Jaisalmer or “The Golden
City” is practically the last major bastion on the western border of the state
of Rajasthan. The majestic yellow sandstone fortress soaring high over the
endless sand dunes of the Thar Desert, and a caravan of camels in the distance
against the setting sun, is a sight to behold. And even more so if you take a
Rajasthan Holiday Package like I did, in the month of February.
Jaisalmer hosts an annual
Desert Fair in the month of February every year. It is a colourful 3 day long
extravaganza which aims to showcase the best of Rajasthan in a nutshell.
Cultural events, Camel Races, Turban-Tying competitions, Longest Moustache
Competitions – amazing, fun, bright, zany…the adjectives for this unique can
never be enough. Exotic at its best, set amidst the golden sands of the Thar
Desert, the best part is truly saved for the last. The grand finale to this
amazing show is the musical performance of traditional Rajasthani songs and
dances by professional folk artists. The setting for this show is truly
mesmerizing – a starry sky, camfires blazing all around, lilting soulful music
– it’s a memory I will carry in my heart forever.
The desert festival in
Jaisalmer was initially conceived to attract foreign tourists who are keen to
see and experience every detail of Rajasthan on their Jaisalmer Tour Packages.
Hence it showcases all the local elements and culture and heritage. However,
the festival has now grown far beyond its touristy image and attracts travelers
– both foreign and domestic. The ‘Moustache competition’ seems to be one of the
major draws of the fair. Foreigners and Indians alike can be seen scrambling to
pose with the winners and take back pictures. I must admit, I did the same too.
The famous Gair and Fire
dancers perform spectacular stunts and sequences which are guaranteed to leave
you spell bound. I, for one, was torn between trying to take it all in and
clicking non-stop photographs for posterity. The Mr Desert contest is great fun
and you cannot help but get caught up in the fun and passion in the air!
Like all Rajasthan Tourism
initiatives, this fair too was very well organized. There was a special Tourist
Help cell to deal with queries and issues faced by the visitors. There is also
more than adequate medical facilities with mobile medical vans, doctors on 24x7
attendance and 100% back up by the local administration. Shopping, an integral
part of any Rajasthan Travel Package is an inherent part of this fair. This is
THE place to buy gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family back home. And
the best part is that even though the kiosks are temporary, all of them have
facilities to accept credit cards.
I had the best time here
while on my Rajasthan Holiday package. I’d surely recommend you to factor this into your Rajasthan Tour Package as
well.
