Sponsored by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation during January-February, the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a three day-long, joyful celebration of the illustrious cultural heritage of the state of Rajasthan. Basically the Jaisalmer Desert Festival exhibits the performing arts and the creative crafts of the region that has been nurtured since yore.
With the onset of winter, Jaisalmer assumes a festive look as the dancers, musicians and other performers flock to Jaisalmer in bright caravans. The place resonates with the musical medley and the rhythm of drum beats. The people perform and sing haunting ballads of gallantry, tragedy and romance of their Rajput ancestors that have been imprinted in the sands of the desert.
One gets to have a lifetime opportunity for viewing the varied Rajasthani folk dance forms like Gangaur, Gair Dhap, Ghoomer, Moria, Chari and Tehratal. These are also fire dancers who leave the spectators enthralled. The prime attraction of the festival is the turban- tying contest where the winner is conferred the title of Mr. Desert. Actually tying a turban is a traditional art of the state and various styles of tying the turban imply different castes, regions and occasions. There are other interesting and exciting contests and competitions like tug-of-war between musclemen, camel races, camel polo and camel dance. The camel, the ship of the desert is also an important participant in the Desert festival. Other entertainers of the festival are snake charmers, puppeteers and acrobats.
Colorful craft bazaars are put up where delicately embroidered skirts, leather bags, rugs, hand-woven shawls, wood and wood carvings, camel decorations, ethnic silver jewelry and terracotta that form ideal souvenir items are displayed for sale.
The festival ends with a captivating sound and light show that adds a magical quality to the moonlit night.
