Jaisalmer Desert festival

Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Maru Mahotsav 2026 – Desert Festival in Rajasthan – History, Dates, Attractions

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival or Maru Mahotsav celebrated every year has come a long way. From being a royal revelry it has become a vibrant celebration of the community in the desert state today. With extravagant folk performances and the enthralling camel races, Maru Mahotsav, Jaisalmer's renowned festival, is not just about bedecked camel processions or a party under the stars. It is enriched with history and cultural significance to the people of Rajasthan, a celebration of the rugged land amidst the Sam Dunes in the Thar.

History of the Desert Festival Jaisalmer

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival has a fascinating story behind its origins, one that has been passed down through generations. According to locals, Lord Krishna once predicted that a future leader from the Yadav community would establish a kingdom on the Trikuta Hill. Centuries later, in 1196, Rawal Jaiswal, thought to be a descendant of the Yadav community, founded the kingdom of Jaisalmer.

To celebrate this remarkable event, the people of Jaisalmer began organizing special events and festivities throughout the kingdom. When word got around that an ancient prediction had come true, these joyful celebrations turned into a cherished tradition. Today, this tradition continues with the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, held every February.

Major Highlights & Attractions of the Desert Festival

• The Jaisalmer Desert Festival Celebration in Rajasthan is a vibrant blend of cultural shows, artwork, dance, music and food.

• Other activities include camel and jeep safari, parasailing, camping, dune bashing, gymnastic acts, shopping for artifacts and souvenirs, local customs like turban tying and camel race are all the attributes that display the different elements of Rajasthan’s rich tradition.

The significance of the festival is not only limited to its ancient roots but also for its cultural importance. Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026, an immense tourism magnet that will entice both domestic and international tourists who are seeking the magnificence of Rajasthan's rich culture.

How to Reach   The Jaisalmer Desert Festival

You can reach The Jaisalmer Desert Festival locations through:

Flight: You can take a flight to Jaisalmer Airport. You can also take a flight to Jodhpur airport from there you can take a cab or any other transport to cover the distance of about 362 km.

Train: You can take a train to Jaisalmer Railway station. From there you can take a cab or any other transport to cover the distance.

Road: You can also take private cars or cabs Buses and travel through the National Highways that connect Jaisalmer to major states of India.