Jaisalmer Desert Festival: The Dunes are Calling

Two months into the New Year, how are your travel resolutions coming along? Exploring new destinations, acquainting with different cultures, trying out new cuisines, meeting new people; are we? Well if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry, it’s not too late. The bone-chilling winters are about to leave us and it’s just the perfect time to pack your bags and get going.

What better place to begin than fascinating Rajasthan - a hot favourite amongst domestic as well as foreign travellers! Tailored specially for tourists, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a cultural extravaganza of vibrant dances, enchanting music, fascinating competitions, unique performances, indulgent local food and exquisite handicrafts. This year, the three day long festival will roll out on February 23^rd.

Get a glimpse of fading arts like snake charming and acrobatic shows by gymnasts belonging to the nomadic clans of Rajasthan. Catch jugglery performances, endearing puppet shows, camel races, turban tying and longest-moustache competitions - welcome to the world of nautanki. Famous folk dances like Gair and the fire dance can be enjoyed along with a mouthwatering Rajasthani snacks and lassi. If camel rides don’t prove adventurous enough for you, I bet playing camel polo will! For some serious sporting action, participate in the cricket match on the last day of the festival. For the ultimate adventure, a parachute ride  over the golden sands of the desert and the majestic Sonar Quilla will prove to be quite an elating experience.

Shopping is yet another charm of the festival. The vibrant colours, the intricate designs and the extensive collection of objects for home décor and the most exquisite pieces of attire, may make you want to take everything along. Fortunately, money is not a problem here. Mobile currency exchangers and the stalls accepting credit cards makes shopping a breeze!

In the evening as the fierce sun rays soften and change into a pleasant hue, stars fill up the sky as if willing to be a part of the magical musical performances. As artists sing ballads of kings and their victories, the magnificent Sonar Quilla forms the perfect background standing testimony to the folklore. On the last day, the festivities culminate with a spectacular sound and light show in the dunes.

Accommodation is not only comfortable but equally fascinating during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. While you can choose to stay in the tents available at the Sam sand dunes, the venue of the event, you might also want to entertain the idea of staying in the Jaisalmer Fort! Several hotels in Jaisalmer make for affordable and comfortable lodging option.

During the three days of the festival, colours seem brighter, people seem happier, instruments render their best and the music seems divine. Such is the charm of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.