The Department of Tourism, Art and Culture hosts the Bikaner Camel Fair or Bikaner Camel Festival each year in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Bikaner Camel Festival, which honours the camel, the “Ship of the Desert,” takes place in January. This fair is one of the most well-known in Bikaner when compared to other Rajasthani celebrations. The major attractions at the event are magnificent camel acts like camel dances, racing, and spine-tingling camel rides.
The annual Bikaner Camel Festival is held in January during the nice season. The celebrations begin on January 11 and end on January 12, 2023.
History
The Bikaner region’s camels are renowned for their beauty, toughness, and endurance. Bikaner has always been deeply rooted in the camel, as evidenced by the presence of the “Ganga Risala” Camel Corp in the Bikaner army, which fought in both World Wars as well as engagements in Somaliland, Egypt, and China.
The Indian Army’s camel unit, Ganga Jaisalmer Risala, which participated in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War and was later disbanded in 1975, had its origins in “Ganga Risala.” The Bikaner Camel Corp of the Border Security Force still uses camels to monitor the large international border that Rajasthan shares with Pakistan, and the animal continues to be the highlight of the Republic Day Parade.
Highlights
Two days are dedicated to the Bikaner Camel Festival. The festivities begin with a vibrant parade of camels that have been exquisitely decorated against the imposing Junagarh Fort. Enjoy the breathtaking performances of camels on the desert dunes, dancing to the sweet music while wearing colorful bridles, intricate necklaces, and hefty anklets. Observe the variety of camel races, camel games, and other cultural displays. This traditional festival is enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors and residents. Enjoy the lovely environment to the fullest.
Even though the festival is solely set up to celebrate camels, the Rajasthani folk dance performances and music greatly enhance its beauty. The interesting Fire Dance gives the celebrations some glitz. Fire dancers are inspired to do amazing feats by the carnival’s atmosphere. Their performances and skills are nothing short of amazing. Folk music’s melodies are a calming sensation that enchants everyone who hears it with its allure. And the puppet shows are incredible. The puppet dolls in vibrant costumes recount fascinating local legends. A stunning fireworks show that lights up Bikaner’s night sky marks the festival’s conclusion.
You can enjoy in the distinctive camel milk sweets and camel milk tea at the Bikaner Camel Fair. For all food aficionados, the regional Rajasthani cuisines are appetisers. Look into the marketplaces’ stalls that sell magnificent handicrafts, jewellery, pottery, and uncommon treats.
What to do at Bikaner Camel Festival
The Festival lasts for two days. This year’s Bikaner Camel Festival took place on January 12 and 13. Numerous locals and visitors cheer on this celebration that ardently honors the “ship of the desert” since it highlights not only the unique bond locals have with this hardy animal but also camel breeding and the long-standing custom of camel taming and training.
The celebration opens with a camel parade that is magnificently decorated with vintage anklets, necklaces, and bridles. The majestic Junagarh Fort serves as the starting point of this vibrant parade, which concludes at the Dr. Karni Singh Stadium. When you get to the open space, the Bikaner Camel Festival really gets going.
The camel pageant is held, with camel owners displaying their magnificent, lavishly decorated animals. There are also contests for the greatest fur-cutting design and milking a camel. The most anticipated event, though, is the dancing competition. As the day comes to a close with a cultural performance by the local artists, the audience is mesmerized by the jingling of anklets to the beat of music. There are numerous tournaments for both locals and tourists. The tug of war and the women’s water pot race are two examples of these contests. Not to mention the villagers’ wrestling competition and a kabbadi demonstration contest, there is also the Turban Tying Competition for tourists from various nations. Similar to the day before, this is followed by an evening of cultural programmes when the audiences are mesmerized by the music and the vibrant whirling skirts. The Bikaner Camel Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
What to carry?
Bikaner may experience extreme cold in January, especially in the late evenings and early mornings. As a result, it’s a good idea to carry enough warm clothing. Bring sunscreen creams with you as well to shield your skin from the sun. Visit Junagadh Fort, which serves as the setting for the Bikaner Camel Festival, when you are in Bikaner.
FAQ’s
The city is fittingly known as “camel country” and is home to some of the best riding camels in the world. It is also noted for having its own distinctive temple dedicated to Karni Mata in Deshnok, known as the Rats Temple, as well as housing one of the largest camel research and breeding farms in the world.
Bikaner is a vivid purple if Jaipur and Jodhpur are pink and blue, respectively. It is hardly unexpected that Bikaner is also known as “Camel Country” given its lengthy, rich history and tradition and the nearby sand dunes, nor does it lack for ecotourism opportunities.
The camel is an essential component of Rajasthan’s terrain, serving as the state’s emblem, a component of its culture, and a source of income for desert villages.
Leave a Comment :