Desert Festival

Warm, balmy days and invigorating, crisp nights of Rajasthan promises a celebration, the likes of which you have never seen before. Welcome to the Desert Festival - an extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, that is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (February). Here you will meet men with moustaches so long you could only imagine it on a head of hair. They often keep themselves engaged in stroking and twirling their hairy prized possessions. The Desert Festival is a cultural platform for the rich dance and music tradition of the state. It has, on display, some of the most fondly preserved components of Rajasthan's rich culture.

The Real Gala Time
All the fascinating and charming colours of the rainbow can be relished in the Desert Festival. A contest called as 'Mr. Desert' is organised during the festival which is comparable to the look of the year and attracts a lot of contenders, all vying to be the hairiest of them all. Here one can expect to catch the puppet shows, ballads, dances and even snake charmers who come to liven up the party. The Festival is also known for the Turban-tying competition, which is a popular activity with the visitors in which participants try to turn the long colourful fabric in to turbans. Another much awaited event is the tug-of-war in which strangers get together to lend their strength to pull the rope and if you or your team is not burly enough you might end up in a pile of routed humans which also sets off a lot of laughs!The folk dances Ghoomar, Gangaur, Gair , Dhap , Moria, Chari and Terahtal is performed by various artists who participate from all over the state. But the Fire Dancers steal the show. It's an open air spell binding showroom for the master craftsmen Add to this the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of Rajasthan who welcome the tourists from the depths of their hearts.

The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes on the moonlit night, where one can also experience the pleasure of a camel ride. The folk artistes performing on the sand dunes takes the enchantment to its crescendo. Have a good time at the Desert Festival - a unique blend of colour, rhythm and melody.
Facts
Place - Jaisalmer
Starts - 31st January
Finishes On - 2nd February
Organised By - Tourist Authorities of India
Local Transport - car, taxis and jeeps

Getting There
Desert Festival is celebrated in the city of Jaisalmer. The desert outback give a special charm to the festival. In the backdrop of sand dunes all activities look more enchanting and magical. To observe the festival in all its vigour one has to travel to the city of Jaisalmer. Roads and railway network connects the place with several cities of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is one ideal destination to travel from as means of transport are largely available from and to this city.