abhaneri Festival 2025 – Dates, Venue, and Highlights
• Experiences to Look Forward to At Abhaneri Festival 2025
• Exploring Chand Baori – The Festival's Icon
• How to Reach Abhaneri for Abhaneri Festival 2025
• Practical Travel Guide for Visitors
• Why Club Mahindra Enhances the Experience

The Legacy of Abhaneri

The village of Abhaneri, in Dausa district of Rajasthan, holds secrets that date back over a millennium. This ancient settlement, originally known as Abha Nagri or "City of Brightness," was established by King Raja Chand of the Gurjar Pratihar dynasty. The crown jewel of this historic village is undoubtedly the Chand Baori stepwell, a breathtaking architectural marvel that plunges 13 stories deep into the earth with its 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps.

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 celebrates Rajasthan’s cultural heritage by showcasing folk dances, rural artistry, and age-old traditions. Once a local gathering, it has grown into one of the state’s most anticipated cultural festivals, offering a platform for artisans and performers while keeping Rajasthan’s vibrant legacy alive.

Abhaneri Festival 2025- Dates, Venue, and Highlights

Dates

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 is scheduled for the 26th and 27th of September, 2025. Events generally start around 9:00 AM and continue until late evening, with cultural performances, folk dances, and food stalls running throughout the day.

Weather

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 is perfectly timed, with the weather pleasant and the landscape fresh in hues of green after the monsoon. These Abhaneri dates have been carefully chosen to coincide with the harvest season, adding to the festive spirit that engulfs the entire region.

Venue

The main venue for this spectacular event is the iconic Chand Baori stepwell itself, along with the nearby Harshat Mata Temple. Imagine watching folk performances with the geometric precision of ancient steps as your backdrop, creating an almost surreal atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Highlights

Rajasthan Tourism has pulled out all the stops for 2025, expecting thousands of visitors from across the globe. The festival grounds will be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with multiple performance stages, craft bazaars, food courts, and interactive zones spread across the venue. Special lighting arrangements will illuminate the stepwell after sunset, creating a magical ambience that adds an extra dimension to the evening performances.

Experiences to Look Forward to at Abhaneri Festival 2025

Folk Dances That Tell Stories: Kalbelia and Ghoomar

When the sun begins its descent and the stage lights illuminate, prepare yourself for a visual feast unlike any other.

The Kalbelia dancers, dressed in their signature black skirts embellished with silver threads, move with serpentine grace that mimics the movements of cobras. Their performance isn't just dance; it's a story of the snake charmer community's deep connection with nature.

The Ghoomar dancers take the stage next, their vibrant ghagras creating mesmerising circles as they spin in graceful pirouettes. Watch closely, and you'll notice how each movement tells a tale of celebration, traditionally performed by women during auspicious occasions.

The synchronisation of hundreds of mirrors sewn into their costumes creates a dazzling display that captures the essence of Rajasthani celebration.

Music That Touches the Soul

The haunting melodies of the sarangi blend seamlessly with the energetic beats of the dholak, creating a soundscape that transports you to another era. Folk musicians, many from families who have been keeping these traditions alive for generations, pour their hearts into every note.

The morchang's twang adds a unique texture to the performances, while the algoza's dual flutes create harmonies that seem to float in the desert air.

Puppetry and Theatrical Magic

The ancient art of Kathputli comes alive as master puppeteers manipulate their string puppets with incredible skill. These aren't just puppet shows; they're theatrical presentations of Rajasthani folklore, complete with dramatic narratives about brave warriors, devoted lovers, and clever village folk. The puppeteers' commentary, delivered in the local dialect with perfect comic timing, keeps audiences of all ages thoroughly entertained.

Craft, Art, and Handloom Showcase

The craft bazaar at Abhaneri Festival 2025 transforms into a vibrant showcase of Rajasthani artistry. Explore exquisite block-printed textiles, colourful bandhani sarees, leheriya dupattas, and handcrafted pagris, alongside pottery, kundan jewellery, and traditional durries.

 Visitors can also engage in hands-on workshops and try block printing, mould clay with local potters, or watch weavers bring intricate patterns to life. Each creation reflects centuries of heritage, making the craft experience not just a market visit but an immersive journey into Rajasthan’s timeless traditions.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 is as much a culinary celebration as it is cultural. Savour iconic dishes like dal baati churma, cooked in clay ovens and drenched in ghee, alongside tangy gatte ki sabzi and the desert speciality ker sangri.

Sweet lovers can indulge in freshly prepared ghevar with rabri, golden-fried malpua, and traditional churma.

For quick bites, enjoy spicy mirchi vada, flaky pyaaz kachori, or hearty bajra roti with lehsun chutney, each a delicious reflection of Rajasthan’s bold flavours.

Traditional Competitions

The Abhaneri Festival isn't just about watching performances; it's about participating in the celebration.

