Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival held in February every year. You will get to see Cultural events, camel races, turban tying competitions etc. Not exciting enough! Attend the contests to judge the man with the best moustache. Everything is exotic in the Desert festival, amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert. With a final musical performance by folk singers under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer, the festival comes to its end. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three daylong extravaganza.
The desert festival in Jaisalmer was started to attract foreign tourists, who always wanted to explore as many facets of Rajasthan as they could in the possible crunch of time. The three-day event stresses more on local elements and heritage. For example, this no-nonsense festival will only showcase Rajasthani folk songs and dance. These are presented by some of the best professionals of the art. Similarly, local customs such as Turban tying etc have been added to make it more exotic and colorful in its outlook. 'The moustache competition' is very popular among foreigners. This is simply because of the surprise value attached to this event. Foreigners can be seen posing for pictures with the winners. This is truly a moment worth preserving.
You will never forget marvels like the famous Gair and Fire dancers that are the major attraction of the desert festival celebrations. Interesting contests including a tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where you will enjoy camel rides and brilliant performance by the folk artist under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.
The Rajasthan tourism organizes the Jaisalmer Desert fair/festival. There is tourist help cell to deal specially with the problems faced by foreign tourists. The arrangements are monitored by local administration and state of the art Medical vans, equipped with the best of medical amenities, are kept on alert. If you want to buy gifts or souvenirs for your dear ones, this is the place to be. For this place not only have items from and around Jaisalmer but of the whole Rajasthan. Mobile money exchangers are there in case you need to exchange currencies. And if you run out of cash, Guess what! Nearly all the kiosks have the facility to accept credit card.
Highlights of Desert festival
Many exciting things await at the Desert Festival Jaisalmer. The District Collector of Jaisalmer and the city's officials discussed the festival to promote it innovatively! As per the officials' reports, the major highlight of the Desert Festival Jaisalmer is that several Bollywood singers will be gracing the festival spirit. In addition, the Senior Official of the Indian Air Force has also been sent the invitation for air warrior drills.
1. Enjoy watching the traditional dance and music
Enjoy witnessing the locals dressed in bright colourful costumes and watch them dancing in traditional form. Enjoy the Gair and fire dance, gymnastic acts by the Kalabaz, folk music recitals by the Manganiars, and Bhop’s Langhas and the jugglery performances in this vibrant festival.
2. Witness the Camel Events
Watch the ship of the desert, Camels dressed in pretty traditional attire as they enter the best-dressed camel competitions. It is indeed a unique competition to watch. Other unique competitions that should not be missed are- Camel Polo, Camel race, and camel dance along with the special folk song dedicated to the camel’s necklace- Gorband.
3. Enjoy participating in unusual competitions
Do not miss taking part in the turban tying contest here at the Desert festival. You will surely be going to love it. There are other competitions too that are worth taking part in - Mr Desert Pageant, Longest moustache contest. Some other exciting activities to enjoy at this festival are- safari rides, camel rides, and polo matches.
4. Try some Delicacies
Try authentic Rajasthani food like- Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabzi. Foodies can find numerous stalls and Dhabas that surely will satisfy your taste buds.
5. Pretty handicrafts
Grab some beautiful items to take back home with you. Items like- home décor, artefacts, handloom jewellery and vibrant attires that are available here in this pretty desert festival.
6. Go Dune Bashing
Adventure enthusiasts can go for Dune bashing in the Thar desert. It is a superb place for off-roading and bashing. Hire a tough vehicle and bash the dunes that will surely give you a thrilling experience.