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Mount Abu Winter Festival: lamps on Nakki Lake before New Year
Hundreds of small lamps set afloat on a hill lake as the year runs out
The Mount Abu Winter Festival is held by Rajasthan Tourism at the end of December in Mount Abu, the state's only hill station, just before New Year. Next dates: 29–31 December 2026. A procession opens the festival and ends at Nakki Lake with the deepdaan, when hundreds of small earthen lamps are set afloat on the water; folk dance, music, crafts, games and fireworks fill the rest of the programme.
Rajasthan Tourism publishes the dates years ahead (its current list runs to 2030) and can revise them; check its calendar a few months before.
The legend
Nakki Lake takes its name from nakh, a nail: legend says the gods dug it with their nails to shelter from a demon.
From 29 to 31 December Rajasthan's only hill station holds the festival with the state tourism corporation, drawing artists from five states.
Customs
Deepdaan on the lake
The festival opens with a procession to Nakki Lake, where lamps are set afloat on the water.
Dance and fireworks
On stage there is Sufi Kathak, Daph, Ghoomar and Gair folk dances, poetry and concerts, and fireworks overhead.
What the festival is
Rajasthan Tourism describes the Winter Festival as a celebration of the state's culture and traditions, combining performance, handicrafts and food. Craftsmen and performers come from across Rajasthan, and artists from five states take part. It is organised with the state tourism corporation and is a cultural festival rather than a religious one.
Mount Abu stands at about 1,220 metres in the Aravalli hills of Sirohi district. Nakki Lake, in the middle of the town, is the centre of the festival. Its name is said to come from nakh, a nail: by legend, the gods dug the lake with their nails to shelter from a demon.
What is on the programme
The regular parts of the festival, from Rajasthan Tourism and the database. The detailed schedule is set each year.
Procession and deepdaan
A grand procession opens the festival and ends at Nakki Lake in the evening with the deepdaan: hundreds of diyas (earthen lamps) set afloat on the water as a mark of respect.
Dance and music
Sufi Kathak and the folk dances Daph, Ghoomar and Gair, concerts and poetry sessions.
Games, including cricket
Kite flying and rowing competitions. Rajasthan Tourism notes that this is the only festival in the state where cricket is part of the celebration.
Crafts, food and fireworks
Handicrafts and food stalls, and a fireworks display to end the festival.
Planning the trip
The festival falls in the last days of the year, when Mount Abu, a small town, is crowded.
- Check the dates — Rajasthan Tourism publishes the dates years ahead and can revise them; check its calendar a few months before you book.
- Getting there — The nearest airport, according to Rajasthan Tourism, is Udaipur, about 175 km away.
- By the lake at night — The lakeside fills for the deepdaan and the fireworks. Agree a meeting point, keep valuables in a front pocket and keep back from the water's edge. More in Is India safe?.
- What to combine — The Jain Dilwara temples in Mount Abu, and Ambaji in Gujarat, 45 km away. In May or June the town holds the Mount Abu Summer Festival.
FAQ
When is the Mount Abu Winter Festival?
Next: 29–31 December 2026. It is held at the end of December, just before New Year, on dates listed in the Rajasthan Tourism calendar.
What is the deepdaan at Nakki Lake?
The evening ceremony that ends the opening procession: hundreds of diyas, small earthen lamps, are set afloat on Nakki Lake as a mark of respect.
What happens at the Mount Abu Winter Festival?
A procession and the deepdaan on Nakki Lake, Sufi Kathak and folk dances, concerts and poetry, kite flying, rowing and cricket, craft and food stalls, and fireworks.
Is December a good time to visit Mount Abu?
The end of December brings the Winter Festival, but the small town is crowded in the week before New Year, so book early.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.