Desert Festival

Overview

Jaisalmer is known not just for its Golden Fort and monuments but also for the Desert Festival held annually here for three days during spring. The town comes alive with the colors of spring and the participants in the fair. The yellow sand dunes become the venue for folk music and dancing, puppet shows, kite flying and contests like best turban tying and biggest mustache.

This annual event is celebrated in February month which is the Hindu month of Magh (February), three days prior to the full moon. Experience the melodious rhythms of Rajasthan under starlight and be transported to the world of fantasy. Crafts bazaars and sound & light spectacles also are organized for the benefit of the numerous tourists.

Celebrations

The festivities of the Desert Festival add vivid colors to the city of Jaisalmer and fill the city with seamless enthusiasm and happiness. The festival kick starts with a lively procession from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. Hundreds of locals partake in this procession in their traditional and bright costumes. They move forward with loud singing and traditional dancing. Fire Dance remains a major attraction of the festival which is performed by the local artists. The festival also sees unbelievable acts by Kalabaz or the Nat, a group of local rovers. The whole aura of the Desert Festival is full of folk music and traditional dancing, giving you a peep into the local cultures and traditions.

During the Desert Festival, many exciting competitions are also hosted. Camel polo is the most popular competition in which gymnastics perform stunts by sitting on camel back. Then there are other competitions like tug-of-war, turban tying, Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert competition) and the longest moustache competition.

Desert Festival takes you to the heart of the Sam dunes where the “Sonar Qila” or Jaisalmer Fort stands high with pride. Be a part of this vivacious festival and experience the opulence of Rajasthan. Travelers can also enjoy a shopping spree at the local stalls selling artifacts, handicrafts and other souvenirs.