Desert Festival: Jaisalmer comes to life during the festival. Tourists from all over the world are drawn towards the golden city to enjoy this colourful spectacle of music and festivity. The Desert City rejoices alongwith the rhythmic dances - Ghoomar, Gangaur, Gair, Dhap, Moria, Chari and Terahtal. The fire dancers are the special highlights of the festival.

The traditional musical instruments of the desert like Kamayacha, Sarangi, Algoza, Sitara, Minla, Matka, Jal tarang, Nad, Khartal etc. are played and folk songs of the desert are sung by Langas and Manganiyars of the desert region.

The festival coincides with the full moon in February when the cherished moments of glorious past and rich culture are displayed, the various interesting contests are fought like the turban tying and Mr. Desert contest, the camel races, acrobatics, dances and camel polo become great crowd pullers.

The live display of the skills of local craftsmen is spell bindingand bargains are on the spot. The grand finale is a trip to Sam sand dunes where one can enjoy the music and dance performances on the dunes, not to forget great camel safari on the dunes.

Festival Dates: February 17-19, 2000.

Gangaur Festival (March-April)

The festival of maidens and married women dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, women dress in their best costumes and images of Gauri beautifully decorated and bejewelled, the town band is played and women sing and dance to its tunes. The erstwhile Maharawal also join the procession.

Holi The festival of colours, is celebrated traditionally. People play with colours and enjoy.