The most popular festival of Jaisalmer, also known as “Maru Festival,” is celebrated every year in the month of February. The Jaisalmer’s famous festival, “Desert Festival” organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Authority of India. The three days colorful cultural event gives delightful taste of Rajasthan’s culture, historical forts, temples, majestic places, ancient haveli and the tradition of Jaisalmer. In the three-day-long festival, the first two days are celebrated in the city of Jaisalmer and the last one day is celebrated in the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer Desert.
We never feel the beauty of sand, Jaisalmer taught us the feel and smell of desert. The festival brings life to the desert, you can celebrate with full enthusiasm.
Significance of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival brings joy and happiness to the people of Jaisalmer, the locals who reside near villages, and of course for the national and international tourists. The festival shows the culture and tradition of Rajasthan and organizes various cultural programs, folk song, dance, puppet show, adventurous activities, and traditional style competitions.
When is the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer 2024?
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024 is a three-day festival which starts from 22nd February and lasts till 24th February 2024. In the extravaganza festival, you can enjoy the experience of being with the sand and the Indian culture.
Programs in Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024
Jaisalmer Desert Festival showcases the culture and tradition of Rajasthan with various cultural events. The first two days celebrate the festival in the city of Jaisalmer and on the last day, the festival concludes at the sam sand dunes.
The Camel Polo Match is the most exciting adventure, the participants play polo match while sitting in the camel. The Camel Race is another trilling experience to watch in the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer. The festival conducts various events, the turban tying competition, men with long mustaches, ghomar dance in the traditional attire, puppeteers, jugglers, a complete bunch of thrilling and exciting activities.
Activities in Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024
There are plenty of activities to do in Jaisalmer and tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer which connects with our history. Let’s check the activities to explore in Jaisalmer Desert Festival.
Camel Safari
Rajasthan Camel Safari is the most popular tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, there are various exciting ways to enjoy the camel ride.
- Sunrise/Sunset Camel Safari: The safari is available either in the morning or evening.
- Half Day Camel Safari: The three-hour camel safari starts from Sand Dunes in the afternoon and experiences the beautiful sunset in journey.
- Full Day Camel Ride: The ride starts early in the morning at 6:00 am and can’t miss the sunset on this unforgettable ride.
Jeep Safari
A lifetime experience in a 4×4 jeep at the Desert National Park gives you the view of birds like eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrels and vultures. Don’t miss to beautiful view at Sam Sand Dunes and Padholi Sanctuary. The jeep starts at various intervals and gives scenic beauty during the journey.
Camping at Sand Dunes
To explore the real essence of Jaisalmer, desert camping gives lifetime experience. The tents are designed in a traditional way and the interior is designed aesthetically with all modern amenities. The luxury tent offers traditional dance, the delicious rajasthani cuisine, the stargazing night and lots of memories.
Dune Bashing
Dune Bashing famously known as Desert Safari, is an adventure sport & Jaisalmer sand dune is famous for this. You can enjoy the camel safari in Indian Style, means on Camel and the other one is in Dubai Style which is in SUV. The ride is available for both child and adult ranges between 2000 to 3000 per person.
Parasailing in Sam & Sand Dunes
Parasailing in beautiful desert gives thrilling experience and a beautiful view. In Parasailing, they tied a Parachute with a jeep and with the speed of jeep, you fly high in the sky.
Boating at Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake is a manmade reservoir and earlier the lake was the only source of water for the people of Jaisalmer. The lake is open every day for the public from morning 6:00 to night 8:00. The prices varied; depending on the boat ride you choose to enjoy the boating. In the ride, you will witness the rare migratory birds, stop for drinking water.
Things to experience at Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Deserted Places has end number of things to showcase which are unique and tourists enjoy the deserted beauty. Let’s look at:
- Lively puppet shows which take you to childhood days.
- Traditional awe-inspiring folk music like Manganiar, Langas, and Kamaycha.
- Rajasthani dance performances like Kalbelia and Ghoomar.
- Witness thrilling Camel Races and Polo matches.
- Participate in competitions like turban tying, longest moustache contest, tug of war etc.
- Astro Tourism, known as Skies of Jaisalmer, which experience stargazing sessions and astronomy workshops.
- Jaisalmer Boarder, famous for the iconic Longewala Post, showcasing the glimpse of 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- The exhibition showcasing the meticulously crafted handicrafts, including Lac bangles, camel leather jootis, bandhani sarees, pichwai and miniature paintings, Jaisalmer stone carvings, gota patti work dupattas, kundan jewelry, mojari shoes, cotton and silk durries, antique silver jewelry, Rajasthani turbans (safas), and Rajasthani tea blends.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport (JDH) which is 225kms from Jaisalmer. Take a taxi, cab, or bus from Jodhpur Airport to reach Jaisalmer.
- By Rail: Jaisalmer Railway Station which is connected to all major cities. If you are from Delhi, then “Jaisalmer Express” is a good one and takes less time to reach as compared to other trains.
- By Road: The highway of Jaisalmer is well connected with the major cities, and you can reach by bus, taxi or if you have your own vehicle then enjoy the en-route.
Final Thoughts
The Desert Festival or Maru Mahotsav, commenced once in a year in February and if you love to witness the tradition of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival is much needed trip. The trip goes for 3 days only and gives thrilling and unforgettable memories. After the visit to this festival, you start loving the desert.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema…
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