The Matsya Festival in Rajasthan’s Alwar district began with a grand aarti of Lord Jagannath, ushering in four days of vibrant cultural celebrations. Held from November 23 to 26, the festival will showcase a rich blend of folk, classical, and traditional art forms, drawing large crowds from across the region.
Earlier known as Alwar Utsav, the event has recently been renamed as Matsya Utsav to reflect Alwar’s historic identity as Matsya Pradesh. Over the years, its dates and scale have evolved, but its cultural significance has grown steadily.
The Alwar Festival was first organised in 1994. In 1995, world-renowned sitar maestro Vishwa Mohan Bhatt delivered a memorable performance. With the efforts of then District Collector Manohar Kant, the District Administration and the Fisheries Culture and Environment Trust jointly organized the festival from November 21 to 24, 1995. After a brief halt until 2001, the festival was revived by then Collector Tanmay Kumar, who initiated its celebration at the government level. A monogram and a 10-year calendar for the festival were also released by the Tourism Department.
At its peak, the event witnessed participation from ambassadors and diplomats of nearly 25 countries, with celebrations extending to Rajgarh and Tijara. In 2003, Collector Tanmay Kumar organized the festival from February 7 to 9 on a grand scale. Subsequent editions were held in 2004 under Collector Shivjiram Pratihar (February 13–15) and in 2005 under Collector Dinesh Kumar (February 11–13).
In 2005, the Alwar Festival was officially renamed Matsya Utsav, celebrated that year on October 10 and 11 under Collector Rajiv Singh Thakur. The festival continued with the 2006 edition held on September 30 and October 1, and in 2007 on October 19 and 20, during which the Matsya Darpan souvenir was released. However, the 2008 edition was postponed following the Mehrangarh disaster.
—Advocate Harishankar Goyal, Historian
Alwar Blends Mythology, History and Modern Growth
Alwar and its surrounding region embody a rare confluence of mythology, heritage, and rapid industrial development. From the legendary Pandupol, linked to the Mahabharata, to the sacred ascetic grounds of Saint Bharthari, the district carries a cultural depth that sets it apart in Rajasthan.
Alwar Emerging as a Key Industrial Hub
Today, Alwar is also counted among the fastest-growing industrial centers in the state. Major companies in the automobile, electronics, medical–pharmaceutical, engineering, and steel sectors continue to expand their footprint here. Its strategic location along the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) has accelerated its rise as a major global node for industry, logistics, and export-oriented growth.
Matsya Utsav 2025 to Showcase Alwar’s Multi-Dimensional Identity
The Rajasthan Tourism Department is set to showcase this rich blend of tradition and progress through Matsya Utsav 2025. Over four days, Alwar will come alive with grand traditional processions featuring folk troupes, artistic tableaux, musicians, and dancers—transforming key tourist spots into vibrant cultural arenas.
Exclusive craft and food bazaars will celebrate the region’s artistic excellence, including local handicrafts, clay and paper pottery, textile traditions, and Alwar’s famed culinary offerings, giving visitors an immersive experience of the district’s cultural and historical heritage.