About Summer Festival (June)
The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh
(June). The romantic hill resort of Mount Abu provides a welcome respite
from the heat of Rajasthan in summer. A great time to visit is during this
annual festival, with its rich tribute to Rajasthani tribal life and
culture.). The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the
pleasant climate of Mount Abu make it an ideal location for the festival.
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The History of Mount Abu : The history of Mount Abu is as diverse as the
city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and
served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it
was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for
use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for
Rajasthan). During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer
destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of
the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a sanatorium for the
troops. The small huts and cottages here tell stories of those times even
today.
» Activities : The three-day festival opens with the
singing of a traditional ballad, which is followed by performances of folk
and classical music plus the captivating Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances.
Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add to the fun,
while the grand finale is a suitably noisy firework display.
The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited musical extravaganza, as renowned
qawwals regale the audience. The grand finale of the festival is a display
of dazzling fireworks, which adds to the tourist's delight.
» The Rowing Competition : Other gripping events
include a boat race on the Nakki Lake and roller skating race. The grand
finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks. Refresh yourself
in the tranquil surroundings of Nakki Lake.
It is believed that the Gods formed the lake-bed by digging it with their
fingernails - 'nakh' - hence the name nakki lake. Other places worth visit,
include : Dilwara, Jain Temples, Adhar Devi Temple, Gaumukh Temple, Sunset
Point and Honeymoon Point.
Getting there
» By Air : Udaipur is the nearest airport to Mount
Abu, 185 km away. Tourists can easily opt for various road transport
facilities available at the airport for reaching Mount Abu. A number of
domestic airlines have their scheduled flight to Udaipur, which connect the
city to the major cities in the country.
» By Road : Mount Abu is well-connected by roads, as
it is in close proximity to National Highway No 8 and 14. A small roadway
connects the city to National Highway no 8, which in turn connects it to
major cities like Jodhpur and Delhi. There is also a good network of roads
making it accessible to other important places in the state. With good road
conditions you can also travel by private car/taxi.
» By Rail : The railway station at Abu Road is a
two-hour drive from Mount Abu and is well-connected to the rest of the
country through a number of trains. It is a major stoppage for a number of
important long-distance trains of the Western and Northern Railways.
