Top Attractions

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is one of Rajasthan’s most colourful cultural celebrations. Held during winter, the festival brings the golden city of Jaisalmer to life with traditional music, folk dances, camel events, colourful costumes and competitions. Organised by Rajasthan Tourism, the three-day festival provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the traditional culture and desert lifestyle of western Rajasthan.

History of Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Desert Festival was developed as a way to showcase the unique culture, traditions and lifestyle of the Thar Desert to visitors from India and around the world. Over the years, it has become an important cultural event in Jaisalmer and an attractive time to explore the city and surrounding desert. The festival is closely connected with Jaisalmer's royal heritage and desert traditions. Traditional performers, musicians and local communities come together to present Rajasthan's folk culture through music, dance, camel shows and traditional competitions. The celebrations are often associated with the full moon of the Hindu month of Magh, which generally falls in February. The festival also creates a wonderful connection between Jaisalmer Fort, the historic city and the surrounding Thar Desert. Traditional processions, known locally as Shobha Yatra, have been an important part of the celebrations, featuring locals in traditional dress, horses and decorated camels.

What to See at the Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival offers a mixture of cultural entertainment and traditional desert activities. Visitors can enjoy colourful folk performances featuring dances such as Ghoomar, Gair and Kalbelia, along with traditional desert music played on instruments including kamayacha, sarangi, algoza and khartal. Some of the popular attractions include camel races, camel decoration and tattoo shows, camel polo, turban-tying competitions, moustache competitions, traditional games and folk performances. Puppeteers, acrobats and local artists also add to the festive atmosphere. One of the most memorable experiences is visiting the desert dunes during the festival. Sam Sand Dunes are a popular desert experience near Jaisalmer, where travellers can enjoy camel safaris, jeep safaris, sunset views, folk music and traditional dance performances.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The best time to visit Jaisalmer for the Desert Festival is January to February, with February generally being particularly attractive because the festival is traditionally held around this period. Rajasthan Tourism considers winter one of the best seasons for visiting the state because daytime weather is more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. For travellers specifically planning around the festival, it is advisable to check the official Rajasthan Tourism announcement before booking because festival dates can change from year to year. Rajasthan Tourism currently lists the 2027 Desert Festival as a three-day event around January–February. Winter is also a good time to combine the festival with other Jaisalmer experiences such as visiting Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh, Kuldhara Village and Sam Sand Dunes.

How to Reach Jaisalmer
By Air : Jaisalmer has its own airport, located close to the city. Flights operate on selected routes and schedules, making air travel a convenient option when services are available. Travellers can reach the city from the airport by taxi or private car.
By Train : Jaisalmer is connected by rail with cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Delhi. Travelling by train is a popular option for visitors because the railway station is close to the main city area.
By Road : Jaisalmer has road connections with major Rajasthan destinations including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Mount Abu and Barmer, as well as cities in neighbouring states. Visitors can travel by government or private bus, taxi or private car with a driver.