Jaipur: The historic village of Abhaneri in Rajasthan’s Dausa district recorded 80,181 tourist visits between January and June 2026, including 44,140 domestic and 36,041 foreign tourist visits. Known for the iconic Chand Baori stepwell and Harshat Mata Temple, the village is now hosting the two-day Abhaneri Festival 2026, which began on Monday.

Organised jointly by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and the Dausa district administration on October 12 and 13, the festival celebrates Rajasthan’s folk arts, traditional handicrafts and rural culture.

Upendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, said the festival aims to connect Abhaneri’s historical heritage, folk traditions and rural lifestyle with tourism. It also provides domestic and international visitors with an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s cultural traditions while offering local artists and traditional craftspeople a platform to showcase their skills.

Folk Performances Bring Rajasthan’s Traditions to Life

The festival features a variety of traditional performances, including Pad Dangal, Kachhi Ghodi dance, Bahurupiya performances, acrobatics by traditional Nat performers, puppet shows and Bhapang music. Shehnai performances and other cultural programmes are also part of the celebrations.

Folk performances are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the cultural evenings take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

These performances offer visitors an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s diverse folk traditions and the artistic heritage passed down through generations.

Traditional Handicrafts: From Lac Bangles to Pottery

Traditional artisans are showcasing their skills at the festival, including lakhera craftsmen who make lac bangles, potters who shape clay on the wheel and blacksmiths who produce iron articles.

Visitors can observe the process of making lac bangles, shaping clay into pottery and crafting iron products. They can also purchase traditional handmade items directly at the festival.

According to Shekhawat, the inclusion of traditional handicrafts allows visitors to gain a closer understanding of local craftsmanship and the skills of rural artisans.

Camel-Cart Tours and Street Theatre Offer a Glimpse of Village Life

Camel-cart rides through the village are among the festival’s attractions, allowing tourists to explore Abhaneri’s traditional surroundings and experience aspects of rural life.

Street plays are also being staged to highlight local culture and social themes. Together, the folk performances, handicraft demonstrations and village tours provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with the region’s cultural traditions and rural lifestyle.

Chand Baori and Harshat Mata Temple Remain Major Attractions

Abhaneri’s historic Chand Baori is renowned for its distinctive architectural design and extraordinary geometric arrangement of steps. Located nearby, the Harshat Mata Temple is another important landmark associated with the village’s religious and cultural heritage.

These sites form the foundation of Abhaneri’s historical identity and continue to attract visitors interested in Rajasthan’s architecture, history and traditions.

During the festival, visitors can explore these heritage landmarks while experiencing local folk arts, traditional crafts and the village’s cultural environment. By bringing heritage tourism and living traditions together, the event seeks to strengthen Abhaneri’s appeal as a cultural tourism destination.

Abhaneri Festival 2026: Key Details

• Dates: October 12–13, 2026
• Venue: Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Dausa district, Rajasthan
• Folk performances: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cultural evenings: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Major attractions: Pad Dangal, Kachhi Ghodi dance, Bahurupiya, traditional Nat performances, puppetry, Bhapang music, handicrafts and rural cultural activities
• Organisers: Rajasthan Tourism Department and Dausa district administration

With its combination of historic monuments, folk performances, traditional crafts and village experiences, the Abhaneri Festival 2026 offers visitors an opportunity to discover Rajasthan’s cultural heritage beyond its better-known tourist destinations.