In a celebration that promises to blend tradition with grandeur, the much-awaited Maru Mahotsav-2024 is set to take place in Jaisalmer from February 21 to 24. The festival will start off with a traditional inauguration at 8:30 am on February 22 at the Lakshminath Temple in the historic Sonar Fort, marked by an auspicious aarti. Preceding this, a series of exciting events have been planned in Pokhran on February 21.

District collector Pratap Singh has fervently directed officials associated with Maru Mahotsav-2024 to ensure the grand organization of all scheduled programs. A meeting held in the DOIT VC room saw Collector Singh discussing each event meticulously, taking feedback on preparations and arrangements. Singh specifically instructed Pokhran SDO Parihar to formulate a precise action plan and enhance all events of the Desert Mahotsav scheduled for February 21 in Pokhran and Loharki.

Furthermore, the deputy director of tourism was directed to finalize the programs for the festival in Jaisalmer, Sam, Lakhmana, Khuhdi, and Lanela, spanning from February 22 to 24. Special emphasis was given to the arrangements for the inauguration of Maru Mahotsav and the procession at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium on February 22.

Assistant director of tourism, Krishna Kumar Punia, shared the details of the February 21 events in Pokhran, including an aarti at Nepaleshwar Temple and a vibrant procession from Salam Sagar Lake to the government senior secondary school at 10:00 am, followed by folk performances at 11:00 am.

On the second day, February 22, in Jaisalmer, the festival will continue with an aarti at Lakshminath Temple at 8:30 am, followed by a procession from Gadisar Lake to Poonam Singh Stadium at 9:30 am. The day will be filled with various competitions, including turban tying, moustache, Mumal Mahendra, Mr. Desert, Mrs. Desert, etc. The evening will be marked by the Icon of Jaisalmer felicitation ceremony at the stadium at 6:00 pm.

The third day promises a serene start with instrumental music and a yoga program at Gadisar Lake from 6:00 am to 8:00 am. From 10:00 am onwards, Dedansar Stadium will be bustling with activities, including a camel decoration competition, Shaan e Marudhara competition, air warrior drill show, tug of war, panihari matka race, and kabbadi competition. The evening at Shaheed Poonam Stadium will witness a spectacular camel tattoo show and camel polo match at 4:00 pm, followed by the Icons of Jaisalmer felicitation at 6:00 pm, honoring Gazi Khan Barna and Dr. Aidan Singh Bhati. 

Source: The Times Of India