Pack your bags to witness the most-awaited cultural event - the desert festival Jaisalmer

During the month of February, the sands of the golden city come to welcome the Desert Festival Jaisalmer. The brilliant colors, music, and laughter mix in the atmosphere. Spectators from all over the world gather here to witness this event displaying the true traditional colors of Rajasthan. This festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department every year.

This festival is organized every year in the month of February. In order to witness this colorful festival, you have to be present in the city. This city is well connected by a network of trains and the Jaisalmer Railway Station is situated in the heart of the city. You can avail auto-rickshaws or taxis from the railway station to reach the venue of the event. If you are traveling by air, you need to get down at Jodhpur, which is the nearest big city and from there, you can reach the venue of the event via road.

Though no one knows for sure how this grand festival started, there is a popular story which does the rounds. According to folklore, Arjun, the third Pandava was informed by his dear friend, Lord Krishna that very soon a kingdom will be built on the Trikuta hill by the successor of the Yadav community. The prediction indeed came true in the year 1196, when the descendant of the Yadav clan, Rawal Jaiswal was successfully able to establish his kingdom in this city. A grand celebration was organized to honor Lord Krishna, as his prophecy came true. The celebration took the form of this annual occasion, which is celebrated every year during the month of February.

A morning procession from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium marks the commencement of the Desert Festival Jaisalmer. There are several highlights of the event, some of which have been discussed below:

• Celebrate the carnival of dance and music : The event beautifully displays the local elements to draw tourists. Traditional dance forms and music fill the air with excitement and glee. The Gair dance and the fire dance are the popular dance forms performed in the event. The local nomads display their gymnastic acts. The Manganiars and the Bhopa’s Langhas create an enchanting atmosphere with their folk song recitals. Also, the jugglery performance will keep you glued to your seat.
• Let the camel events mesmerize you : The ships of the desert are dressed in traditional attires and they are entered into the best-dressed camel competition. There is a special folk song, which explains the making of the Gorband, the camel’s necklace. Two unique events, the camel polo and the camel dance add more fun to the camel show. Another interesting event, the camel race is one of its kind of a race, which happens only in Rajasthan.
• Bring out the adventurer in you : Though the camel rides, polo matches, and safari rides are the main attractions, there are some unusually interesting activities awaiting you. You can participate in contests like the longest mustache contest, turban tying contest, and Mr. Desert pageant. The aim of organizing these competitions is to preserve the traditions of Rajasthan, which are symbolized by the mustache and the turban.
• Satisfy your taste buds : This fete is a boon for all those foodies out there. There are numerous stalls and dhabas offering authentic Rajasthani delicacies. Though the Dal Bati Churma and the Gatte ki Sabzi are the favorites, you can try the Ker Sangri as well.
• Festivity calls for shopping : Making a list of things which you can buy, while attending the carnival is a wise thing to do. Buying those beautiful home décor artifacts made by the traditional craftsmen can prove to be useful gifting options. Do not forget to buy those handloom jewelry pieces and vibrant attires adorned with meticulous thread and mirror work.

Whenever you are touring a city, you would definitely not want to miss out on the nightlife. This jewel city too has its share of pubs and discotheques, which will keep your evenings and nights engrossed. These incredible nightclubs, with their sophisticated interior décor and the fine collection of cocktails, scotch, wine, beer, and whiskey serve the role of good hosts for the youth. The music played here all night keeps up the energy quotient alive amongst the people.

In case, if you are not a club and pub person, there are ample of other options available for you. One such thrilling option is a desert safari experience and camp stay. During the safari, you can enjoy a camel ride on the glittering sand while soaking in the view of the twilight. You can also be a part of the Sam Desert Nights, where cultural dance and music performances are organized. If you are planning to enjoy a late night movie while chilling with your friends or family, do not forget to book the last show at Ramesh Talkies, the most popular theatre in the city.

If exquisite handicrafts, folklore, and traditional sites have always drawn you towards themselves, and at the same time, you want to experience adventure and fun, then a visit to Jaisalmer needs to occupy the topmost position in your places-to-visit list.