Festival
Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Maru Mahotsav)
Organizer: Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan
Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium & Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
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Plan your visit
We list this independently. Confirm permits, dates and charges on the linked source.
- When
- Jan/Feb · 3 days · annual
- Where
- Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium & Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Charges
- See the current rate on the official source
Make a
weekend of it.
This event is listed from public information and has not been verified by its organiser yet.
Event essentials
Three-day government desert cultural festival on the Thar dunes featuring camel races, camel polo, folk performances, and jeep/camel safaris through the Sam sand dunes.
Seasonally closed · reopens ~January
Recurring · Annual festival — held every year
#desert · #dunes · #camel · #festival · #folk-dance · #handicrafts · #family-friendly
- Best time
- Annually over ~3 days in winter (typically late January-February)
- Organiser
- Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan
- Listing status
- Government source
Charges & inclusions
Charges: Entry: Free (stated 'Free' on the Govt of India Utsav portal). Optional desert activities (camel/jeep safaris) are separately paid and their prices are unverified officially.
Inclusions: Officially listed activities: puppeteers, acrobats, camel tattoo shows, camel races, camel polo, traditional processions, camel-mounted bands, folk dances, traditional food (per utsav.gov.in). Safari prices are NOT officially published.
Information only — not verified by us. We compiled this from public sources and it may be wrong, incomplete or out of date. Confirm it directly with the official organiser or authority before you travel, book or pay. We do not book, sell tickets, issue permits or guarantee any detail on this page.
Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium & Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Area only — an exact trailhead has not been published.
Getting there
Main venue Sam Sand Dunes, ~40-45 km from Jaisalmer city; nearest railhead and airport Jaisalmer
Highlights
- Rajasthani folk music, Kalbeliya dance, puppet shows and fire dances in the Thar Desert
- Camel races, camel polo and 'best decorated camel' competition
- Quirky contests: longest moustache, turban tying, tug of war
- Camel rides over the Sam Sand Dunes, with a moonlight-night grand finale
- Handicraft and local-food stalls; golden-city Jaisalmer as backdrop
Source & status
- Listing status
- Government source
- Information source
- Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan
- Last checked
- 2026-08-20
We describe where the information came from — we credit the source, we don't certify the event. Always confirm current dates, prices and bookings on the organiser's linked source before you travel or pay.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (utsav.gov.in) - lists organiser 'Department Of Tourism & District Administration', entry 'Free', and the activity listhttps://utsav.gov.in/view-event/desert-festival-1More adventures in Rajasthan
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Frequently asked questions
Three-day government desert cultural festival on the Thar dunes featuring camel races, camel polo, folk performances, and jeep/camel safaris through the Sam sand dunes.
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