The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is one of the most iconic and vibrant cultural celebrations and a major attraction for domestic and international tourists in the Indian Thar Desert. Held every winter in the Golden City of Jaisalmer, this festival showcases the desert’s vibrant traditions, folk culture, camel events, music, dance, competitions and night performances across the Sand Dunes and the historic Jaisalmer Fort. Enjoy the beautiful fireworks, lighting up the desert sky at night.
Hence, we have designed this comprehensive and authentic travel guide to let you learn in detail about the dates, accurate schedules, travel tips, safety considerations, and real local insights to help you plan the perfect visit to this beautiful festival in Jaisalmer.
Take your friends, family or colleagues on a completely different experience in the biggest desert of India and witness the traditional Ghoomar and Kalbeliya folk dance forms of Rajasthan with Chiku Cab – one of the best taxi service providers in India.
Official Dates and Schedule for Jaisalmer Desert Festival/Maru Mahotsav 2026
30 January 2026 to 1 February 2026
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 will be held across different locations in Jaisalmer city and Sam Sand Dunes (approximately 43 to 45 km from Jaisalmer) for three days.
The first two days feature cultural events, folk performances, processions and competitions within the city. The final day takes place at Sam Sand Dunes, concluding with major shows, camel parades and evening celebrations. Events typically begin between 9 am and 10 am and continue until late evening, with special night performances on the dunes.
Festival Highlights and Visitor Experience
The Desert Festival is one of the most photographed and widely recognised cultural events of Rajasthan. Travellers enjoy a range of activities such as camel races, camel polo, moustache competitions, turban tying contests, folk dance performances, traditional Rajasthani music, puppet theatre, fire dances, horse shows and handicraft markets, in Jaisalmer during the festival. The Thar Desert landscapes, especially around the Sam Sand Dunes, provide a unique natural setting for photography, cultural exploration and sunrise or sunset camel safaris. For families and senior travellers, the festival is safe, well-organised and suitable for all age groups.
Top Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer for Local Sightseeing
You cannot miss exploring the following locations on your Jaisalmer sightseeing.
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Patwa Haveli
- Gadisar Lake
- Bada Bagh
- Jaisalmer War Museum
- Salam Singh ki Haweli
- Shree Tanot Mata Temple
- Kuldhara Village
Hire Chiku Cab, one of the best cab providers in Jaisalmer, for a comfortable touring experience with your loved ones.
Top Activities to add to your Desert Festival Itineraries
Here is a detailed list showcasing different activities you can indulge in for the perfect Jaisalmer experience on your trip to Maru Mahotsav.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort and its surrounding markets in the morning – The Manak Chowk, Bhatia Bazar and Pansari Bazar, among other tourist attractions.
- Enjoy major competitions such as Mr. Desert contest, turban tying, camel races and folk dance performances.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beauty of Salam Singh ki Haveli and Patwon ki Haveli on your trip.
- Attend cultural showcases, puppet performances and handicraft exhibitions
- Take a short jeep/camel safari near the dunes and visit sunset viewpoints for photography.
- Evening programs often include cultural troupes from across Rajasthan and fusion folk performances.
- Enjoy the fireworks or traditional fire dances on the final day (February 01, 2026).
Where to Stay During the Festival
Check and book the available accommodations online for a seamless and comfortable touring experience. However, you must try to book it as soon as possible so as to avoid the end-time unavailability and last-minute price surges.
How to Reach Jaisalmer Desert Festival
By Air
- Jaisalmer Airport (JSA): A domestic airport in Jaisalmer, around 13 km from the city centre
- Nearest major airport from Jaisalmer: Jodhpur International Airport (around 270 km away, 4 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours by road)
It is recommended that you hire Chiku Cab – The best airport taxi in India for a comfortable airport transfer to Jaisalmer for the Maru festival. Dial 844-844-5504 to book instantly over a call.
By Train
Jaisalmer Railway Station is well-connected to Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur and other northern cities. You can also get comfortable railway station transport with Chiku Cab.
By Road
Jaisalmer has excellent road connectivity via national highways. Many travellers prefer private cabs, especially for reaching Sam Sand Dunes conveniently. Chiku Cab provides the lowest cab fares in India for a comfortable outstation/local sightseeing experience in 250+ cities in India, including Jaisalmer.
