On the full moon night, Camel Festival is held every year, whichis dedicated to the Camel- the ‘ship of the desert’, giving an amazing experience of camel performances including camel races, camel dances and camel rides, along with the joy, colour and vigor unique to Rajasthan, and making it a wonderful event,not to be missed. This festival is held in Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur. Apart from being a colourful event, it is full of life, is arranged by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, each year in Bikaner.The month of January is the right time for desert spree, so visiting Bikaner this time gives a good experience of the ships of the desert. These desert people pull heavy loads on carts, even work at the wells and transport grains, in this camel country Bikaner.

The importance of camels is largely felt in every aspect of life here, in the heart of Rajasthan’s desert belt, Bikaner. If there were no “ship of the desert” to serve the mankind, the lands of Bikaner would be impenetrable. Due to the natural stamina of camel, and in spite of the most unfavorable natural conditions, camel is the companion of historical human settlers in this desert landmass.

Beside the red sandstone background of the Junagarh Fort, the Camel Festival proceeds with decorated camels in a colourful way, followed by the competition for the best breed, acrobatics,camel dancethe tug-of-war contest, etc.

The camels danceelegantly moving according to the least directions of their trainers. The foot step taken by the camels during the dance performance is very amazing. A magical impact is created by bridles,bridal, bejeweled necks, rattling anklets and long, gawky shadow of the camels on dusky sands. This man-and-animal affair that is organized especially for the tourists, is enjoyed byhundreds of tourists and thousands of locals and VIPs.

Tea and sweets prepared by camel milk are made available to the visitors interested in enjoying themin this festival.

The fastest camels of the region take part in the camel races on the second day. Intense competition is there as the best camels contend for the honors. The favorites are cheered by thousands of excited tourists and locals.

A traditional tryst of renowned Artists from Rajasthan and the Local performers of the folk dance is the event that occurs at the climax of the festival in the evening.

The fortified desert city of Bikaner is enlightened by the overwhelmingfire dance, the jubilant skirt-twirling dancers and the stunning fireworks.

Camel Charisma

The camels dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their trainers, display amazing footwork. A magical impact is created by bridal, bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, rangy camel shadow on dusky sands. This man-and-animal affair that is organized especially for the tourists, is enjoyed byhundreds of tourists and thousands of locals and VIPs.

The Charm of the Evenings

The air gets filled with strains of music and lighted tiny lamps, by evening. Traditional instruments are played by folk artistes and the air is filled with foot tapping rhythm by Gair dancers. The impressive fire dance and the dazzling display of fireworks bring the celebrations to an end.

The Activities

Camel parades, dancing, shearing and other activities and also folk music and dance at the stadium are the activities during the Camel Festival.

Then there is the amazing Camel Derby in the open sand spreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by milking the camels, their races, cutting their fur and designing shows, best of the breed competition, DholaMaru competition, the tug-of-war contest, tumbling of camels and their bands. The camel dances gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders, displaying amazing footwork.

The camels dressed incolourful bridles, neck jewellery, jingling anklets and all, are displayed proudly by their owners. This is definitely the place to visitto see the ships of the desert at their best.

Camel Festival Tickets

The Festival of Camel in Bikaner is a public event, so anybody can go there and participate in the celebration full of colours.

How to Reach in Camel Festival

Bikaner has good connectivity as regular trains run from Delhi, Kolkata, Allahabad etc. and has airport near to Jodhpur, so travellers from nearby states have a choice whether to rent a car or a Jeep or to take a bus.