Bikaner Camel Festival

The Bikaner Camel Festival is an annual January event held in Bikaner, Rajasthan, celebrating the “Ship of the Desert” and their vital role in the region’s rich culture. Organized by the Department of Tourism, this celebration is primarily a tribute to the resilient animals that ensured survival and prosperity in the severe Thar Desert climate. It is considered one of Rajasthan’s most engaging spectacles, providing a colorful and friendly immersion into local desert life.

The festival’s major attractions are focused entirely on the camels, featuring competitions of unusual skill and style. Highlights include camel racing, a beauty pageant where the beasts are adorned with intricate jewelry and fabrics, and the famous camel dance, where the animals perform precise movements to traditional music. Visitors can also witness demonstrations of exquisite camel fur cutting and enjoy local cuisine, crafts, and cultural folk performances, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Junagarh Fort.