Rajasthan has dozens of festivals, but two stand out for international visitors: the Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Maru Mahotsav) and the Pushkar Camel Fair. Both involve camels, folk music and a lot of colour, so they are often described in the same breath. In practice they are very different events, with different seasons, settings, crowds and reasons to go. This guide compares them side by side, explains when each takes place, and helps you choose the one that suits your travel style, or plan a route to see both.
Dates: When Does Each Happen?
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival for 2027 is listed as taking place from about February 18 to 20, 2027, timed around Magh Purnima, the full moon in the month of Magh, which falls on February 20, 2027. Dates are often listed as tentative, and the Rajasthan tourism department announces official schedules, so check them before booking. The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place in November around Kartik Purnima. The 2026 fair is indicatively around November 17 to 24, ending on the full moon on November 24. See our Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 guide for details.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Jaisalmer Desert Festival | Pushkar Camel Fair |
|---|---|---|
| Season | February, mild days and cool nights | November, pleasant days and cool nights |
| Setting | Golden fort city and Sam sand dunes | Sacred lake town and fairground |
| Main focus | Folk music, dance, turban-tying, camel events, cultural contests | Livestock trading, pilgrimage, fair, cultural events |
| Atmosphere | Staged, cultural showcase with dune scenery | Raw, busy, mixed pilgrim and market energy |
| Crowds | Heavy at peak events, but manageable | Very heavy near Kartik Purnima |
| Best for | Photographers, culture lovers, first-time Rajasthan visitors | Travellers who want authenticity and are comfortable with chaos |
| Food and drink | Wider restaurant choice in Jaisalmer | Vegetarian holy town; no meat or alcohol is generally sold |
Jaisalmer Desert Festival: What to Expect
The festival is a three-day celebration of desert culture, with events at Jaisalmer Fort and the Sam sand dunes, about 40 km from the city. Typical activities include folk music and dance performances, puppet shows, camel races and polo matches, turban-tying competitions, moustache contests and a cultural procession through the city. The finale on the full moon night at the dunes is the highlight for many visitors, with music and a sky full of stars. Entry to many events is free, though some events or viewing areas at the dunes may have limited access or ticketing. Desert camps near Sam fill quickly and prices rise during the festival.
Pushkar Camel Fair: What to Expect
The Pushkar fair is both a trading event and a pilgrimage. Camels, horses and cattle are traded, groomed and decorated, and pilgrims bathe in the sacred lake around Kartik Purnima. It is more chaotic and less choreographed, but also more raw and real. Pushkar is a holy town, so meat and alcohol are generally not available. Read our general Pushkar guide for the town layout and dress code.
How to Choose
- Choose Jaisalmer if you want a cultural showcase, great photographic scenery, dune camps and a more comfortable base with many restaurants.
- Choose Pushkar if you want a real fair with animal trading, pilgrims and a spiritual atmosphere, and you can manage dust and crowds.
- Choose by season. If you can only travel in November, Pushkar is the choice. If you can only travel in February, choose Jaisalmer.
- Consider your tolerance for crowds. Both are busy, but Pushkar is typically more intense on the main days.
Can You See Both? A Route Idea
Not in the same trip, since the festivals are about three months apart, but you can build a Rajasthan route that works for either. A typical 10-day plan flies into Jaipur, continues to Pushkar or Jodhpur, and ends in Jaisalmer. For the Desert Festival, add a night in Jodhpur on the way, and plan a night or two at a dune camp. For Pushkar, plan Jaipur and Udaipur on either side. See our India itinerary for first-time visitors.
Getting There
Jaisalmer has a seasonal civil airport that generally operates in the winter months, and a railway station with long-distance trains. Jodhpur is a backup gateway if flights or seats are tight, about five hours away by road. Pushkar is reached via Ajmer by rail or via Jaipur by road, about 145 km. Book trains and flights early; see our guides to using trains in India and travelling around India.
Where to Stay
In Jaisalmer, choose between heritage guesthouses inside the fort, hotels in the city and desert camps near the dunes. Book early, and ask about heating, since desert nights can be cold. In Pushkar, book months ahead and check proximity to the lake. Compare prices and cancellation terms.
What to Wear and Pack
Pack layers for cool nights and warm days, sturdy shoes, a scarf for dust and sun, sunglasses, sunscreen and a power bank. Dress modestly in both places. See what to wear in India for details.
Budget Planning Without Guesswork
Both festivals raise prices for hotels and camps. Build your own budget from transport, accommodation, local transport, meals, camel rides, entry or event fees, souvenirs and a buffer of 10 to 15 percent. Compare at least three accommodation options for your dates, and check cancellation terms.
Responsible Travel
- Choose operators who look after their animals, and do not encourage mistreatment.
- Ask before photographing people, and respect refusals.
- Buy from local artisans and avoid bargaining aggressively.
- Do not litter in the desert or around the lake.
More Questions Visitors Ask
Which festival is better for photography?
Jaisalmer offers dramatic dunes and fort light, while Pushkar offers raw, candid scenes. Both reward early mornings and respectful behaviour.
Which is better for families?
Jaisalmer is usually more comfortable, with structured events and more restaurant choice. Pushkar can be tiring with young children.
Are tickets needed?
Many events are free, but some areas or events may be ticketed. Check the official programme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the dates are fixed and booking non-refundable travel too early.
- Booking dune camps or hotels late.
- Underestimating the cold on desert nights.
- Expecting the same experience from both festivals.
Final Checklist
- Festival chosen for your travel season, with official dates checked.
- Accommodation and transport booked early, with flexible terms.
- Warm layers, sturdy shoes and a scarf packed.
- A plan for crowds, safe transport and respectful photography.
If you want help choosing between the two or building a Rajasthan route, use the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2027?
It is tentatively listed for about February 18 to 20, 2027, around Magh Purnima on February 20. Confirm with Rajasthan tourism.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
In November around Kartik Purnima. The 2026 fair is indicatively November 17 to 24.
Which festival is better for first-time visitors?
Jaisalmer is usually easier, with more restaurants and a structured programme. Pushkar is more raw and chaotic.
Can I visit both in one trip?
Not in the same trip, because they are about three months apart, but you can build a Rajasthan route for either.
Is the Desert Festival free?
Many events are free, but some areas at the dunes may have limited access or ticketing.
How many days do I need?
Two to three days at each festival, plus travel time.
