Jaisalmer, better known as the “Golden City of India” was founded in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler MaharawalJaisal and is named after him. The city also known as the “gateway of the desert” brings out the vibrancy of the desert in a magical way reminding one of a romantic Arabian Nights fable. Famous for its grand havelis, the city seems to rise out of the sparkling sands of the barren desert like an approaching ship. The Jain temples, Tazia tower, Patwonji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort, Gadsisar Lake are some of the many must visit places in this beautiful city. The beauty of all the monuments of this city remains untarnished even through the buffeting winds and the harsh climate. The Local Market offers varieties of items like tie-dye fabrics, Rajasthani mirror work craft items, blankets and a lot more, making it one of the best marketsfor shopping. The influence of war-like lifestyle is very evident in colourful and spicy Rajasthani dishes. The ShahiGatte, Dal BaatiChurma, Panchkoota, Ghevar and Dhungari are a must try in the wide range of Rajasthani cuisine.
Other than havelis and other tourist attractions, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an attraction which not only is panorama of cultures and traditions but also leaves behind ever lasting memories!
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Desert Festival is an annual event held in the month of Magh(February) a few days prior to the spring moon according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam dunes(42 km from Jaisalmer). The venue can be reached on a camel safari or in a car. This three day festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaisalmer. Among many facilities the organizers also provide medical aids and have required medical amenities.
The festival showcases the roots of Rajathani folk culture and traditions through the medium of dancing, singing, acrobatics and many other forms of art. The event also has many exciting competitions which are thoroughly enjoyed by tourists. There are camps with tents for the halt at night, where one can enjoy the folk music and culture in the warmth of a camp fire. One may also opt to stay at the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort for a taste of royalty. For interested people, here are some Rajasthan tour packages.
he venue on a camel safari or in a car. This three day festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaisalmer. Among many facilities the organizers also provide medical aids and have required medical amenities.
History Of The Desert Festival
The Desert festival history is a legend which is not very well known. It is believed to be the head of the Yadav clan, Lord Krishna gave a prophecy that in the years to come an establishment of a kingdom will be made by a Yadav clan descendant on top of the Trikuta Hill. The festival was started as a celebration of prophecy coming true in the 12th century when RawalJaisal,a Bhati Rajput prince and a descendant of the Yadav clan, made his new capital on the Trikuta Hill. The festival soon became a tradition and is now used to display the glorious desert.
Events Of The Desert Festival
The celebrations of this festival make the desert come alive with colour, enthusiasm and happiness. The festival commences with a procession in the morning from the Jaisalmer Fort to ShahidPoonam Singh Stadium.
The locals dressed in traditional and bright, colourful costumes sing and dance depicting the tragedies and endeavours of the desert. The Gair and the fire dance are among the highlights of the festival. The Kalabaz or the Nat’s are a group of local nomads who are very popular for their gymnastic acts. On the other hand the Bhopa’sLanghas and Manganiars create an enchanted environment with their music recitals and ballads. Another facet of the festival is seen in the puppet shows, snake charming, and other art forms. On the second day one can be a spectator of rare competitions like camel polo and camel race along with gymnastic stunts on camel back and camel formation dancing, which are the crowning jewels of the festival. These competitions are followed by the Border Security Force Camel Tattoo. Tug-of-war, turban tying, Maru-Shri(Mr.Desert competition) and the longest moustache competition are some among the plethora of competitions which not only heightens the spirit of the festival but also encourages the tourists to participate and become a part of the cultural celebrations. Most of these competitions are held on the first day. The grand finale of the festival is the Rajasthani folk concert following an Air Force display, cricket match and parachuting. This festival of fun and frolic is brought to end on Poornima(full moon day) in the Sam dunes with the “Sonar Qila” or JaisalmerFort in the background which gives the festival a fairy-tale touch.
Another facet of the festival is the celebration of the local cuisine. One can enjoy the delicious Rajasthani cuisine during all three days of festivities. The mela or stalls in the vicinity of the celebrations have a variety of gifts and souvenirs which can be purchased to share a part of the festival spirits with loved ones.
Desert Festival-2012
The festival will be celebrated from 5th February to 7th February. This extravaganza of talent and art among the picturesque dunes will not only take you through the Indian history and culture but will also make your journey to Rajasthan an unforgettable one.
Image Credit: Ben Beiske
Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaisalmer
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