Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 starts on 30th Jan at Sam Sand Dunes, 42km from Jaisalmer city. This 3 day festival is from 30th Jan to 1st Feb 2026 and will culminate under full moon. You have just a few months to plan the most epic desert adventure of your life. Over 1 lac people visit Thar Desert for this Rajasthani cultural extravaganza.
Golden sand dunes all around you. Camels decorated with colorful fabrics passing by. Folk dancers dancing under starry sky. You are experiencing something truly unique. This festival will blow your mind. Most of the travelers miss this festival because they don’t know the location and timing. But you won’t be one of them.
Key Details:
- Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Duration: 3 days, ending on Poornima (full moon night)
- Distance: 42km from Jaisalmer city center
Overview of Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 – Rajasthan’s Grand Maru Mahotsav
Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 also known as Maru Mahotsav is one of the most colourful festivals of Rajasthan. Held in the golden sand dunes and historic forts of Jaisalmer, the festival celebrates the traditions, music, dance and colourful attires of the desert region. You can enjoy camel races, turban-tying contests, folk performances, puppet shows and local handicrafts that showcase the lifestyle and heritage of Thar Desert.
More than a festival, it’s an opportunity to explore the culture, history and hospitality of Rajasthan. From adventure activities to traditional cuisine, there’s something for everyone—whether you love photography, history or cultural experiences. Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 is a must visit event that will take you on an unforgettable journey into the desert.
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What Makes This Festival So Special?
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival turns the Thar Desert into a cultural wonderland. For three days, these unique customs have been celebrated for centuries. This is not a typical tourist event, but one in which local families have been celebrating for generations. Now, they are sharing their traditions with the world. And the timing couldn’t be better. In January, a cool desert is comfortable during the day, and chilly at night. Ideal for a geat outdoor event.
History of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival in Rajasthan is one of those attractions that you must plan to participate in at least once in your life. The city of Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th Century by a Rajput prince, Rawal Jaisal. At that time, Jaisalmer was the very important stop on the trade route to Central Asia, Persia, Arab countries, and Egypt. The Turks invaded Jaisalmer several times. But the Bhatti rulers valiantly fought back. And honoring their kings the Bhatti ruled and developed Jaisalmer into a thriving city in the middle of the Thar Desert.
Your Day-by-Day Festival Experience
Day 1 (January 30): The Grand Opening
Morning Magic (8 AM – 12 PM) Camel decoration competition. Local families spend hours decorating their camels with fabrics, mirrors and bells. You’ll be amazed.
Afternoon Adventures (2 PM – 6 PM) This is where things get fun. Turban tying competition. These guys can tie a turban in under 2 minutes. Mustache competition is just as entertaining. Some mustaches are works of art!
Evening Enchantment (6 PM – 11 PM) The opening ceremony starts at sunset. You’ll watch Ghoomar dancers spin in circles, their skirts creating magic. Kalbeliya dancers move like serpents. UNESCO recognized this dance as intangible cultural heritage.
Day 2 (January 31): Cultural Extravaganza
Dawn Desert Safari (6 AM – 10 AM) Get up for this. Seriously. The view of the sunrise over the Thar Desert on a camel will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.
Competition Time (10 AM – 1 PM) Camel races are the highlight. These ships of the desert are surprisingly fast. The riders demonstrate amazing steadiness and control.
Cultural Immersion (3 PM – 6 PM) Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. Watch puppeteers make magic with their colorful puppets. Folk music competitions feature instruments you’ve never seen before.
Starlit Celebrations (6 PM onwards) Desert camping under the stars is surreal. The clear desert sky shows constellations you can’t see in the city. Traditional dinner around campfires is the ultimate experience.
Day 3 (February 1): The Grand Finale
Final Competitions (8 AM – 12 PM) Awards for the best performers. Last chance to buy authentic handicrafts.
Farewell Performances (2 PM – 5 PM) Artists perform their last shows. Everyone knows the festival is ending so the energy is electric.
Grand Finale (5 PM – 10 PM) Fireworks under the full moon are amazing. The whole desert lights up in a rainbow of colors.
5 Things to do at Desert Festival Jaisalmer 2026
- Desert Safari – Desert Safari is the best way to explore the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. You can go on a camel safari or jeep safari and explore the dunes in Sam and Khuri. You can see the lifestyle of tribes like Kalbeliya, Bishnois and others who live in the desert.
- Dune Bashing – You can go on a jeep ride in the dunes and this is called Dune Bashing. Here you ride up the dune and roll down with great speed. You can do dune bashing only in the dunes of Jaisalmer.
- Camel Polo – You can watch the polo players ride a camel and play a polo game. The players are soldiers of the BSF (Border Security Force). They are expert camel riders who can also play polo.
- Jaisalmer City Tour – You can go on a tour of Jaisalmer and see all the amazing places. You can visit famous forts, temples, havelis, museums, popular dunes and other popular tourist destinations in this Jaisalmer Tour.
- Shopping – Jaisalmer is famous for its Rajasthani art and craft. You can buy Rajasthani handicraft items. Mirrorwork embroidery items, camel leather products, jewelry and gems are some things to buy here.
Planning Your Trip: The Practical Stuff
Getting There
By Air: Jodhpur Airport is your nearest (285km away). Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Book early – prices go crazy during festival time.
By Train: Jaisalmer Railway Station has direct trains to major cities. The overnight train from Delhi is comfortable and arrives just in time for the festival.
By Road: 4-5 hours from Jodhpur. The desert highway is amazing and you’ll see some stunning views along the way.
Where to Stay
Luxury Desert Camps: These are the full monty. Expect to pay ₹8,000-15,000 per night during the festival. Book by November 2025 – they sell out fast.
Heritage Hotels: Stay inside Jaisalmer Fort for a unique experience. Suryagarh and Fort Rajwada are great options. Prices range from ₹5,000-12,000 per night.
Budget Options: Guesthouses and hostels start from ₹1,000 per night. Basic but clean. Book early even for budget stays.
Pro Tip: Consider staying in nearby Khuri village. It’s quieter, cheaper and just as authentic.
Making Your Booking
Festival Packages: Many operators provide full package including housing, transport and festival access. This cost between ₹ 8,000-25,000 per person for 3 days.
Independent Travel: Book accommodation and transport separately for more flexibility. This costs less but requires more planning.
Booking Timeline:
- October 2025: Start researching and comparing options
- November 2025: Make accommodation reservations
- December 2025: Finalize transport bookings
- January 2026: Pack and be ready for your adventure
Your Desert Adventure Awaits
Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 is something special. You will experience pure Rajasthani culture. Memories will last forever. This is a journey into India’s soul. The desert’s timelessness and traditions create magic you will never forget.
Are you ready for the desert’s best show? Book now. The best experiences sell out months ahead. Your adventure in the desert starts January 30, 2026. Will you be there?
FAQ
Daytime temperatures are cool and nighttime temperatures are cold.
Other events are the longest mustache contest, Panihari Matka race, camel acrobatics, kabaddi match, air warrior drills, horse race, fireworks display, and musical show.
You can do boating, quad biking, paragliding, camping, jeep safari, and camel safari in Jaisalmer.
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