Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India, a melting pot of history that results in elaborate architecture and culture. For a long time, adventurers in the region sought out the Pushkar Camel Fair, a 100-year-old gathering for locals involved in the camel trade. Popular with backpackers, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation decided to make an event more tourist-friendly, drawing upon rich traditions while offering a degree of comfort for visitors.

The Arvalli Range is known for its many forts left over from the days of the Rajputs, princely states that flourished from the 8^th to 18^th centuries. These urban centers supported trade, art, religion and some impressive architecture that stands to this day. Jaisalmer preserves this culture with a ceremonial procession that opens the Desert Festival, dressed in traditional warrior garb, riding camels and elephants into Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. Festivities include music, dance, races and a camel tug-of-war.

One of the more interesting events is the mustache competition, where judges assess the length and quality of this traditional symbol of honor and masculinity. Visitors are sometimes allowed to take part in the judging and take pictures with the winner, awarded the title of Mr. Desert. Other attractions include snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk dancers. A festival in Rajasthan wouldn’t be complete without camel events. Known for speed, Jaisalmeri camels take part in races, camel polo and even camel dancing.