Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan turns into festive mood during the summer season. For the local residents and people living in the plains the hilly town hosts the Summer Festival each year. With steep rocks, picturesque lakes and charming locations and the soothing climate, Mount Abu offers a perfect set up for the festivity. One of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan, the Summer Festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the local people and their unique lifestyle.

An early extravaganza the Summer Festival is held in the month of May - June and celebrated for three days. Organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, Summer Festival is a good occasion to see and experience the rich cultural traditions of the desert state of Rajasthan. So, visit the beautiful hill station this May to enjoy the summer festival and refresh yourself amidst the serene environs.

Legends Associated with Summer Festival
A number of legends are associated with Mount Abu, but those legends have no any connection with the Summer Festival. Legend has it that during the old days Mount Abu was the home of several saints and sages. According to legend over 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this place. Mount Abu is believed to be the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna to form four Agnikula (four clans of fire) for protecting the earth from demons.

Once the part of the Chauhan Kingdom of Rajasthan, Mount Abu served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings. The British government took the place on lease from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for using as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana or Rajasthan. Very soon it became a favourite summer destination of the British and still it draws large number of visitors from rest of the country and various parts of the world.

Summer Festival Celebrations
Summer Festival is a feast of folk music, traditional dance and it also provides visitors a glimpse of the tribal life and rich culture of Rajasthan. The three day festival starts with the singing of a ballad which is followed by folk dances of Rajasthan. During the festival the sporting events like the boat races are organised on the Nakki lake.

The festival proceed further with a ceremonial procession, which begins from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gather at the Nakki Lake chowk. Here, folk performances of Rajasthan and neigbouring state of Gujarat are organized. On the second and third day of the festival various competitions are organised. Some of the highlights are skating race, boat race, horse race, skater's show, CRPF band show, tug of war, panihari matka race and deepdan.

The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited event, which add more variety to the festival. You can hear the famous qawwals (qawwali singers) from all over the country who enthrall the audience with their exhilarating qawwalis. On the third day the festival commemorates with the display of dazzling fireworks which is a not to be missed event for the visitors.

Summer Festival Date in 2008
18th - 20th May