One
of the biggest festivals of Rajasthan organized by the Tourism
Department of the state, the Desert festival is thronged by lakhs of
visitor every year and people even return here after already visiting it
once. Held either in the month of January or February the festival is a
delight to be a part of with the colorful activities gripping the land
of golden sand dunes. For three days the Jaisalmer city echoes with
music, dance and laughter. In the festival one witnesses authentic
Desert culture at its best; performing arts of the region are showcased
here. The Desert Festival looks astounding with beautiful and colorful stalls of Rajasthani handicrafts and authentic Rajasthani food which look very inviting to the visitor. The Desert Festival is popular for a host of activities which keeps the traveler enthralled. Camel races, camel polo matches, camel dances and décor competition, tug of war, turban tying competition and the most unique competition of the man with the longest moustaches are some of the exciting events of the festival. The acrobats and folk dancers make for a terrific sight at the festival with their colorful costumes and artistic and daring movements.
The festival brings out the best of Rajasthani culture; the men and women of Rajasthan eagerly wait for the festival and are dressed in the best of traditional Rajasthani clothes. The local men also display their skills as a puppeteer by telling some tale with the use of their puppets. The Desert festival also gives a chance to the true Rajasthani to take part in the Mr. Desert competition. Set amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Jaisalmer fort and the golden sands the Desert festival is a favorite amongst most of the visitors of Rajasthan.