Desert festival to be held in Jaisalmer from 8th Feb 2017 to 10th Feb 2017 is a much awaited event. It is organised by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation every year in the Hindu Maagh(माघ) month three days prior to full moon.

Its popularity is as golden as the sand dunes of Sam which is almost 40 kms from Jaisalmer where grand programmes are held every year. These sand dunes are a major attraction among tourists worldwide. The festival ends on Poornima when there is full moon.

The desert fare holds many competitions like camel races, Maru Shri(Mr.Desert), turban tying, tug of war etc. Sound and light programme is also arranged to depict certain famous desert tales of Dhola-Maru-a love story of Prince Dhola and Princess Maru who were married in their childhood.

This is the fare where a dacoit named Karna bheel had become world famous for his long moustaches. This festival starts with a procession from the Sonar kila,the Jaisalmer fort to the Shahid Poonam Stadium. The localites sing and dance in this procession. The “Gair” dancers and the “Nats” or the rope walkers also perform in this festival. The folk music is given its best traditional touch by the famous Manganiyar and Langa Bandhus, in whose “swar lahri” the tourists also start swaying.