Summer Festival, Mt Abu

Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan and is the coldest region of the state. This place houses the highest peak- Guru Shikhar Peak of the Aravali Ranges, the oldest fold mountains of the world. It was the summer retreat of the British people and hence the place breathes a colonial air of its past. The cold place comes alive with the summer festival during the month of Aashadh( in Hindu Calendar ) that falls in June. Summer season imparts a festive look to the place. In fact the serene lakes, the steep cliffs and the picturesque landscapes make Mount Abu ideally suited for the fun and enjoyment of the summer festival.

The three day festival showcases folk and classical performances including folk and classical music and gives us a glimpse of the culture and tribal life of Rajasthan.

The festival starts with the performance of a ballad and is accompanied by folk dances that simply captivate the spectators. The merriment of the festival is increased by sporting events and competitions like the boat race on the Nakki Lake. There is a popular mythical tale related to the formation of this lake which says that some Gods created the lake-bed by digging it with their fingernails - "nakh" and hence the lake was named as nakki.

The most important part of the Summer Festival of Mount Abu is the Sham-e-Qawwali which is an enthralling musical extravaganza where popular qawwals from all over the country are sung.

The festivity reaches its zenith with the grand display of glaring fireworks which makes the summer festival much impressive.