Budget and Cost Guide
The festival itself is mostly free to attend, but most shares of your expenses would include accommodation, transportation, desert safari charges, meals and optional premium seating for certain performances. Budget travellers can choose city-based hotels, shared cabs and economy dune activities. Mid-range travellers prefer standard camps, guided safaris and comfortable private transfers. Premium travellers opt for luxury camps, curated festival experiences and chauffeured travel. However, Chiku Cab ensures to provide affordable, mid-range and premium taxi services at the lowest market fares. Dial 844-844-5504 to book your Jaisalmer cab in advance today!
Chiku Cab Travel Services for Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026
Chiku Cab offers a range of well-maintained taxis, including Sedans, SUVs and Tempo Travellers for all your travel needs since its establishment in 2018. With 24×7 booking support and fair pricing, Chiku Cab remains one of the most trusted options for festival transport, as we provide the following services in over 250+ cities in India.
- Verified drivers with local expertise to explore the city events
- Well-maintained cabs with live GPS Tracking
- Transparent billing with no hidden charges/price surges
- Easy Bookings and Cancellations over a Phone Call
For foreign and local tourists, Chiku Cab offers safe and comfortable taxi services for Jaisalmer travel, with local taxis, outstation cabs and airport transfers and festival-day transportation at the lowest cab fares. Our core cab services in Rajasthan for this event include Jaisalmer city sightseeing cabs, Jaisalmer/Jodhpur airport to Jaisalmer Desert Festival taxis, Sam Sand Dunes comfortable transport, and group travel vehicles (Standard and Luxury Tempo Travellers) for families, photographers and tour groups.
Ready to Book? Dial 844-844-5504 to hire your car rental in Jaisalmer today!
Popular Things that you cannot miss in Jaisalmer!
Here is a list of the must-try things on your visit to Jaisalmer.
- Best Items to Add to Your Shopping Cart
Explore the bazaars like the Manak Chowk, Bhatia Bazar and Pansari Bazar to find Rajasthani textiles, mirror-work garments, leather goods, silver jewellery, camel-bone crafts and hand-embroidered fabrics.
- Local Food You Must Try in Jaisalmer!
Savor the finest Desi cuisine in Jaisalmer, such as traditional Rajasthani Thalis, Kachoris, and dal-baati Churma with your loved ones.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
December to February are the most comfortable months to explore Jaisalmer, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This weather is ideal for desert activities, sightseeing, camping and attending late-evening performances, especially during the Maru Mahotsav.
Due to peak travel demand during festival dates, we insist that you ensure early bookings for hotels, taxis, and campings to avoid last-minute cancellations, price surges and inconveniences.
Best Travel Tips for Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026
Here are some of the best ways to make your Maru Mahotsav, Jaisalmer trip as comfortable and memorable as you can.
- Pack warm clothing for evening temperatures.
- If you plan a photography session, reach the dunes early for the best natural lighting and no crowd.
- Secure your valuables in your hotel or trusted cab
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and water bottles for the daylight hours
- Ensure your taxi operator is verified and trusted, like Chiku Cab
- Book hotels or camps as per your daily plan.
- Avoid isolated desert locations late at night unless accompanied by a trusted guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026?
The Maru Mahotsav festival in Jaisalmer is scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026.
How many days does the Maru Mahotsav last?
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a three-day cultural event, starting on 30th Jan, 2026, to the 1st of February in 2026.
Where is the Maru Mahotsav festival celebrated?
Events are held across Jaisalmer city and the Sam Sand Dunes, approximately 40–42 km from the city.
Is the Desert Festival suitable for families and senior travellers?
Yes, the festival is safe and suitable for all age groups when planned with reliable transport with Chiku Cab.
What to wear in the Jaisalmer Desert Festival?
With the temperature in Jaisalmer reaching up to 25 degrees during the day, while dropping to around 10 to 12 degrees at night, we recommend light clothing for daytime and warm layers for evenings.
Are tickets required for entry to the Jaisalmer Desert Festival?
While most events are free to attend, some selected VIP or special performances may require advance reservation.
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