Rajasthan, the land of kings and queens, is known for its vibrant culture and rich festivals. One of the most famous festivals in Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also called the Maru Mahotsav. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a vibrant festival that brings the desert to life with its cultural performances, camel races, and traditional art showcases on your Rajasthan Tour.The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is held annually in the mesmerizing city of Jaisalmer. This three-day carnival, generally taking place in February, is an immense tourism attraction, drawing both domestic and international visitors who are eager to engage themselves in the magic of the desert region.
With its historic importance, colourful festivities, and tourism attraction, the desert festival in Jaisalmer has become a key enchantment amongst the other festivals of Rajasthan, delivering a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage in the mesmerizing setting of the Thar Desert.
The history of Jaisalmer desert festival may be outlined back to the early 20th century when it was first initiated as a way to sell the cultural history and traditions of Jaisalmer. The history of Jaisalmer desert festival takes you back to centuries later, in 1196, Rawal Jaiswal, thought to be a descendant of the Yadav community, founded the kingdom of Jaisalmer. The desert festival in Jaisalmer aims to deliver a platform for the local communities to show their skills, maintain their cultural roots, and attract tourist to the area. The desert festival in Jaisalmer begins with a grand parade, where supremely embellished camels, horses, and folk artists traverse the streets of Jaisalmer, led through the regal Jaisalmer Fort as a backdrop. Colourfully dressed locals, musicians, and dancers escort the procession, setting the tone for the festive surroundings that follow.
One of the highlights of this desert festival in Jaisalmer is that the visitors are traded with spellbinding folk music and dance performances, showcasing the colourful Rajasthani traditions.
The History of Desert Festival Jaisalmer also holds several competitions and activities that offer tourists an immersive adventure. The turban tying competition, where participants show off their talent in tying conventional Rajasthani turbans, is a famous event. Visitors can also witness camel races, and camel polo matches, and even participate in tug-of-war competitions, including the fun and exhilaration of the desert festival in Jaisalmer.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a treasure trove for artwork and craft fanatics. The festival hosts numerous stalls where local artisans show their tricky handicrafts, embroidery, and replicate paintings. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase particular souvenirs and witness the craftsmanship of the gifted artisans. The festival additionally draws adventure seekers who can bask in desert activities like camel safari in Jaisalmer, dune bashing, and camping under the starlit sky.
