Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2027
Three days of camels, turbans, moustaches and music, ending with a full-moon night on the Sam dunes.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2027 (Maru Mahotsav) is expected on 18–20 February 2027. It opens with a procession from the Fort and contests in the city, and ends with camel races and a full-moon folk finale at the Sam Sand Dunes. Most events are free. Hotels and camps fill up early and cost more, so book as soon as you can.
What Is the Desert Festival?
Every February, Jaisalmer throws its biggest party of the year. The Desert Festival brings the folk culture of the Thar into the streets: camels in mirrored finery, men competing for the most magnificent moustache, turbans tied in seconds, and musicians whose families have sung for the desert's rulers for generations. It's organised by Rajasthan Tourism and timed to end on Magh Purnima, the full moon, when the final night moves out to the dunes.
Day by day
The usual order of events. The final schedule comes from Rajasthan Tourism.
Day 1 · Procession & contests
Jaisalmer Fort → Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium- Colourful Shobha Yatra procession with decorated camels, folk artists and the BSF camel band
- Mr Desert and Miss Moomal pageants
- Turban-tying and moustache competitions
- Evening folk performances
Day 2 · The Golden City celebrates
City venues and Gadisar Lake- Camel decoration, camel dance and camel tattoo shows
- Folk music and dance by Manganiyar, Langa and Kalbelia artists
- Craft bazaars and local food
- Cultural evening in the city
Day 3 · Full moon on the dunes
Sam Sand Dunes- Camel races and camel polo on the sand
- Sunset over the dunes
- The grand folk finale under the full moon of Magh Purnima
- Fireworks (in most years)
Desert Festival Journey
Every February, Jaisalmer hosts the Desert Festival: a procession from the Fort, Mr Desert and moustache contests, camel polo and races, and a grand finale at the Sam dunes under the full moon. We time your stay around the main days.
- 2 nights at a resort
- Festival transfers
- Heritage walk
- Dune finale with a camel safari
Stays for Festival Week
Spend the first nights in the city or on Sam Road, then the final night on the dunes. These fill up first.
Making the Most of It
- Arrive a day early. The procession starts in the morning, and roads near the Fort close.
- Book a private car for the final day at Sam, because traffic to the dunes is heavy.
- February days are warm (about 28 °C) but nights are cool, so bring a light jacket for the dunes.
- Carry cash for food stalls and crafts, as card machines are unreliable in the crowds.
- Combine it with the Fort, havelis and Kuldhara on a non-festival day.
Desert Festival questions
When is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2027?
The Desert Festival (Maru Mahotsav) 2027 is expected on 18–20 February 2027, ending on the full moon of Magh Purnima. Rajasthan Tourism confirms the final dates and schedule a few weeks before. We'll update this page when they're announced.
Where is the Desert Festival held?
The opening procession starts near Jaisalmer Fort, and the contests take place at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium in the city. The final day moves to the Sam Sand Dunes, about 45 minutes west, for the camel races and the full-moon folk finale.
Is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival free?
Yes. Most festival events are free and open to everyone. Some hotels and camps run paid packages with reserved seating, transfers or a private dinner at Sam on the final night.
What are the highlights of the Desert Festival?
The Mr Desert contest, turban-tying and moustache competitions, decorated camels and camel dances, camel races and polo at Sam, performances by Manganiyar and Kalbelia artists, and the finale on the dunes under the full moon.
Where should I stay for the Desert Festival?
Stay in the city or on Sam Road for the first two days, which are mostly in town, then move to a desert camp at Sam for the final night. Book early: rooms and tents fill up weeks ahead and cost more than usual.
How early should I book for the Desert Festival 2027?
Book 3–4 months ahead if you can, and no later than early January. Our estimates add about 70% for festival dates (17–21 February 2027), and the best-located hotels and camps sell out first.
Plan Your Desert Festival Trip
We'll hold rooms around the expected dates and adjust if Rajasthan Tourism changes the schedule.
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