If ever one has a desire to see, hundreds of beautiful belles decked in gold and diamond jewelry (both fake and real) heavier than themselves, congregate in the same venue, without fighting, or clawing each other; or, men taking pride in having a moustache longer than their outstretched hands, and camels decked in finery comparable to that of bridesmaids at an indian wedding ? then head to the desert city of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan, India for the desert festival.
In the Indian lunar month of Magha, from 13-15th, every year, (Feb 1-3, 2015/Feb 20-22, 2016) the city of Jaisalmer, comes alive with the Desert Festival. Simply called the Jaisalmer Desert festival, the three day event has become popular over the years, and attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world.
Initially the festival was cobbled together by the local district authorities who combined many ancient traditions such as the display of longest moustaches; Garbs of battle finery of the Rajputs mens, the warrior tribe of Rajasthan, and jewelry and dresses of the women folk of the villages nearby; As the popularity of the festival grew, so did the number of discrete events, such as camel polo competition, camel racing, camel marching bands, and other events became part of the festival. Soon the State and National tourism departments got into the game. or anyone who wanted to peddle yet-another-festival-in-incredible-india was also interested in apiece of the action. This festival has legs. It has survived the fate that so many hype driven marketing invented events face when the fad and enthusiasm towards it fades - that of oblivion and irrelevance!
The festival showcases the traditional dresses and finery of Rajasthan. Men, women and camels are decked in their best and prizes are given for their poise, dress and presentation.
The festival also encourages visitors, local and foreign, to partake in events such as tug-of-war competition between foreign tourists and locals, foreign tourists compete amongst themselves in tying traditional colorful turbans, and a race of women, both foreign and local, of carrying the water-pot-on-your-head, and many more participatory events to generate interest in the festival.
The last day of the festival ends with a music and dance festival in the middle of the Sam sand dunes, in the Thar desert about 25 miles outside the city. The music and dance fevent starts at sunset in the backdrop of a full moon, and is attended by residents and visitors alike.
Jaisalmer is an ancient fort city founded in the 12th century in the middle of Thar desert. In modern era, the city was popularized by the famous film director, Satyajit Ray, who made a film called, Sonar Kela - The Golden fort, named after the yellow sandstone from which the fort was constructed. After, the release of the film, domestic tourists started trickling in, and eventually word spread, and tourism became the major industry of the city.
Logistics: Getting to Jaisalmer is easiest done by taking an overnight train from New Delhi to Jaisalmer Railway station. Check Indian Railways site for more details. Jaisalmer does not have a commercial airport, the nearest being Jodhpur City, which is about 175 miles from Jaisalmer. If you are looking for 5 star luxury hotel accommodations, you are unlikely to get many options, however the city has many mid range and low budget hotels and hostels inside and outside the walls of the fort.
For more, read what I wrote elsewhere.
[Disclaimer: The opinions here, and elsewhere are mine, and no ozone was depleted, or governmental or NGO entity knowingly insulted during the creation of this article]
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