The turban-tying competition draws enthusiastic participants who race against time to create the perfect pagri. It's hilarious and impressive in equal measure, watching people struggle with meters of colourful fabric while the crowd cheers them on.

Camel races bring the excitement of the desert to the festival grounds. These ships of the desert, decorated with colourful saddles and jingling bells, race with their riders, creating a spectacle that's uniquely Rajasthani.

The matka race, where women balance water pots on their heads while navigating obstacle courses, showcases the incredible balance and grace of rural women.

Adventure Activities

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, hot air balloon rides offer a bird's eye view of the festival and the surrounding landscape. Floating above the Chand Baori stepwell during sunrise or sunset provides perspective on just how magnificent this architectural wonder truly is.

Village safaris take you beyond the Abhaneri Festival grounds into the heart of rural Rajasthan. These guided tours offer glimpses of daily village life, traditional homes, and agricultural practices that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Exploring Chand Baori – The Festival's Icon

The Chand Baori stepwell serves as more than just a venue; it's the star of the Abhaneri Festival. This geometric masterpiece, with its 13 storeys and 3,500 steps arranged in perfect symmetry, creates an optical illusion that seems almost impossible to have been built over a thousand years ago. During the festival, special guided tours help visitors understand the engineering genius behind this structure.

The stepwell wasn't just about water conservation; it was a community space where people gathered to escape the desert heat. The temperature at the bottom remains several degrees cooler than the surface, creating a natural air conditioning system that amazes modern architects.

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 turns Chand Baori into a photography paradise, with stunning light, shadow, and illuminated architecture offering perfect shots of Rajasthan’s iconic stepwell.

How to Reach Abhaneri for Abhaneri Festival 2025

By Air

The nearest airport to Abhaneri is Jaipur International Airport, located about 95 km away. Jaipur is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, as well as several international destinations.

From the airport, you can hire a taxi or arrange transportation to reach Abhaneri in around two hours.

By Rail

The closest railway station is Bandikui Junction. Bandikui lies on the Delhi–Jaipur rail route and enjoys good connectivity with cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. From the station, taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available to reach the Abhaneri Festival 2025 venue.

By Road

Abhaneri is easily accessible by road. The village is about 95 km from Jaipur, 150 km from Agra, and 230 km from Delhi. The most convenient option is to hire a taxi from Jaipur, enjoying a scenic drive through mustard fields and Rajasthani villages. Regular buses also operate between Jaipur and Dausa (35 km from Abhaneri), from where local transport can be arranged.

Guests staying at Club Mahindra resorts in Jaipur or Bharatpur can rely on the dedicated Travel Desk to arrange comfortable rides with experienced drivers, making the journey smooth and hassle-free.

Practical Travel Guide for Abhaneri Festival 2025

• Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are limited in the village
• Obtain photography permissions for professional cameras at the entry gate
• Stay hydrated; carry a water bottle that can be refilled at designated spots
• Dress modestly and comfortably, respecting local customs
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the stepwell's steps
• Book accommodations well in advance, as nearby options fill up quickly

Why Club Mahindra Enhances the Experience

After soaking in the vibrant colours, music, and traditions of the Abhaneri Festival 2025, nothing feels better than returning to the comfort and elegance of a Club Mahindra resort. With prime resorts in Rajasthan located in Jaipur and Bharatpur, Club Mahindra offers the perfect base camps to complement your cultural adventure.

Club Mahindra Jaipur: A Royal Stay

Designed in charming haveli-style architecture, this resort in Jaipur is a royal retreat that enhances your festival experience. After an exciting day at the Chand Baori stepwell festival, rejuvenate at the Svaastha Spa with traditional Ayurvedic therapies. Relish authentic Rajasthani cuisine at The Spice restaurant, where expert chefs bring local flavours to life. Evening cultural programs such as folk performances and Bollywood nights extend the festive vibe beyond Abhaneri.

Club Mahindra Bharatpur: Heritage Meets Nature

For those seeking serenity, this resort in Bharatpur offers a heritage stay amid 40 acres of lush gardens. Located near Keoladeo National Park, it is ideal for combining the festival with birdwatching or even a day trip to the Taj Mahal.

With over 140 resorts in India and abroad, your Club Mahindra membership ensures seamless travel, guided tours, and curated cultural evenings, turning your Abhaneri Festival trip into a lifetime memory.

Conclusion

The Abhaneri Festival 2025 isn't just an event on your calendar; it's a doorway to experiencing the beating heart of Rajasthan's cultural soul. From the hypnotic swirls of traditional dancers to the ancient stories carved in stone at Chand Baori, every moment promises to leave an indelible mark on your memory.

As you plan your journey to this extraordinary celebration, remember that the magic of Abhaneri extends beyond the festival dates. With Club Mahindra as your travel partner, you're not just attending a festival; you're embarking on a cultural odyssey that seamlessly blends heritage, comfort, and authentic experiences. Come September 2025, let yourself be swept away by the colours, sounds, and flavours of Rajasthan at its festive best.