- Historic village in Dausa records 36,041 foreign tourist visits and 44,140 domestic visits between January and June 2026
- Two-day Abhaneri Festival brings folk performances, traditional crafts and rural experiences to Chand Baori
TTT NEWS NETWORK
JAIPUR | 13 OCTOBER 2026
Abhaneri, the historic village in Rajasthan, recorded 80,181 tourist visits during the first six months of 2026. Foreign tourists accounted for nearly 45% of the total footfall. The figures highlight international interest in the heritage destination known for Chand Baori and the Harshat Mata Temple.
According to tourism department data, the village in Dausa district registered 44,140 domestic tourist visits and 36,041 foreign tourist visits between January and June 2026.
The tourism figures come as the Rajasthan Tourism Department and Dausa District Administration host the Abhaneri Festival 2026 on October 12 and 13. The two-day event combines heritage tourism with traditional performing arts and rural experiences.
Chand Baori remains the principal attraction in Abhaneri. The historic stepwell is recognised for its geometric architecture and intricate arrangement of steps. The nearby Harshat Mata Temple adds to the appeal of the village as a cultural and heritage destination.
Upendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Director, Tourism, said the festival seeks to connect the architectural heritage of Abhaneri with the living cultural traditions of Rajasthan. The event also provides local performers and artisans with opportunities to engage directly with domestic and international tourists.
The festival programme includes Pad Dangal, Kachhi Ghodi folk dance, Behrupiya performances, Nat art, traditional puppetry and Bhapang recitals. Shehnai performances and other regional art forms are also featured.
Folk performances are scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm. The evening cultural programme runs from 7 pm to 9 pm on both festival days.
Beyond the performances, the festival has brought traditional artisans into the visitor experience. Lacquer-bangle makers, potters and blacksmiths are demonstrating their craft at the venue. Tourists can observe the production of traditional handicrafts and purchase products directly from local artisans.
Camel-cart rides and street theatre performances offer additional opportunities to explore the rural character of Abhaneri. The activities introduce visitors to village traditions beyond the historic monuments.
According to Shekhawat, the inclusion of traditional crafts creates opportunities for visitors to understand local craftsmanship while providing artisans with a platform to showcase skills developed over generations.
The festival is being held at Chand Baori in Abhaneri. It brings together architectural heritage, folk performances and community-based cultural activities within a single tourism event.
The combination of a substantial foreign visitor share and locally rooted cultural experiences underscores the potential of smaller heritage destinations to attract international tourists beyond established urban tourism circuits.
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