Planning Your Visit to Bikaner Camel Festival 2024

Camel Festival Bikaner is annually celebrated with utmost devotion to the camel. The festival is wholly dedicated to the ship of the desert – Camels with which the desert is all incomplete. Being arranged by the Rajasthan Tourism Department. A festival is a perfect event for people who want to see the desert state of Rajasthan completely in its colorful glory and grandeur. Even the celebrations of this festival consist of folk dance and music performances given by the local artists.

Dates: 11th January to 12th January of 2024

History behind –

An annual event of the Bikaner Camel Festival is dedicated to ships of the desert – Camels who survive in harsh desert conditions. The festival was organized as an initiative by the Department of Tourism, Art, and culture of the Rajasthan Government. Camels in Bikaner have a long association. Since the reign of the Rao Bika ji, Bikaner has been the only camel-breeding region. The long-neck beasts raised here have been joined even in the army. The camel corps in general is known as “Ganga Risala” and have served in the world wars and Indo-Pak wars, as well. The Indian army still maintains a regiment where these brave desert animals loyally serve in the Border Security Force (BSF).

Celebration of Camel Festival –

The camel festival Bikaner starts with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. It begins with the parading of beautifully decorated camels, which itself gives you a colorful vibrance against the background of Junagarh Fort. Some of the celebrations during the festival include camel milking, camel races, fur-cutting design, camel acrobatics, etc. Also, the best camel breed competition takes place with camel beauty pageants. Craftsmen and traders from over the country flock here to get pleasure from the festival and so, there will be plenty of scope for souvenir shopping, eating, and taking photographs to cherish the festive moments for a lifetime. Besides these, there are also other festivities like skirt-swirling dancers, fireworks, and fire dancers, illuminating the desert city with its ultimate charm. One can enjoy tea and other delicious snacks rich in the authentic taste of Rajasthan.

Main highlights of Bikaner Camel Festival –

However, the camel festival is solely hosted to glorify the ship of the Thar desert camels. The Rajasthani folk dance performance along with the music will add immense charm to this festival. Travellers here can enjoy the finest display of camels adorned in traditional necklaces, colorful clothing, heavy anklet, and vibrant bridals, showing off the excellent footwork to the golden sandy dunes. Additionally, you can notice the series of exciting games, camel race events, and cultural performances. Over 100s and 1000s of tourists, travelers, and locals are expected here to participate in this traditional Indian desert camel festival.

Sightseeing places around Bikaner –

Once you are done seeing the Camel Festival of Bikaner, you might be willing to explore some of the historical attractions in the city. Some of the major tourist sites to explore in Bikaner are –

·  Junagarh Fort was built in the year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh and later renovated by the kings of Bikaner. The construction of this fortress shows a fine blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati styles of architecture. Within the fortress, there are many attractions to see like Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Dungar Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Ganga Mahal, etc.

·  Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902 in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji. The red sandstone construction of this royal palace is a stupendous example of the architectural brilliance of the bygone era.

· National Research Centre on Camel is a must-visit place to spot camels in their best habitat and see over 400 camels of different breeds including baby camels. Bikaner is a well-known place for its camel population.

· Deshnoke Karni Mata Temple is perhaps the most famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Bikaner dedicated to the goddess Karni where rats are worshipped. This is 600-year-old ancient temple is a famous legend and an important pilgrimage site for all Hindu devotees.

How to reach Bikaner?

By air –

The nearest airport is Jodhpur International Airport which is well-linked to Bikaner and other cities in Rajasthan. Domestic and international flights connect the city to other places in the world. From the Jodhpur airport taxi, you can reach Bikaner in the most comfortable and hassle-free way.

By train –

Bikaner has two railway stations, i.e., Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Station. Both these railway stations are approx. 6 kms away from the central city and are well connected to most of the places in Rajasthan.

By road –

Traveling to Bikaner by road will make it convenient for you to cover distances. Bikaner is well-connected to every city in Rajasthan and beyond. There are frequent buses of state transport, AC deluxe buses, sleeper coaches, and private taxi rental in Bikaner available to travel intercity.

Conclusion –

Bikaner Camel Festival is one of the most popular traditional desert festivals that take place in Rajasthan. The camel carnival attracts tourists from across the country to enjoy their great time here. If you are someone planning an off-beat tour of Rajasthan, then just plan a Bikaner tour package and discover its mesmerizing beauty.