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Desert Festival
 Location :
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Duration
: 3 Days
Festive Attractions :
Camel Safari At Sam Sand Dunes
Timing :
January-February.
Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around
Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is
organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.
The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their musical superiority.
The Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan, organises a grand Camel Festival in Bikaner annually where camels, the 'ships of the desert' are the center of attraction. Music and dance add to the excitement.
The Jambheswar Fair is held twice a year to commemorate the founder of the
Bishnoi sect - Jambheswarji'. Devotees visit the sand dunes of Samarathal where he propagated his philosophy, and his samadhi at village Mukam. The
Kami Mata Fair is held at Deshnok in Bikaner district twice a year. The temple of the ascetic saint here is home to innumerable rats which are held sacred by the devotees.
 The largest fair of Bikaner district is the Kapil Muni hair held at
Kolayat. Sage Kapil Muni is believed to have meditated here for the redemption of mankind.
Barmer is famous for its carved wooden furniture and handblock printing industry. Barmer is best visited during the fairs which are held there for an insight into the lifestyles of its inhabitants.
One of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan, the Mallinath Fair, is held annually near Tilwara in Barmer district. Thousands of cattle heads change hands and cattle races are
organised to infuse enthusiasm in the event.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : The nearest airport is at Jodhpur.
Rail & Road : There are convenient rail and road connections to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur (about 285 kms.). Jaisalmer is also situated on National Highway No.15.
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