When you think of the desert, you likely think of a vast, dune filled nothingness with the occasional cactus or camel. However, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is certainly not part of this desert stereotype. Amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam dunes, there are a plethora of unique events that you can participate in, making the desert come alive with color and happiness.
During the festival, the locals will dress in traditional, brightly colored clothing. The festival begins with a procession from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium where the festivities are focused. Participants may enter in the longest mustache contest, polo matches, camel rides, desert safaris, and much more. The festival ends on Poornima, or full moon day, in the Sam dunes. With the sun setting in the background of the “Sonar Quila” Jaisalmer Fort in the distance, it is easy to get lost in the fairytale-like views.
There is a deeply rooted history behind this festival that many people who attend are not aware of. An article about this amazing Indian holiday describes the history behind this event: “Lord Krishna, ruler of Yadav community told Arjuna (one of the Pandavas) that a successor belonging from the Yadav community will set up His kingdom on the Trikuta Hill. In the year 1196, the prediction made by Lord Krishna came true, when Rawal Jaiswal, a descendant of the Yadav clan, established his kingdom in Jaisalmer. Celebrations were organized throughout the kingdom when the people came to know that the prophecy has come true. The celebrations soon developed into a festival that is now organized every year. The government started marketing the vibrant festival as an international drawing visitor to the Jaisalmer Desert City”. As you can see, this celebration has grown and developed over quite some time and holds incredible cultural significance.
Along with the immense history behind this event, traditions are carried forwards every year. It is always held in the Hindu month of Magh (February), three days before the full moon, so in 2020, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival will be held from February 7th to February 9th. This event is full of dancing and incredible outdoor activities, so it is important to plan according to the weather. It is important to sample many of the different local food options from the various vendors in the festival to be fully immersed in this festival. Handcrafted goods and local products are also being sold throughout the venue, so buying souvenirs for all of your jealous friends back home is quite easy. Upon reading about this event, one of the most interesting parts was the unique competition for men by the name Maru Shri or Mr. Desert Pageant, which attracts locals as well as international travelers. It doesn’t seem to fit the other events relating to camels and dancing, but it could be interesting to enter (for all of you handsome guys out there). So get ready to saddle up on camelback and grow your mustache out because the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is calling your name.
It’s really cool how they have a “Desert Pageant” during the festival. Jaisalmer Fort looks like a great place to visit as well.
I loved seeing the pictures of all of the beautiful coloring. This is such an interesting festival, and I would love to go one day!
This is such a cool contrast because the festival brings all the crowds, fun, and colors while the desert is usually bland and bleak. It’s funny to see that even out in the desert they have contests for the most handsome man out there.
I had a preconceived notion about what it meant to live in a desert. I thought that life there would be bleak and barren, but I realize now how wrong I was. I would love to get to see the longest mustache contest in action!