Every year when Dussehra arrives, the town of Kota turns into one giant, vibrant carnival. The Kota Dussehra Mela is easily one of the most grandly celebrated festivals in the country. It also happens to be one of the oldest and largest ones, and goes on for around 18 to 20 days. As a matter of fact, there are records as far back as 1723 that depict festival crowds gathering at Kota for Dussehra. This year, the Kota Dussehra Fair 2026 will take place from 20th October to 6th November. If you’re keen on attending or simply want to know more about the festival, this unstumbled guide will tell you all you need to know, from what to expect to how long to stay.
What Is Kota Dussehra Fair 2026?
Kota’s mela is distinct from northern India’s traditional Dussehra events. It has a blend of royal Hadoti heritage, massive effigies, month-long trade, and night stage performances that continuously enthrall visitors for the duration of the festival. This year, like every other year, the festival will commence on the day of Vijayadashami and Ravan Dahan, which will fall on 20th October, 2026.
It will then go on for 18 days, with the last day being 6th November, 2026. The fair will start every day around 4 PM and go on till 12 AM. On the first day of the festival, the royal procession will proceed from Garh Palace to the Dussehra Ground.
At the heels of this will be the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarana, all of which climb to a height of more than 70 feet! This grand spectacle is what people come for from far and wide.
In addition to this, there are also a number of events like the Kavi Sammelan and the Bhajan Sandhya. National-level poets, folk performers, and classical musicians alike showcase their talent on the main stage across the 18-day fair.
What To See At This Fair?
1. The Royal Procession, Shobha Yatra
This marvelous procession features caparisoned elephants, decorated horses, traditional Hadoti folk dancers, and royal brass bands escorting the royal deity. It takes place on the first day of the festival and marks the beginning of Kota Mela festivities.
2. The Effigy Burning, Ravana Dahan
Soon after the procession comes the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran. It features extensive custom pyrotechnics that are built right into massive effigies at the sprawling Dussehra Ground.
3. Handloom And Craft Bazaars
Artisans from across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh gather at the Dussehra Ground and sell all kinds of handloom and handicraft items, from Kota Doria sarees and terracotta pottery to leather craft and brassware.
4. Amusement And Giant Wheel Zone
The mela, of course, also features fun rides and giant Ferris wheels. It wouldn’t be a carnival without fun rides, would it? Such multi-tiered carnival rides, giant Ferris wheels, and traditional circus setups are ideal for families.
5. Nightly Folk And Music Performances
As the night rolls on, the main stage area is taken over by talented poets and folk performers skilled in art forms like Hadoti Ghoomar, Kalbelia dance, and live musical competitions on the main pavilion.
Also Read: Mysuru Vs Kullu Vs Kota: 3 Very Different Ways To Experience Dussehra In India
What To Eat At The Kota Dussehra Fair?
Kota Kachori And Mirchi Bada
These are crisp, spicy onion- or dal-stuffed kachoris served hot with tamarind chutney, which is a legendary local staple.
Mela Treats, Sweets, And Desserts
The treats served at the mela here are beloved by all. They include freshly fried jalebis, rabri, local softies and kulfis, and even oversized gulab jamuns.
Rajasthani Thali Staples
Don’t forget to try a few Rajasthani staples like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and bajra rotis that are served at regional food stalls.
Evening Snacks
Chaat and evening snacks are another must-try here. Relishing spicy pani puris, Chaat, sprouted chana stalls, and hot kulhad chai is an experience you wouldn’t regret having.
How Long Should You Stay Here? Recommended Itineraries
A Classic 3-Day And 2-Night Itinerary For Fair And Sightseeing
First Day: Arrive, check into the hotel, visit the Seven Wonders Park, and the Kishore Sagar evening light show.
Second Day: Explore the Garh Palace, the Chambal Riverfront, and spend the entire late afternoon and night exploring the Mela ground.
Third Day: Go on excursions to nearby attractions such as Garadia Mahadev temple or a day trip to Bundi.
Also Read: When Is Kullu Dussehra In 2026? Where To Celebrate It In Himachal
Summing Up
There is no doubt that this year, too, a large number of people will turn up for the Kota Dussehra Fair 2026. If you’re traveling along with young children or with old people, make sure you keep an eye on them the entire time and don’t let them out of your sight. The festival grounds can get incredibly crowded, and people can and do get lost. Furthermore, if you’re taking a vehicle along, you might just have to park it far away from the festival grounds owing to the crowd. Witnessing the grand ravan dahan here is an experience that you won’t forget, and for that reason alone, the fair is worth visiting.
