The Jaisalmer or the “Golden city” located on the southwest border of Pakistan lies in the close approximate to the enormous Thar Desert. The yellow sandstone construction of Jaisalmer is an outstanding vivid attraction of the town. Jaisalmer is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Rajasthan.

The Jaisalmer desert festival is one of the most stimulating festivals celebrated in the midst of the Sam Sand dunes of Thar Desert, around 40km from Jaisalmer. This golden desert festival is a sum illustration of traditions and the majestic state of Rajasthan in the Jaisalmer tour packages.

The Jaisalmer desert festival is organized and sponsored by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation. It is an annual festival celebrated every year in the Jaisalmer. This year it is organized on 7^th February to 9^th February 2020. The three day merriment is a burlesque of sights, aroma, savor and matchless happiness of the great Thar Desert.

Credit: Kislay Rai

It is a platform where traditional performers of art and craft showcase their talents. It is with the advent of this festival the sands of Jaisalmer come alive with colors, dance, and music, fine art, enthusiasm, and happiness.

The festival inaugurates with a procession in the daybreak from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. People of the desert clothed in brightly hued attire, dance and sing lingering ballads of gallantry, legends, and tragedy. Camels, the spirit of the festival are ornamented in bright colors and jumble. They showcase the rich and colorful folk culture of Rajasthan. The carnival put up the shutters with an enthralling light and sound show in the center of the sand dunes on a moonlit night.

History of Jaisalmer Desert festival

According to the legends, the festival is inspired by the Hindu Mythology. It is said that Lord Krishna, leader of Yadav community had once told Arjuna (one of the Pandava’s brother) that the kingdom that will be built upon the Trikuta hill will belong to the successor from the Yadav community.

His prediction came true in the year 1196, when Rana Jaiswal, a successor of the Yadav kinfolk, instituted the Sand Stone structure, the Golden fort as his kingdom and named it Jaisalmer. There were celebrations throughout the kingdom, when the natives came to know that the prediction has come true. The celebrations in next to no time turned out into a carnival that is now organized every year.

Celebration

The celebration at the Jaisalmer desert festival is like no other throughout the country. The inimitability lies in its geographic vicinity and ethnicity. The celebration would be marked by the traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance performances by localities or tribes.

For those seeking for adventures, there are exploratory camel rides, desert safari ride on camel or jeep and polo matches. Not only these events, but there are exclusive competitions like the Turban tying contest, the longest moustache gala and furthermore a homecoming of Mr. Desert procession.

Apart from these, the festival is a paradise for art and craft lovers and lovers for handloom garments in lively colors, festooned with detailed thread work. It is a market for exclusive artifact made by craftsmen in the traditional method.

The carnival is also a center for foodies, serving a portion of authentic Rajasthani food and cuisines.

Credit: Trip101

How  to reach Jaisalmer

By Air:

Jaisalmer Airport is the nearest airport to reach Jaisalmer Desert Festival. The nearest international airport is Jodhpur Airpot which is 337 kilometers away from Jaisalmer.

By Rail:

Jaisalmer is well connected with a wide network of trains from all across the country. You can take a cab or safari to reach the Desert festival.

By Road:

Jaisalmer has tremendous road connectivity. You can take a bus from ISBT to reach the city. You can also take your private vehicle or hire a cab to reach Jaisalmer.

Credit: Kislay Rai

You can look for various luxurious hotels or can spend a night in open under the stars and choose to stay in tents.

There are various Jaisalmer Tour Package including the Camel Safari and tour to the ‘Golden City’. You can also take various other packages of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Pushkar or Rajasthan Tour Packages.