Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2023 – Check Dates, Schedule, History, Activities and More 

“Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2023 is a 3-day festival starts on 3rd February 2023. With arts & craft stalls, camel rides, and outdoor activities, the festival promises to be a fresh and exciting experience for visitors of all ages”

In the world of festivals, there’s nothing like the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. It is a 3-day event starting on 3rd February 2023. It is a festival of mysticism, adventure, and culture. 

Held in the state of Rajasthan, this desert festival is one of the largest public events in the state. It attracts tourists from across the globe. A large number of Bollywood artists are also going to perform at the festival this year. 

The entire event will take place in the magical Thar desert. The spectacular display of beauty and extravagance will highlight the natural cultural legacy of the city

Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2023 – Maru Mahotsav Highlights

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is held every year in the month of February in the Thar Desert of Jaisalmer. It is starting from 3 February this time and will run till 5 February. The festival takes place at Sam Dunes, located about 42 km from Jaisalmer city. 

It is run by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and starts 3 days before the full moon in the Hindu month of Magha. From eating & drinking to having fun, everything is present in this festival. To participate in this colourful program of Jaisalmer, a large number of tourists come not only from India but from all over the world.

If you are an adventure lover then there are many activities for you like camel safari, motor paragliding, and helicopter ride. You can also enjoy playing polo and desert safari.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2023 Dates and Schedule

Day 1 – 3rd February 2023 (Friday)

Day 2 – 4th February 2023 (Saturday)

Day 3 – 5th February 2023 (Sunday) 

Check: Special Days in February

Jaisalmer Special Activities During the Desert Festival

Jaisalmer is an amazing city lying on the western end of India. It offers a large number of activities for tourists. 

• Camel Safari

The camel safari in Jaisalmer is a must-do for any traveller visiting Rajasthan during the Desert Festival. The desert safari offers a chance to see the beautiful desert from a different perspective, as well as an opportunity to learn about its history and culture. 

During the tour, you’ll ride on camels as they are guided through the desert by a local guide. The camel safari is a great way to experience the Jaisalmer desert and see its beautiful scenery.

• Jeep Safari

The best way to explore the desert is to get up close and personal. Desert Safari offers you the opportunity to experience the desert like never before. 

With a Jeep, you can explore the desert and discover its beauty in a safe and comfortable way. You’ll see animals, ruins, and sand dunes all in one day.

• Parasailing

If you’re looking for something fun to do in Jaisalmer, you can’t go wrong with parasailing. It’s a beautiful experience that will make you feel like a bird soaring through the sky. 

You get a bird’s eye view of the city and the desert below, which is a beautiful sight to see.

• Boating at Gadisar Lake

Boating at Gadisar Lake during the festival is a great way to enjoy the festivities while getting some exercise. It is so much fun to see the city from the water.  The lake is surrounded by a beautiful landscape so it is a good place to take a break from the crowds.

• Camping at Sam Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes is a popular camping site in Jaisalmer. It is located in the desert and provides a unique experience for all who visit. You can enjoy a night out at the desert festival with your friends and family.

• Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer

One of the best ways to get the most out of your vacation is to plan activities around them. One such activity is dune bashing in Jaisalmer during the Desert Festival. There are many options for motor vehicles available in the city for this activity.

Places to Visit During Jaisalmer Desert Festival

• Jaisalmer Fort – The mesmerising fort of Jaisalmer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire fort is made of yellow sandstone and looks very beautiful.
• Patwon Ki Haveli – It is a group of five mansions. It was built by a famous merchant of Rajasthan in the 18th century.
• Kuldhara Village – Kuldhara is a cursed and haunted village. Still, it is a famous tourist destination. Many people come to Jaisalmer every year to see this place.
• Khaba Fort – Khaba Fort is known for its mysterious stories. It is related to Paliwal Brahmins who vacated this place 250 years ago for unknown reasons.

How to Reach Jaisalmer?

By Air – The nearest airport from Jaisalmer is Jodhpur. It is around 294 Kilometres from the city. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Jaisalmer with ease.  

By Train – Direct trains to Jaisalmer are available from big cities Delhi and Mumbai. 

Road Travel – The city of Jaisalmer is connected by National Highway 15. You can also take the Volvo bus service that connects Jaisalmer to other cities in Rajasthan. Private bus services are also available from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Barmer, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.

Helpful Tips for the Festival

• Try to complete Jaisalmer Desert Festival Ticket Booking formalities in advance. It is expected that there will be a rush at the ticket counter on the festival day.
• The festival is heaven for those who love photography. So, don’t forget to carry your camera or a phone with a good camera. 
• During the night, the temperature in deserts falls rapidly. So, you should carry a warm blanket with you.    

Bollywood Celebrities in Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2023 

Many celebrities from Bollywood are going to perform at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in 2023. Some of them are as follows. 

• Ankit Tiwari
• Shanmukha Priya
• Salman Ali
• Salim Sulaiman
• Raghu Dixit 

Jaisalmer Desert Festival History

In ancient times, Lord Krishna made a prediction that a ruler of the Yadav community would set up a kingdom on Trikuta Hill. In 1196, his prediction came true when Rawal Jaiswal established his kingdom in Jaisalmer. The small festival has been organised in the city since then.

Later, the government of Rajasthan decided to transform this small festival into a grand celebration. They invested and invited visitors from all around the world. 

Frequently Asked Questions