Celebration in the sands

The Desert Festival at Jaisalmer is the highpoint of the tourist season, reports Chandan Sen

Fairs and festivals reflect the multifaceted beauty of Rajasthani culture. Jaisalmer helps one witness the essence of the desert and the annual Desert Festival makes it more special. Once a year in winters, the great Thar Desert comes alive during the Maru Mahotsav or the Desert Festival. This is the time that Jaisalmer parades its charms to the world in an extravaganza of colour, music and festivity. The festival is held every year during the Hindu month of Magh (February).

The name Jaisalmer (Jaisal and Meru), means the fort of king Jaisal atop the hill. It reminds us at the outset, of Shonaar Kella, the celluloid masterpiece by the renowned Satyajit Ray which was shot here around 1974. The Shonar Kella, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues.

Here the medieval temper blends with modern-day vibrancy. In the heart of the desert, Jaisalmer and its commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone always welcomes you. The narrow lanes are strewn with magnificent havelis and temples. Jaisalmer Fort, which is the second-oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, was built by skilled artisans using camels.

The arid landscape comes alive during the course of celebrations spread over a week. The festival is marked by a celebratory mood, while cattle marts, folk dances and puppet shows are the highlights of the delightful melas.

Men and beautiful women, dressed in multihued costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour and romance.

Traditional musicians, especially the famous Langaas and the Manganiars, the Kalbelias, the Tera Taali and the like present the melodious recitals to display their musical brilliance.

The three-day extravaganza, scheduled from January 31 to February 2, puts the state in the spotlight and is a big draw for tourists, especially foreign travellers. According to Upendra Singh Shekhawat, a tourist official, the air show titled Surya Kiran, fire dance, and the events at the Poonam Singh stadium and Indira indoor stadium were attractive this time. Photographer Umesh Gogna says that the tourists thronged the venues much before they readied themselves for the big event."

The highlights of the festival were the folk dances and the exciting competitions, especially the turban-tying one. Contestants also competed for the best bridal attire and Mr Desert contest. Cultural functions and camel races enliven the festivities.

Colorful haats ( bazaars ) were set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organised with folk artists performing against the magnificient backdrop of the sand dunes on a full moon night. Rugged moustachoed men, dressed in their traditional best, come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics, races and d`E9cor, camel polo, tug of war and many more events. Surely a not-to-be missed event by anyone.

Tour manager Arun Sharma feels that better transportation has certainly facilitated access to this desert destination. The festival is surely one of the big events which has helped to market Rajasthan internationally. The festival reaches its grand finale with sparkling fireworks igniting the skies. The cultural exhibits, adventure, folklore, sports, traditions, lifestyles, natural ambience, excursion, people all add up to make the desert festival a memorable sojourn.

Jaisalmer beckons tourists due to its unique attraction for the guest with its desert culture at its best of glory. The characteristic part is its rough sandy fabric and the multifaceted social and traditional ingredients. The forts and monuments bear testimony of the kings of the yesteryear and present a magnificient landscape to the traveller, evoking wonderful memoirs of the Thar.

Such festivals, born out of age-old traditions and practices, adorns the arid land and unveil the best. The instant visual impact, are unrestricted, and unifies all those who visit this magic land. There’s a rhythm, a joy, a passion, a spirit of romance, pleasure with leisure, a feel of being one with the golden landscape. Tourists are swayed by the greeting of the sonorous Padharo Mhare Des refrain.

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