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Call of the desert Anuradha
Thakur on the three-day Desert Festival in
Started 25 years ago by the Rajasthan Tourism, the three-day festival lures number of tourists, both Indian and foreign, every year. The festival that mirrors the cultural heritage of Rajasthan has competitions like camel polo, camel race, camel dance, camel décor and turban tying. Another competition which arouses much interest is the tug-o-war between the locals and the tourists. Folk singers enthral the visitors and folk dancers set their feet thumping. The vividly hued dresses of Rajasthani women are in stark contrast to the landscape of Thar Desert. The sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer was built on Trikuta Hill in 1156 AD. The fort has 99 double-tiered bastions. A steep-winding path passing through three strategically located gates takes one up the hill to the interior of the fort. Inside, one can see the king’s palace and four Jain temples.
Besides the tourists, musicians, dancers, craftsmen from different parts of the state too come here to exhibit their expertise. Acrobats, puppeteers, and snake charmers, which are a part and parcel of Indian fairs, too can be seen entertaining the tourists. The Sam sand dunes, 42 km from Jaisalmer, constitute a star attraction for the tourists. Exploring high mounds of golden sand, perched on camel back transport one to another world. Various sports events are held in an area on the outskirts of the city. Turban and moustache have traditionally remained the symbols of honour for Rajasthani men. The turban tying and longest moustache competitions arouse a lot of interest among the foreigners. The tug-o-war event is divided into two parts — Indian men vs. foreign men and Indian women vs. foreign women. Evenings are earmarked for cultural shows. Dance dramas and folk dances are performed on a makeshift stage. Whether it is Ghoomar or Ger, Terah Taal or Kalbelia, each represents an aspect of the rich and varied dance traditions of Rajasthan. Folk music is the domain of communities like Mirasi, Bhand, Dholi, Bhat and Nat. The captivating dances and dance-dramas introduce one to the Rajasthani culture. Winter is the best
season to visit Rajasthan. The drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer is a
sheer delight — a good quality metalled road with miles of sand on
both sides, little traffic, tensionless driving, wild camels, deer and
smaller wildlife on roadside; and a rustic landscape. And when one
reaches Jaisalmer, it is as if one is entering into a bygone era. Add
to that the cultural bonanza it offers, and the whole package becomes
a lifetime experience. |
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Jaisalmer
wakes up from its slumber to the melodious voice of folk
singers that echoes in the air. Caravans of camel carts and motorcades
make a beeline towards this land of golden sands for the grand Desert
Festival that begins on February 21.
Other
attractions of the city include three havelis exhibiting beautiful
stone carvings, a small lake called Gadisar, and cenotaphs of kings.
Nearby attractions include Jain Temple at Lodurva and Wood Fossil Park
at Aakal.