This weekend, all roads in Rajasthan will lead to Bikaner as the city is all set to celebrate its annual camel fest on January 8-9, 2022.
Camels have been prized in Rajasthan for centuries. Even today, they are the most reliable means of getting around on the sand dunes of the Thar desert as well as through thorny scrub that makes up so much of the state. It’s no wonder then, that the locals lavish a lot of love and attention on these steadfast steeds!
Recognising the popularity of the animals and the potential of this tradition as a tourist attraction, the Rajasthan Government’s Department of Tourism has been organising an annual camel festival in Bikaner every January. It all starts with a procession of the beautifully bedecked beasts that begins against the beautiful backdrop of the 16th century fort of Junagarh and ends at the Dr Karni Singh Stadium. A number of competitions and festivities then play out over the two days.
Here are the top ones to check out…
Camel beauty contest
Well, we aren’t talking about a pageant that solely rates the looks of the camels themselves (although with those lovely long lashes, the long-legged beauties could probably give a model a run for her money!) but the intricacy of their adornments too. This makes the camel festival totally click-worthy, we think.
Fur-carving contest
Stunning scenes are created by expertly shaving the thick fur of the dromedaries. This takes artistic skill and years of practice. If you are interested in folk art and motifs, watch this one carefully.
Camel race, dance and acrobatics
While we reserve our comments on these events with respect to animal rights and cruelty, it’s a fact that these traditional sports are popular crowd-pullers. Attend this part of the camel festival only if you think fit.
Moustache contest
Of the many competitions for humans at the camel festival, this one is arguably the most popular. Moustaches in Rajasthan are considered a badge of machismo, the longer and thicker the more macho. The swish and swagger of the camel-mounted, sword-sporting contestants is quite entertaining for tourists.
Folk dance performances
The general air of festivity, vibrant colours and lively music brings a lot of cheer. The local troupes take great pride in performing at the prestigious camel festival. Especially before the pandemic, it was a great opportunity for them to showcase their traditional costumes and dances like the Ghoomar for visitors from across the world.
While you’re there…
- Snack on Bikaneri bhujiya or savour tea and sweets made from camel milk at the stalls in the Bikaner camel festival.
- Go on camel safari.
- Visit the world’s largest camel breeding and research farm.
- Shop for handmade puppets, and handicrafts made from camel leather.
- See the unique Karni Mata Mandir, a temple where rats are cared for and fed by devotees of the devi!
- Be charmed by the stunning latticework and carvings in the havelis of wealthy merchants.
- Stay at a heritage hotel such as Narendra Bhawan Bikaner, a beautiful boutique luxury property.
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