The Desert festival is one of the main attraction for the tourists which is held by the state government each year. It is organized for three days prior to the full moon in the month of February. The festival takes place around 42 Km from the city of Jaisalmer on the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Musicians, dancers, and performers from the whole state of Rajasthan start moving towards the golden city of Jaisalmer a few days before the start of the festival season. You can witness caravans with beautiful camels and people with a festive look approaching towards the city to experience the early exotic occasion.
The tourist season in Jaisalmer will be at its peak only or a period of four months in a year. And for the remaining eight months Jaisalmer will survive like any other normal city.
Celebrations
When the artists arrive in the city, a series of programs begin and there will be a spear of music breaking away from all sides. The actual celebrations start at the sunrise and continue till the stars cover the night sky. The Jaisalmer fort forms the backdrop of the festival celebrating the creative and performing arts of the state. The folks of Rajasthan perform near the landscape that has protected and nurtured them for centuries.
Camels
Camels are an integral part of the desert culture and their owners have a special pride in decorating them. The camel owners compete for each other for winning the prestigious camel race here.
The mustache and the turban are a strong tradition associated with people of Rajasthan. They are an old symbol of honor here. There are events to honor both in form of mustache and turban tying competition. Turban-wearing is not just a tradition but also an art.
And some have mastered the art of tying meters of the cloth in a blink of an eye. These turbans might look all the same to a general tourist but they speak of the caste, region and the occasion.
The festival is inspired by the Music Festival of Salzburg but you do not have to buy tickets here to enjoy the festival. The event is organized by state tourism corporation to boost the tourism here. It is one of the most sought-after festivals for the music lovers – performers as well as listeners.
The festival is finally closed with a sound and light show with the sand dunes as the backdrop. The festival leaves behind a nostalgic feeling and music connoisseurs wait for the next year.