The best way to witness and explore the culture of the imperial state of Rajasthan in India is to pay a visit to the sand dunes of the golden Jaisalmer desert to attend the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. It is a cultural extravaganza prepared specially for tourists and travelers to showcase the colorful culture of Rajasthan. Prepare to witness amazing musical performances, fascinating competitions, unique beauty pageants and indulge in decadent local favorites with a showcase of exquisite handicrafts that are hard to come by anywhere else in the world.

Get to try your hands on Indian favorites like a serious game of cricket with local sports lovers or take a camel ride for unique game of camel polo. If adventure, fun and partying with difference is your calling then a visit to the sand dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan during the Desert Festival is a must-do in your list.

Also Read : Topmost Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer

History of Desert Festival

The city of Jaisalmer rolls back to the 12th Century where the city was first discovered by the Rajput king, Maharawal Jaisal Sing. But ancient histories reveal that before the capturing of the city by the Turks with Ala-ud-din-khilji the place was inhabited by the Rajput Bhatis. The city like most others in the royal state of Rajasthan has been a witness of several bloody battles between the Rajputs and the Islamic conquerors that tried to capture the ruling seat as well as the Bhatti rulers. The Bhatti rulers had later migrated to some other parts after the capture by Khilji, most of which is now in Pakistan. During the British Rule, the Bhatti rulers went on to rule the state of Jaisalmer which was a key stopover to the trade routes to Central Asia, Egypt, Arab and Persia, which is why it was home to several trade fairs and festivals akin to the Jaisalmer Desert Festival of today.

Where and When is the Desert Festival Celebrated?

The popular desert festival pulls in a lot of footfall to the desert of Jaisalmer. The festival takes place over the sand dunes that are iconic to the area, near the Sam Sand Dunes. It The festival goes on for 3 glorious days in the month of February every year. In 2019, Jaisalmer Desert Festival will be held on February 17, 2019 to February 19, 2019.

Popular Rajasthan Tours

Tourist Attractions in Desert Festival

To spread the traditional colours of Rajasthan and to seek global attention from around the world, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival puts up a grand show of its local elements that are iconic to the place. There are amazing jugglery performances, the famous dance forms like Gair and the folk fire dances add glamour to the festival.

There is a cacophony of Rajasthani arts, folk dance and music by local performers, many of which are local tribes.

There is the unique camel race that attracts a lot of attention as a unique race that happens only in Rajasthan.

Also Read : 13 Most Popular Folk Music and Dance of Rajasthan

Things to do in Desert Festival

Apart from that there other unique contests like the Turban tying contest, the longest moustache contest and also a homecoming of Mr. Desert pageant to commemorate the most Rajasthani of men.

For those seeking for adventure, camel rides, polo matches and a desert safari ride on camel or jeep over the shifting sand dunes of Sam will mark a true grand finale for the event.

Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department every year, this festival offers unique experiences unlike any other and is the best opportunity for travelers to enjoy and explore the vast Thar Desert. The starlit night sky offers the perfect canvas to paint your dreams as you camp near the sand dunes in luxury camps on the desert, equipped with all modern amenities.

Also Read : Things To Do in Jaisalmer

Things to Buy from Desert Festival

The festival is a shopper’s paradise for those seeking intricate handicrafts and handloom attires in vibrant colors, decked with meticulous thread work and mirrors. Shop for unique home décor artifacts and exquisite pieces of attires that are quintessential to the land and are made by local craftsmen in the traditional manner! The festival is also a hub for foodies as it serves an authentic Rajasthani fare with stalls and dhabas offering freshly made hot local delicacies. Fortunately, money exchange will not be a problem at the festival as there are several portable money exchange stalls and most major shops accept credit and debit cards and mobile wallet payments to ensure a great shopping experience.

Also Read :

• Shopping in Jaisalmer
• Top 10 Colourful Markets in Rajasthan

How to Reach Jaisalmer?

By Road

Jaisalmer is easily accessible for those coming via road. It is a few hours drive away from major Rajasthani cities including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and Bikaner.

By Train

The city also has its very own railway station where frequent trains ply to and from major Indian cities along with cities in Rajasthan. There are local buses plying from major cities nearby like Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur and New Delhi to Jaisalmer which is comfortable for travelers.

By Air

The city is yet to host its own airport, but the state has announced plan to come up with an airport in Jaisalmer very soon.

Also Read : Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

Most Popular Festivals of Rajasthan :

• Know About Marwar Festival of Jodhpur 2019
• Annual Mewar Festival, Udaipur to be Held from 6 April, 2019
• Pushkar Camel Fair 2019 – World’s Largest Fair

Suggested Packages Covering Jaisalmer :

• 14 Days – Rajasthan Tour by Car from Delhi
• 15 Days – Delhi Agra and Rajasthan Tour
• 15 Days – Historical Rajasthan With Agra Tour
• 17 Days – Rajasthan Cultural and Wildlife Tour

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