Sunday, February 13, 2011

DESERT FESTIVAL....16 feb 2011 to 18 feb 2011

If you thought Bikaner's camel festival was the ultimate in exotic Indian festivals, wait till you see the fiesta at Jaisalmer. A three-day long extravaganza of dances, music, handicraft fairs and interesting competitions- including really unusual ones like a 'Mr Desert' pageant, a 'turban-tying' contest and a 'best moustache' contest- the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. It’s a fantastic showcase of all things Rajasthani, and is justifiably popular with tourists, both Indian and foreign. Besides the food, the music and the cultural performances, there are camel rides, processions, camel polo, and even a camel tug-of-war. All of it is held against the backdrop of the awesome Jaisalmer fort. Fireworks displays at night light up the area, and the fort is illuminated too.

The fairs and festivals reflect the multifacets of the rich Rajasthani culture. The major festivals celebrates are Holi, Dussehra, Ram Navami, Diwali, Gangaur, Teej and Basant Panchami, Muharram and the two Eids.
Relive the magic and brilliance of the desert City-Jaisalmer, the city that parades its charms to the world every year during the desert festival. The Desert Festival – an extravaganza of color, music and festivity, is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh(February).
Children
 in Traditional Costumes

It has, on display, some of the most fondly preserved components of Rajasthan’s rich culture. Add to this the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of the Rajasthan who welcomes the tourist from the depth of their heart.Capture on film the site of a turbaned , handsome man with long moustaches and the flowing beard set in the backdrop of the romantic golden sands.

Look what celebrities have to say about this Desert Extravezenza 
"It's one of the few honest things I have been part of in a long, long time. It's amazing to play out in the sand. There are no doors, no gates and no money. It reminded me of why I sang in the first place. It's not commercialized."
- Robert Plant (Rolling Stone/March 6, 2003)