Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, India’s majestic state, lies Jaisalmer – a place where history, culture, and rich traditions meet to create a beautiful picture unlike anywhere else. Amidst the arid landscapes of this historic state, you’ll find a magnificent celebration known as the “Jaisalmer Desert Festival.” This annual festival transforms the Golden City into a vibrant mixture of colors and energy.
Hosted in the heart of the Thar Desert, the festival is also known as the “Rajasthan Desert Festival” or the “Maru Mahotsav”. Every sand grain tells a story, and every moment is a celebration of life on this journey.
Join us as we take you through the sands of time and explore the wonders of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024.
History of the Desert Festival or Maru Mahotsav Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event that has been celebrated in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India since 1156 AD by Raja Jaisal, a Rajput king who belonged to the Bhati dynasty. The festival, known as Jaisalmer Maru Mahotsav, is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and takes place in February, usually around the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Magh (February-March).
Over the years, the Maru Mahotsav has gained immense popularity and has become an integral part of Jaisalmer’s cultural heritage. It is now considered one of Rajasthan’s most significant cultural events, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.
The Thar Desert Festival is one of Rajasthan’s most famous cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich culture and traditions and is regarded as one of the most important events on the Rajasthani calendar.
When will the Jaisalmer Desert Festival take place in 2024?
The festival is scheduled from the 22nd to the 24th of February 2024, and it promises to be a unique experience that will introduce you to the enchanting beauty of the desert.
How is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival Celebrated
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an important cultural event that takes place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This is a three-day annual festival of local culture, traditions, and heritage in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It celebrates the unique way of life of the people living in the region and is a colorful mix of cultural shows, art, music, dance, and food.
The festival is an opportunity for the locals to take pride in their cultural heritage and share it with the world. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience the beauty of Rajasthan’s culture and immerse themselves in a world of color, music, and tradition.
The festival brings people from different backgrounds together to appreciate the magic of the desert. It’s a time to celebrate diversity and enjoy the many different aspects of Rajasthan’s culture.
Highlights of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Please find below a list of events that will take place during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival:
- Shobha Yatra (Ceremonial Procession)
- Maha Aarti
- Inauguration Ceremony featuring a performance by folk artists
- Turban tying competition, Tug of War (for women and men), freestyle wrestling, Moomal-Mahendra competition, mustache competition, Mr. Desert competition, and Mehandi competition
- Heritage walk
- Deepdaan ceremony
- Rangoli and Mandna, wall paintings
- Cultural program
- Camel safari, camel decoration show, camel and horse race
- Performance by local artists and musical evening
- Desert symphony
- Fireworks display
- Please note that all events are open to the public and we hope to see you there!
Things to Do at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
If you plan to attend the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024, here are some things you won’t want to miss.
- Enjoy Cultural Performances, attend the Camel Polo Match, and explore the beauty of the Jaisalmer border. Longewala Post showcases Pakistani tanks and guns captured during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, while the BSF manages Tanot Mata Mandir.
- Don’t miss the “Astro Tourism” experience at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024. Enjoy stargazing and astronomy workshops, spot planets and constellations, and get mesmerized by the clear desert skies every night.
- Try the local food and drinks, including delicious street food and traditional drinks like dal bati churma, ker sangri, and lassi.
- Shop for traditional handicrafts, including intricate textiles, pottery, and metalwork. Vendors selling these items are available at the festival.
- Take a Camel Safari or Jeep Safari, watch the sunset at Sam Sand Dunes, and go parasailing or boating at Gadisar Lake.
Best Tourist Places to Visit During Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara Village, located 21 km from Jaisalmer, is an abandoned and ghostly village. Despite being in ruins, it still looks magnificent and is one of the top tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. The ruins have left behind mysterious stories of Palliwal Brahmins. The village, which is more than 200 years old, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Exploring this place can easily take a couple of hours.
Khuri Village
Khuri Village is situated 50 km away from Jaisalmer and is a less crowded destination. The main attraction of this village is the stunning sand dunes, which make it an offbeat destination in Jaisalmer. You can enjoy the wonderful experience of spending a night in the desert under the starry sky. There are exciting activities like camel race, camel polo, folk songs, Kalbelia dance, and delicious local dishes to try in Khuri village, making it one of the best destinations for an unforgettable experience and a thrilling part of Rajasthan tourism.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is a gigantic and alluring sandcastle that rises like a sun from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. The desert fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also known as Sonar Killa. It is one of the most visited destinations in Jaisalmer and nearly one-fourth of the city’s population lives inside the walls of the fort making it the heart of Jaisalmer tourism. The Thar Desert set in the background gives it a magical and picturesque vibe.
Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is a complex of five havelis with remarkable architecture showcasing the artistry of a bygone era. It contains ancient items like ornate furniture, utensils, textiles, jewelry, and household items used by kings and families in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the area’s opulent past.
Tanot Mata Temple
Tanot Mata Temple is a revered temple located near the Pakistani border in the desert. During the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, more than 3000 bomb shells fell near the temple, but they failed to cause any damage to the temple. The temple is dedicated to Hinglaj Mata and is one of the most popular spiritual attractions in Jaisalmer. The miraculous story of the temple attracts even more tourists to pay their respects to the goddess. The temple is maintained by the officials of the Indian Army.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake, a significant cultural site, provides water to the city and is surrounded by temples, shrines, and ghats. It offers a stunning view of the Jaisalmer Fort and becomes a sanctuary for migratory birds in winter.
Lodhruva
Lodhruva is a popular destination known for its magnificent Jain temple built in honor of the 23rd Thirthankar Parshwanath, as well as a famous wishing tree called Kalp Vriksh. The temple’s stunning architecture will undoubtedly leave you mesmerized. Additionally, Lodhruva holds significant historical importance as it was once the capital of Jaisalmer and remains an essential part of Jaisalmer’s tourism industry.
Akal Wood Fossil Park
Akal Wood Fossil Park is among the top tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. The park features tree fossils that are over 180 million years old and offer a glimpse into the ancient flora of the forest. This makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, geologists, tourists, and historians alike who wish to explore the park’s rich history and natural beauty.
Vyas Chhatri
Vyas Chhatri, even though it is a cremation ground, has been attracting tourists for ages. It is dedicated to the Sage Vyas, who wrote the epic poem Mahabharata. Vyas Chhatri is an interesting site for tourism in Jaisalmer due to the intricately designed Chhatris, cenotaphs, and carvings on the pillars.
Other Activities to Enjoy During the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Camel Safari in Jaisalmer
Camel Safari in Jaisalmer is a unique experience, where you can ride a camel through the desert, witness the rustic charm of the Great Indian Desert, and enjoy cultural performances on the sand dunes.
Jeep Safari in Jaisalmer
Explore the Thar Desert in an open-top 4×4 jeep safari that takes you to Fossil Park, Desert National Park, Sam Sand Dunes, and Padholi Sanctuary. Spend a night with the welcoming households of Padholi village and immerse yourself in the unspoiled culture of the desert.
Quad Biking & Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes, located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer Desert National Park, is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts. Quad biking and dune bashing are the main attractions here, making it an unforgettable experience.
Parasailing in Jaisalmer
Parasailing in Jaisalmer offers a thrilling experience of flying above the desert and admiring its beauty. The activity is safe and lasts around 15 minutes, with the first 3-5 minutes being the most memorable. Skilled instructors ensure safety from the ground, making it a popular choice among tourists of all ages.
How to Reach Jaisalmer for the Desert Festival
If you’re planning to attend the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024, you can reach the venues in and around Jaisalmer city by Road, Air, or Rail from different cities in India.
By Air: Jaisalmer Airport operates direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur but is only operational between October and March.
By Rail: you can easily find direct trains to Jaisalmer, and the train station is located right in the city center. Once you arrive, you can easily find an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
By Road: Jaisalmer is well-connected to all major Indian cities. You can take a state-owned bus, a luxury coach, a sleeper AC bus, or hire a private taxi to reach the city.
Final Words
Rajasthan is a state in India that celebrates a wide variety of festivals that showcase its rich traditions and culture. These festivals, such as the Bikaner Camel Festival, Nagaur Cattle Fair, and Jaisalmer Fort, provide a great opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the culture and gain insights into the daily life of the residents. If you are interested in experiencing India’s unique and rich history, Rajasthan is a must-visit location because of its rich history and vibrant culture. This state offers a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past and present.
We hope this information will help you plan your trip to Jaisalmer and enjoy the wonders of the Desert Festival in the heart of Rajasthan.
