Life in the harsh desert of Thar couldn’t have been possible without the Camel. This sturdy & rugged animal helps the inhabitants survive in severe conditions, devoid of which the desert will be incomplete.
Department of Tourism, Art & Culture of Rajasthan Government took the initiative to organize an annual event in January for people who desire to witness the desert state of Rajasthan in this magnificent glory. Bikaner Camel Festival is an event worth hunting for. Its festivities are on par with the other festivals & events host by Rajasthan. This event incorporates breathtaking camel performances like camel races, camel dances & neck shaking camel rides, folk performances by the local artists & so much more! People from all over the world are looking for ways to book Rajasthan heritage tours. Contact tour operator Rajasthan today if you are looking forward to attend this glorious event & choose the best travel package from heritage Rajasthan tours.
Intriguing History of Camel Festival
The camels of Bikaner are famed for their amazing strength, endurance & beauty & have been an indispensable part of Bikaner since times immemorial. This can be determined from the fact that the Bikaner Army had a Camel Corp named as “Ganga Risala”, which took part in World War 1 & 2 and as well as in clash in Somaliland, Chine & Egypt. Another camel unit owned by Indian Army named “Ganga Jaisalmer Risala” was seen in action in Indo-Pakistan War of year 1965; however it was later demobilized in the year 1975.
Camels are still employed by the BSF’s Bikaner Camel Corp for patrolling along the long international border which Rajasthan state shares with Rajasthan. These gentle yet brave animals have continued being a star attraction at Republic Day Parade on Raj Path.
Celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival
Bikaner Camel Festival is a two-day affair will be held on 12th & 13th January this year. The festival not only diligently celebrates “the ship of the desert” but also brings to the fore the special relation people of Bikaner region have with this robust & rugged animal. It also promotes camel breeding & age old tradition of training & taming camels.
Day 1 of Bikaner Camel Festival
The festival kick-starts with a flamboyant procession of camels beautifully adorned with traditional anklets, necklaces & bright-colored bridles. The procession starts at mesmerizing Junagarh Fort & ends at the Dr. Karni Singh Stadium.
The Camel Festival begins fervently on reaching the open grounds of the stadium. Some of the major events of this festival are:
- Bagpiper Band Recital By Army
- Camel Decoration Competition
- Camel Fur Cutting Competition
- Camel Dance Competition
- Camel Acrobatics
- Camel Race & Camel Beauty Pageants
The festival, though, is exclusively held to laud the camels, the traditional Rajasthan folk dance & music performances by the local artist add to the glamour of Camel Festival.
Traders & Craftsmen from all over India will converge at this festival; hence, there will an abundant of scope for souvenir shopping & tantalizing your taste-buds. Other festivities include fascinating fire dance, skirt swirling dancers & astounding fireworks that will illuminate the fortified desert city with ethereal lights.
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