Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Maru Mahotsav): A Planning Guide

When is the Desert Festival?

The Desert Festival, known locally as Maru Mahotsav, usually takes place in January–February (three days ending on the Magh full moon). Because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, the dates move by several weeks from one year to the next.

Rajasthan Tourism and the district administration announce the dates each year, often only a few months ahead. The 2026 edition was reported as running from late January to 1 February. For 2027, we have seen dates suggested by private sites, but nothing we can confirm yet. Please check the Rajasthan Tourism events calendar before you book anything that cannot be changed.

Main events to look out for

• Opening procession: a parade of camels, folk artists, bands and local residents in traditional dress, usually starting from the fort area.
• Mr Desert: the best-known contest, judged on moustaches, turbans and traditional dress. Winners often return in later years as local celebrities.
• Turban tying and moustache contests: fun to watch, and visitors are sometimes invited to join the turban tying.
• Camel events: decorated camels, camel races, camel polo and camels trained to dance to drums.
• Folk music and dance: Manganiyar and Langa musicians, Kalbeliya dancers, fire dancers and puppeteers.
• Final evening on the Sam dunes: the festival usually closes with a cultural night on the Sam dunes, timed near the full moon.

The programme changes a little each year, so treat this as a guide to the type of event rather than a fixed schedule.

Where it happens

Most daytime events are in and around the city. The procession often winds from near the fort towards the stadium, and contests are held at the city stadium and other open grounds. Some years include events near Gadisar Lake.

The closing night moves out to Sam, about ~42 km · 50–60 min from the city. Traffic on the Sam road is heavy that evening, so leave early or stay at a dune camp that night.

Crowds, prices and when to book

The festival is one of the busiest times of the year. City hotels fill up, and camps near Sam often sell out. Expect rates at the top of each range, and sometimes above it. A standard Swiss-tent camp that normally costs ₹3,000–6,000 per night for two can cost noticeably more on festival nights.

Book about 6–8 weeks ahead once dates are announced, and earlier for luxury camps or large groups. Cars also get booked up, so reserve your transfer and sightseeing cab at the same time. Our stays page and packages can help you lock in a base.

A 3-day festival plan

Day 1: Procession and the old city

Arrive the day before if you can. Watch the opening procession in the morning, then visit the fort and havelis in the afternoon while crowds are at the grounds. End with sunset at Vyas Chhatri.

Day 2: Contests and culture

Spend the morning at the stadium for Mr Desert, turban tying and camel events. Rest through the midday heat, then catch an evening folk performance in the city.

Day 3: Out to the dunes

Leave after lunch, stop at Kuldhara, and reach Sam in good time for the closing programme. Stay in a camp so you do not have to drive back in heavy traffic.

For a fuller trip, add a day for Tanot and Longewala. See our Jaisalmer itinerary for ideas.

Practical tips for festival days

• Dress in layers. Festival days are usually sunny, with highs around 28 °C in February, but nights on the dunes turn cold.
• Carry water and a hat. Stadium seating is often in full sun, and events can run late.
• Keep valuables close. Crowds at the procession and on the dunes are dense; use a zipped bag.
• Eat early. Restaurants near the fort get busy at lunch and dinner. Street snacks are part of the fun, but choose busy stalls with fresh food.
• Plan the dunes night carefully. Agree your pickup time and meeting point with your driver in advance. Mobile networks can be slow when crowds are large.
• Respect the performers. Many musicians depend on tips. A small note after a song you enjoyed is appreciated.

Travelling with children or grandparents? Our Jaisalmer with family guide helps with pacing and rest breaks.

Photography tips

• Arrive early for a spot along the procession route; the light is softer in the morning.
• A short zoom lens helps at contests, where you may be kept behind a barrier.
• Ask before taking close portraits, especially of women. Most contest participants are happy to pose.
• Protect your camera from dust on the dunes with a plastic bag and a blower.
• For the dunes finale, a fast lens and a steady hand beat a flash, which can spoil the moment for others.
• Drones usually need permission and may be banned near crowds; check with organisers.

Other festivals in and around Jaisalmer

If your dates do not match the Desert Festival, these events are also worth planning around. Dates follow the lunar calendar and change every year.

See our best time to visit guide for the weather in each month.