Maru Mahotsav, also known as Jaisalmer Desert Festival, is a three-day festival held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The festival is usually held in late January or early February. The official calendar of the festival is declared by the Rajasthan Tourism Department.
Table of Content
- Introduction to Maru Mahotsav
- History and Significance
- Attractions during the Desert Festival
- Cultural Competitions
- Event and Activities
Introduction to Maru Mahotsav
This is the traditional Rajasthani name for the festival. The word “Maru” refers to the desert region, and “Mahotsav” means festival. Hence, ‘Maru Mahotsav’ literally means “Festival of the Desert”. While the name “Jaisalmer Desert Festival” is more widely used and understood around the world, especially by tourists, “Maru Festival” is the more authentic and culturally relevant name.
Both names refer to the same thing, which is called according to the convenience of people of different regions and understanding. Both names are also used interchangeably in promotional material, by locals and government bodies. So, if you hear someone mentioning Maru Festival, you will understand that they are talking about the same vibrant festival held in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani folk culture, music, dance and traditions.
(Maru Mahotsav 2025 Theme – Jolly Joyful Jaisalmer)
History and Significance
The Maru Festival, also known as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture celebrated in the breathtaking desert of Thar.
Origin of Maru Mahotsav – The Maru Festival originated during the rule of the Rajput rulers of Jaisalmer. The festival has its roots dating back to the times of King Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, with some traditions dating back centuries. In its early days, the festival was originally celebrated to celebrate the harvest season and to honour and thank the local deities. Over time, the festival has evolved into a grand celebration of Rajasthani culture and heritage.
The festival is celebrated every year in the Hindu month of Magh (January-February). It is a three-day event packed with activities and performances.
Cultural Importance – The festival is an important cultural event that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan, India. The event serves as a platform to showcase the folk music, dance, art and crafts of Rajasthan. Such events play a huge role in preserving and promoting the unique and cultural heritage of this place. Overall, Maru Mahotsav is a vibrant cultural festival that showcases the best of Rajasthani traditions, art forms and desert life.
Main Attractions during Desert Festival
- Colourful Procession – The festival begins with a vibrant procession in the city, attended by locals and dignitaries in traditional attire, camels and folk music.
- Folk Music and Dance – Here you can enjoy traditional Rajasthani folk music, dance and acrobatics performed by local artists. Also, the event includes performances by invited renowned artists, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the region.
- Desert Safari – Experience the magic of the desert with a thrilling camel safari with overnight stays in camps. For this, you can enjoy a journey across the vast expanse of the Thar Desert on camel back or in a jeep.
- Dining with the Entire City – Wouldn’t it be exciting to dine with the whole city? During the Maru Festival, you will not only eat traditional Rajasthani food but also dine with hundreds of other travelers during one of its events.
- Shopping for Local Handicrafts – A temporary Jaisalmer handicrafts market is also set up during the fair, which sells a wide range of local and traditional handicrafts, clothes, Rajasthani shoes and souvenirs. Visit the stalls selling such unique Rajasthani items. You should be able to bargain, it will be beneficial for you.
Cultural Competitions
The Maru Mahotsav is a celebration of Rajasthani public life. The festival is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan. Participate in or watch various competitions, including turban tying, mustache competitions, and Mr. Desert contests. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is the most awaited, prestigious and famous cultural event of Rajasthan. In which many colorful programs from different regions are performed. Camel races, turban tying and Mr. Desert competitions are organized. It is held every year in the month of February. The festival includes Rajasthani folk songs and dances and attracts a lot of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrations are the Gair and Fire dancers. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to witness performing arts like Kalbelia dance and folk songs and music. The festival also features a variety of cultural competitions, such as –
Mr. Desert Pageant – The Mr. Desert Pageant, also known as Maru Shree, is the highlight of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. This competition showcases the spirit, gait and personality of the men of Rajasthan, showcasing their traditional attire, style and overall personality.
This competition typically involves several rounds where contestants are judged on their looks, confidence and knowledge of the local culture. It is a colourful and vibrant event, with participants often sporting impressive mustaches and wearing elaborate turbans.
The winner of the Mr. Desert Pageant is awarded the coveted “Maru Shree” title and is recognised for embodying the essence of the masculine charm of the desert.
Turban-tying Contest – The turban tying competition is a popular and exciting event held during the Maru Mahotsav, also known as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. This vibrant festival takes place annually in February in the beautiful city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India.
The turban tying competition is a fascinating display of skill and tradition. Participants, often locals, compete to tie the most elaborate and stylish turban in the shortest time possible. It is a colourful spectacle, in which participants showcase their creativity and expertise in this traditional art form.
The competition is not just about speed; it also takes into account the aesthetics and intricacy of the turban. Judges evaluate participants on the basis of their technique, the design of the turban and how well it matches with their traditional attire.
The turban tying competition is an important part of the Maru Festival, as it highlights the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Turtles hold a special place in Rajasthani culture, symbolising honour, respect and social status. In Rajasthan, the turban also changes according to caste and region. This competition reminds us of the importance of preserving these traditions and passing them on to future generations.
If you are planning to attend the Maru Festival, make sure to check out the turban tying competition. It is a unique and memorable experience that will give you a glimpse of the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan.
