Mount Abu Summer Festival 2027
About Mount Abu Summer Festival 2027
The Mount Abu Summer Festival is a vibrant celebration held every year in May, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, the Municipal Board of Mount Abu, and the District Administration, it is designed to celebrate the warmth, cheerfulness, and rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan's only hill station.
During the peak of the Indian summer, Mount Abu provides a refreshing retreat. The upcoming 2027 edition will take place from May 14 to May 16. The three-day festival transforms the serene town into a lively hub of color, rhythm, and local traditions, welcoming thousands of tourists who escape the desert heat to enjoy the cool breezes of the Aravalli hills.
Mount Abu Summer Festival 2027 Quick Facts
2027 Festival Dates: 14 May – 16 May
Location: Mount Abu, Sirohi District
Main Venues: Nakki Lake, Polo Ground
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
Organisers: Rajasthan Tourism & Municipal Board
Major Highlight: Boat Race & CRPF Band Show
Cultural Focus: Rajasthani folk dances (Gair, Ghoomar), Sufi music
Finale: Mega cultural night and fireworks
Planning guidance: May is the peak summer vacation season for domestic tourists. Hotels in Mount Abu book out rapidly, so advance reservations for May 2027 are highly recommended.
Why the Summer Festival is Special
- The Grand Procession: The festivities commence with traditional ballad singing and a vibrant procession that starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and concludes at the iconic Nakki Lake.
- Folk Performances: Enjoy captivating folk dances like Gair, Ghoomar, and Daph performed by artists native to Rajasthan and neighboring states like Gujarat.
- Boat Races & Water Sports: The serene waters of Nakki Lake host thrilling boat races, which are a major crowd-puller during the daytime events.
- CRPF Band Performance: A disciplined and spectacular musical drill performed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) band is a proud highlight of the festival.
- Deep Daan Ritual: As dusk falls, hundreds of lit earthen lamps (diyas) are gently floated on the waters of Nakki Lake, a mesmerizing sight reflecting against the twilight sky.
- Sham-e-Qawwali: Classical and Sufi music echo through the hill station during soul-stirring musical evenings under the stars.
2027 Festival Schedule
The three-day itinerary is packed with back-to-back cultural and sports activities for visitors of all ages.
| Festival Day | Date | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Opening) | 14 May 2027 | Inaugural procession, traditional ballad singing, folk dance performances near Nakki Lake, and the evening Deep Daan ceremony. |
| Day 2 | 15 May 2027 | Boat races at Nakki Lake, CRPF Band show, local sports competitions (Panihari Matka race, Tug of War, Skating), and the Sham-e-Qawwali musical night. |
| Day 3 (Finale) | 16 May 2027 | Final sporting events, prize distributions, the Mega Cultural Night at the Polo Ground, concluding with a grand fireworks display. |
Main Festival Venues
The entire town of Mount Abu dresses up for the occasion, but the activities are primarily concentrated in two iconic locations:
Nakki Lake: Surrounded by lush hills, the lake is the heart of the festival. It hosts the opening procession, daytime boat races, and the spiritual Deep Daan ritual.
The Polo Ground: A massive open space that acts as the hub for all sports competitions, the CRPF band display, and the massive evening cultural shows and concerts.
How to Reach Mount Abu
Mount Abu is well-connected by road and rail, making it an accessible summer retreat.
By Air
The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (approx. 176 km away) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (approx. 220 km away). From either airport, taxis and buses are readily available.
By Train
The closest railway station is Abu Road (ABR), located at the foothills, roughly 28 km from the main town. It is a major stop on the Delhi-Ahmedabad railway line. Regular taxis, shared jeeps, and local buses ply between the station and Mount Abu.
By Road
Mount Abu boasts excellent road connectivity via NH-14. Direct state transport (RSRTC) and private AC sleeper buses run daily from Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.
How to Plan Your 2027 Summer Festival Trip
- Book Accommodation Early: May corresponds with school summer holidays in India. The town sees a massive influx of tourists, so securing your hotel a month in advance is critical.
- Plan Local Sightseeing: Combine the festival events with visits to the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples, Guru Shikhar (the highest peak in the Aravallis), and Sunset Point.
- Manage Traffic: Parking near Nakki Lake can be difficult during the festival days. Rely on walking or renting local two-wheelers to get around the town.
What to Pack
- Light Summer Clothing: While cooler than the plains, Mount Abu days in May can still be warm and sunny. Pack comfortable cotton clothes.
- A Light Jacket: The temperature dips comfortably in the late evenings and early mornings, so a light sweater or windbreaker is highly recommended.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen for daytime events like the boat races.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring the Polo Ground, lake promenade, and uneven hilly paths.
Important Planning Notes
- Entry to the cultural events at the Polo Ground is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early for the Mega Night.
- Help maintain the pristine environment of the hill station. Dispose of waste responsibly, especially during the Nakki Lake events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Mount Abu Summer Festival 2027 celebrated?
The festival is scheduled for May 14 to May 16, 2027. The dates are traditionally aligned closely with Buddha Purnima.
What is the ticket price for the Summer Festival?
There are no entry tickets. The cultural programs, processions, and Deep Daan ceremonies are completely free and open to all visitors.
What is the Panihari Matka Race?
It is a fun, traditional competition where local women balance earthen pots (matkas) filled with water on their heads and race to the finish line, showcasing incredible balance and grace.
Is Mount Abu cool in May?
Yes. Due to its elevation (approx. 1,220 meters), Mount Abu has a much cooler and more pleasant climate compared to the intense summer heat experienced in the rest of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
How far is the railway station from the festival venues?
Abu Road railway station is roughly 28 kilometers from Nakki Lake. The scenic uphill drive takes about 45 to 60 minutes by taxi or bus.
