Once a year, in winter, the empty sands of the great Thar desert around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the desert festival. The festival is organised by the department of tourism in January-February.

The rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for three days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their bright costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional musicians try to outdo each other in their musical superiority.

The main attractions of the festival are puppeteers, acrobats, camel tattoo show, camel races, camel polo, traditional procession, camel mounted band, folk dances, etc. Proud moustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics. Tug of war and Panihari matka race are some of the events where visitors can participate and have a taste of traditions.

The turban tying competitions attract huge crowds. The Mr Desert competition is focused around the length and style of moustaches and rustic physique wrapped in traditional costumes. This festival is one of the most well known festivals which the tourists look forward to every year.

Principal Secretary, Tourism, Ms Usha Sharma said the festival will begin on Sunday morning with Mangal Aarti at Shri Laxmi Nath Ji Mandir which will be followed by a shobha yatra (ceremonial procession) from Gadsisar Lake to Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium.

The day long festivity will  have turban tying competitions for both foreign and domestic tourists. This will be followed by Momal Mahendra, Moustache and Miss Momal competitions. The evening will consist of a cultural programme and fireworks.