Moustache Competition – One of the best highlights of the Maru Festival is the moustache competition, in which men proudly display their long and well-groomed moustaches. The event is a fun and colourful spectacle that reflects the traditions of the region and adds to the festive atmosphere. Various participants from different regions flaunt their magnificent moustaches, giving a live glimpse of Rajasthan’s glorious past.
Camel Races – Camel races are a popular event during the Maru Mahotsav (Desert Festival) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. This is a great opportunity to witness exciting camel races on the golden sands of the Thar Desert. It is a thrilling event where colourfully decorated camels race across the desert sands.
The main attraction of this festival is the camel race, in which camels and their riders are dressed in colourful costumes. The race is held on a track in the desert, and the camels can reach impressive speeds. The event is a thrilling affair for the spectators, during which they cheer on their favourite camels and riders.
Tug of war – The tug of war competition during the Maru Festival is a popular and exciting event that showcases the strength and competitive spirit of the participants.
It often involves teams of local men and women, sometimes pitting Indians against foreign tourists, adding an extra level of fun and rivalry to the competition. It displays the patriotism and deep attachment of both sides to their country. The crowd cheers and encourages their favorite teams as they pull with all their might, making it a lively and memorable part of the festival.
Event and Activities
Traditional Rajasthani music and dance forms like Gair and Fire Dance are captivating highlights. The Maru Festival offers a wide range of cultural performances, including folk music, dance, camel races and traditional games.
Fire Dance – Fire dance is another major attraction of the Maru Festival. Originally performed by the Bhil tribe, this dance presents a mesmerizing and captivating display of skill and courage, as the dancers fearlessly control the flames. The rhythmic movements of the dancers, combined with the flickering glow of the fire, create an unforgettable experience for the audience. A unique tradition like the fire dance is a great opportunity to witness and immerse oneself in the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
Gair Dance – Gair Dance Rajasthan is a popular folk dance performed during this festival. This dance is traditionally performed by men and involves rhythmic sequential movements in a circle holding sticks. The dancers wear colourful traditional costumes and turbans and jewellery, which add to the vibrancy and charm of the event. Gair Dance is an important part of Maru Festival which reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and the way it is enjoyed.
Camping under the stars – Many desert camps offer comfortable accommodation, delicious food, exciting activities like camel safaris and sand dune climbing. Spending your time staying at these camps is an unforgettable experience. The sky in the Thar Desert is very clear, which is the perfect place for stargazing. Here you can see countless stars, constellations and maybe even the Milky Way. The view of the open sky at night will take you back to the old days of your childhood.
This is a chance to make lasting memories with friends and family, experience the magic of the desert and the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Since the Maru Mahotsav is a popular event among domestic and foreign tourists, make sure to book your camping accommodation and activities well in advance. For your information, let us tell you that the temperature of the desert becomes hot during the day and cold at night. Therefore, check the arrangements for drinking water and bedding first.
Rajasthani cuisine – Authentic Food – Maru Mahotsav is a feast for the senses, featuring colourful costumes, cultural music, dance and of course delicious food. How can the trip end without eating traditional Rajasthani food? Rajasthani cuisine is famous all over the world for its rich flavours and use of spices. You will find a wide variety of traditional dishes here, whose aroma and beauty alone will make your mouth water. The royal Rajasthani style of serving food will give you a royal feel. The food eaten by the residents of Rajasthan is cooked here to welcome the tourists for their enjoyment. The festival has a variety of food stalls that sell traditional Rajasthani food. These include the following dishes –
- Daal Baati Churma – A quintessential Rajasthani dish consisting of lentil curry, wheat flour balls cooked on cow dung cakes and a sweet crispy dessert filled with desi ghee.
- Laal Maas – A spicy curry of red meat cooked with various spices. Gatte Ki Sabzi – A dish made of gram flour pakoras in a spicy gravy made from curd, buttermilk, garlic, curry red chillies, etc.
- Ker Sangri – a unique curry made of dried berries and beans.
Apart from these delicious dishes, you will also find a wide variety of sweets and snacks at the Maru Festival, such as –
- Mawa Kachori – sweet pastry filled with milk solids and nuts.
- Mirchi Bada – a spicy snack made of chillies and potatoes.
- Bhang Thandai – a refreshing drink made of milk, spices and bhang. For the uninitiated, this can prove to be addictive. Get hooked to its amazing taste and don’t miss out.
This event is a great opportunity to experience traditional Rajasthani food and culinary delights full of local delicacies. Be prepared to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan. So come with an empty stomach and be prepared to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes here.
Fireworks Display – One of the main attractions of the closing ceremony of the Desert Festival Jaisalmer is the spectacular fireworks display that takes place in the desert at night. This spectacular show adds a magical touch to the festival, making it a memorable experience for all the attendees. It is a wonderful sight to watch the colorful explosions of light on the black canvas of the desert sky.
If you are planning to attend the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, then do include the fireworks display in your itinerary. It is a perfect way to end the experience of this vibrant cultural event with colorful lights and cheers. The fireworks display usually takes place at the end of the festival, serving as a grand finale to the cultural performances, competitions, and other activities.
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Desert Festival Jaisalmer 2025 Theme – Jolly Joyful Jaisalmer
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