Come winter, and the Sam Dune in the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer dot-up with a mélange of colors so beautiful, it is guaranteed to leave a soul spell-bound. No, it is not Holi that has arrived early this year, rather, the amalgamation of various art forms, right from the Ghoomar, Bhavai, and Chakri dance forms to the string puppet theater Kathputli, all embodied in one huge annual cultural affair, called the Maru Mahotsav. Named after the region where it is held annually, Maru Mahotsav, or the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, is a three-day affair that takes place in the winter of February every year. It is scheduled to be held in February 2024. It is a very popular event in Rajasthan’s tourism calendar, which enables the people of this culturally rich and diverse state to showcase their talents in the fields of both, the performing arts and the visual arts. People from across the world come to Rajasthan during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival to experience the various colors, sounds, and flavors showcased over the three days.
Although the weather in Jaisalmer during February is moderately hot in the daytime, with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 degrees Fahrenheit) to 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit), the temperatures in the region drop to a chilling figure anywhere between 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). The festival has multiple shows, performances, and competitions. Don’t forget to pack some warm woolens.
The number of things one can experience during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is as diverse as the State’s culture, the customs, the languages, or even the plethora of gastronomic delights on offer. Travelers can expect musical performances by Bollywood celebrities, folk dance and singing performances by local artists, and special air shows by the Indian Air Force. They can also be a part of numerous activities like heritage walk, camel tattoo show, camel ride, or participate in competitions like the Mr. and Ms. Desert contest, the Panihari Matka race, turban tying, or even a camel polo match. For the more adventurous lot, there are sporting activities like paragliding, parasailing, and dune bashing in the Sam Dunes.
Other leisurely pursuits include visiting historic, religious, and cultural sites like the Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmalji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Salam Singh ki Haveli, Government Museum in Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh, Mandir Palace, Jain Temples, Tanot Mata Temple, Desert National Park, Kuldhara Village, Ramdevra Temple, Jaisalmer War Museum, Longewala War Memorial, Vyas Chhatri, Akal Wood Fossil Park, Gadisar Lake, and Amar Sagar Lake, to name a few.
When visiting a tourist spot, how can one leave empty-handed? For people who love to take home souvenirs and memorabilia, the Jaisalmer Desert Fair certainly offers countless options. The Land of Kings offers everything from local attires, handicrafts, room décor, artisanal leather paraphernalia, wooden artifacts, puppets, and jewelry made from precious and semi-precious stones. And speaking of souvenirs, tourists should not forget to buy objects made of the one thing that truly embodies the spirit of Jaisalmer and gives the city the name The Golden City – the yellow sandstone. Several artifacts like bowls, cups, saucers, plates, and jewelry made of yellow sandstone are available for purchase in the local markets. Be sure to negotiate prices before you buy them.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is held in the Sam Dunes, which is located about 42 km from Jaisalmer. It offers a wide variety of luxury tents, with heaters/air-conditioners, attached bathrooms, a 24-hour supply of hot water, and prompt dining services. If travelers want to enjoy the three-day-long festival and take in all that it has to offer, they can opt to stay at any of the camps mentioned below:
No, the festival is held in the Sam Dunes located in the Thar Desert, approximately 42 km from Jaisalmer.
There are multiple activities suitable for various age groups like – puppet shows and camel rides for the children, competitions like camel polo and turban tying for the adults, and activities like stargazing and cultural shows for those who prefer more leisurely pursuits.
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