Desert Festival is the heart and soul of Sun City Jaisalmer. The city was established and built by Raja Jaisal who gave amazing monuments like Sonar Fort which at present also inhibits the local population of the city. Apart from the strategic location of Jaisalmer was a core part of Opium Trade in India during medieval time that gave ride to merchant class who built mansions like Patwa Haveli & Salim Singh Haveli.

The ambiance of city is majestic not only because of these heritage buildings but also the Thar Desert which is the 17th largest desert of Asia and largest of India is the main reason behind the highest footfall alone in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan.

Desert festival of Jaisalmer
Every year during the month of winters probably November to January the State Tourism Department organizes Thar Desert festival wherein tradition, culture, music, art & craft and beauty of desert all can be best enjoyed and experienced in this festival.

This festival is not only important for tourist around the world but also for the local population as well as they employ hard work throughout the year for preparing the ambiance of this festival. The handwoven and handcrafted items, grooming their camels, dance preparation all are the core part that makes the very spirit of this event.

What can be enjoyed during the festival

Camel Riding & Camel Sports
The most enthralling attraction of the festival is the Camel Sports and related activities like Camel Polo, Camel Riding. The polo match is played by the BSF team whose players are trained experts of riding the camel. The show itself is adventurous that gives goosebumps to its spectators.

Moustache Competition
Well, this is something fun of which cannot be beaten. The most hilarious event of the festival is the Moustache Competition that invites old age men from all over the local and neighborhood areas who come prepared with their heavy and long mustaches that is considered as the matter of pride and manhood in the area.

Kalbeliya Night (musical evening performances by renowned regional folk dance group)
The Kalbelia Tribe is the local tribe who are residing in this region from their past 5 generations who earn their livelihood by performing dance in the desert of Thar. The tribe wears black shimmering cloth embellished with sequin and gota work and the dance moves resembles to the movement. After sunset in the decorative ambiance of the deserted area studded with tents and bonfire, the performers creates an ambiance that makes every night stander go gaga over the stay in the barren land.

Puppet Show
Century-old art of Puppet Show is another attraction that can be cherished in the dunes of Thar. The fun of enjoying the music and stories that the puppet master do along is the most hilarious part that keep the audience engage throughout the show.