Desert Festival Jaisalmer – Music, Dance & Culture

The vibrant Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, famously known as Maru Mahotsav. It transforms the golden sands of the Thar Desert into a stunning display of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. The festival celebrates the unique lifestyle, art, music and traditions of the desert folk and takes place in the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer. It draws thousands of travellers from all over the globe who are in the hopes of witnessing something truly unusual and memorable. With the beautiful Jaisalmer Fort serving as a fantasy backdrop to the festivities, it provides an incredible opportunity to truly live the magic of the desert.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival –

The Rajasthan Tourism Department organises the 3-day cultural extravaganza called the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Its origin is believed to date to a royal ball that developed to include people of all classes. The festival aims to showcase the rich creative past and traditional nature of the desert. A grand procession from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium signals the onset of celebration. Locals perform and dance while telling tales of battle, love and tragedy from the desert in traditional and vibrant costumes. The sincerity of the festival provides a real insight into Rajasthan’s soul.

Things to do at the festival –

The Desert Festival is full of a vast variety of activities and competitors that suit all ages and interests. Besides the engrossing music and dance performances, the celebration is a melting pot of interesting and funny events. One of the biggest highlights is the camel races, polo games, and camel decoration contests, where these majestic creatures are dressed up with elaborate ornaments. Another crowd favourite is the competitive energy in activities like the turban-tying contest and the longest moustache contest, which express the pride and cultural traditions of Rajasthani men.

Other favourites are performances by nomadic entertainers called the Kalabaz or Nat’s, puppet performances recounting ancient legends. Acrobatic performances by artists show narrating ancient myths, and a series of stalls presenting local handicrafts as well as delectable Rajasthani cuisines are some other attractions. The evening concludes with a grand fire dance and fireworks display and ends in a sound and light show in the sand dunes under the moonlit sky.

When Desert Festival take place?

The festival takes place during the winter months, normally in February, just before the full moon during the Hindu month of Magh. Locals and travellers alike can participate in the outdoor festivities due to the favourable climate at this time of the year. The 3 days affair brings a big relief from the harsh winter season.

Folk Dance & Music Show –

The main attraction of the Desert Festival is its cultural folk dance and music performance. Its folk dance and music show mainly attracts travellers. Heart-stirring ballads and folk melodies are sung by professional musicians, ranging from the senior members of the eminent Langas and Manganiyars communities. The traditional music instruments of dholak, tabla, Khamaycha and Sindhi sarangi are employed by these conventional musical communities to create an extremely captivating atmosphere.

Various dance forms are also performed during the festival. Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dances are the most popular among locals. The Bhil tribe is the creator of the Ghoomar, a folk dance performed by dancers who spin gracefully in circles while their colourful, embroidered ghagras provide a stunning spectacle. The Kalbeliya tribe has been described as the snake charmers' dance due to its serpentine-like movements. The dancers’ quick feet and rhythm are entranced by the audience as they dance in flowing black skirts and are accompanied by the poongi, a traditional wind instrument.

Conclusion –

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a celebration of life, strength and the vibrant beauty of the desert. It presents a unique blend of traditional events, cultural performances and a chance to witness the true way of living of Rajasthan’s desert community. The festival is a unique cultural activity since it brings together art, history, and community in one of the world’s most spectacular backdrops. One can experience the vibrant tapestry of Rajasthani culture and the enchanting charm of the golden city by attending the festival.

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