The Colourful Desert Festival of Jaisalmer

A man proudly displaying his Moustache.

Held each year in February, Desert Festival attracts thousands of tourist from around the world. Jaisalmer a dusty, sparse town suddenly springs back to life with splendid- cultural and musical shows. This year the festival will be held from 05 -07 February(2012).


Though it is not a big town, Jaisalmer is one of the largest town in the Western landmark of Rajasthan before the Thar desert takes over on the West. Jaisalmer in Spring and Summer is dulled by heat mirages. It's almost like a ghost town that reopens only when the tormenting-heat has left for its winter retreat up in the North. Slowly, the town comes back to life and revives business.

The celebration begins with a colorful, long procession through the old town and finally comes to a halt at the ground, where a grand opening celebration awaits.

 

Men excessively dressed in traditional costumes twirl their moustache before letting it flow down to the waist for the "Best Moustache Competition".

An exciting "Camel Tattoo" show by the BSF

Turban tying Competition for foreigners challenges the participants to tie the best turban in traditional Jaisalmer style within 2-3 minutes.

Camel Decoration Competition in progress. Camels are named after popular actors. Don't be surprised if you sit on one Shah Rukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan.

 

Jaisalmer Fort is one among the only two living fort at present in India today. The grandiose fort was the highlight of my visit. Sitting by the gate of the Fort listening to folk music or at the king's Porch was an amazing experience. 

World's most notorious camel race happens here every year at Sam Sand dunes. It is done out of fun as the camels unlike horses ran off the track very often. Most Camels doesn't even finish the race. 

It is a heaven for music lovers. Remnants of King's musicians still live in the colony Kalakar, a colony given to them by the king . They live on funds given by the royal families, while they in turn sing for them in all their occasions.

Jaisalmer has some great Restaurant and Hotels. Jaisalmer is a small place and the locals are friendly. Don't be afraid to explore.

The weather is rather cold in the morning and evening and hot during daytime. 
Best time to visit- October- February.

For further details and booking of Hotel Tickets check here- http://www.indianholiday.com/hotels/jaisalmer.html