Rajasthan Tourism organizes different fairs and festivals to attract tourists for their historical palaces, forts, art, and culture in the different parts of the state like Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, etc. To celebrate the role of camels in the region’s culture and economy, the Bikaner Camel Festival 2023 is one of the most awaited festivals in Rajasthan, which is a 2-day annual event held in Bikaner. The Bikaner Camel Fair is held in January and features various activities such as camel races, camel parades, and camel beauty contests. In addition to the camel-themed events, the camel festival in Bikaner also includes cultural programs, traditional music, and dance performances, and food stalls offering local Rajasthani cuisine.
The Camel Festival Bikaner attracts a large number of tourists and is an important event for the local community. The Camel Fair at Bikaner is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the unique culture and traditions of Rajasthan and learn more about the role of camels in the region’s history and daily life.
History of Bikaner Camel Festival
The Annual Camel Festival was first started in the year 1990 by the Department of Tourism, Art, and Culture of Rajasthan to promote the city’s cultural heritage and its famous camel breed, the Bikaneri camel.
The camel beauty contest, which is one of the festival’s highlights, evaluates camels on their outward appearance, including their long, thick eyelashes, noticeable hump, and graceful walk. Prizes and honors are given to the contest winners.
In addition to the cultural events, the Bikaner Camel Festival also features cultural programs, including music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food stalls. The festival also has a crafts bazaar, where local artisans showcase and sell their handmade products.
The Camel Festival in Rajasthan also offers cultural programming, such as music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food vendors, in addition to cultural events. The event also has a crafts mart where nearby craftsmen may display and sell their one-of-a-kind creations.
How to Celebrate Bikaner Camel Festival
- Attend the camel parade: One of the main highlights of the Bikaner’s Camel Festival is the camel parade, where decorated camels are paraded through the city streets. Be sure to watch the parade and take in all the sights and sounds.
- Participate in camel-related activities: There are other camel-related events taking place throughout the festival, including camel polo, races, and rides. Participate in the fun and see what it’s like to ride a camel!
- Learn about camel culture: The Annual Camel Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the role of camels in Indian culture and their importance to the local community. Attend lectures or demonstrations to learn more about these majestic animals.
- Enjoy the cultural performances: The Camel Fair in Bikaner also features a range of cultural performances, such as traditional music and dance, camel-themed plays, and skits.
- Taste local food and drink: No festival is complete without trying some local food and drink. Be sure to try some traditional Bikaner dishes, such as spicy chaats or sweet jalebis, and wash it all down with a refreshing glass of chai.
Tourist Attractions at Bikaner Camel Festival
- Camel Parade: This is the main attraction of the Camel Festival in the desert town of Bikaner where camels are beautifully decorated and paraded through the streets.
- Camel Beauty Contest: Camels are judged on their appearance, grooming, and overall condition in this competition.
- Camel Dance: Camels are trained to perform various dance routines, including traditional Rajasthani dance styles.
- Camel Rides: Visitors can take camel rides around the festival grounds and experience the majestic animals up close.
- Cultural Performances: The festival also features traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and other cultural performances.
- Handicraft Market: There is a market selling local handicrafts and traditional Rajasthani products.
- Cultural Heritage Walk: The Bikaner Rajasthan Camel Festival also includes a cultural heritage walk, where visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the region.
Things to Do at Bikaner Camel Festival 2023
- Watch the colorful camel parade and competitions
- Try traditional Rajasthani cuisine at the food stalls
- Enjoy traditional music and dance performances
- Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs
- Take a camel ride or participate in camel safaris
- Visit the local temples and palaces in Bikaner
- Participate in cultural workshops and activities
- Explore the local markets and shop for traditional textiles and handicrafts
- Take a trip to the nearby desert and enjoy a sunset camel ride.
Places to Visit Near Bikaner Camel Festival 2023
- Junagarh Fort
- Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
- Lalgarh Palace
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Gajner Palace
- Deshnoke Temple (Karni Temple)
- Shri Laxminath Temple
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
- Bikaji Cama Place
- Shri Raghunath Temple
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival
- Nagaur Cattle Fair
Bikaner Camel Festival at a Glance
How to Reach Bikaner Camel Festival 2023
- By Air: The nearest airport to Bikaner is the Jodhpur International Airport, which is located at a distance of about 215 km from the city center.
- By Train: The Bikaner Junction & Lalgarh Railway Station is the nearest railway station in the city and it is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- By Bus: Bikaner is also connected to major cities in India by road. There are regular bus services from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur to Bikaner.
- By Car: You can also drive to Bikaner by car. The city is well connected to major cities in India by a network of roads.
Additional Information on Bikaner Camel Festival 2023
| Bikaner Camel Festival Dates | January 11, 2023, to January 12, 2023 |
| Bikaner Camel Festival Location | Junagarh Fort |
| Bikaner Camel Festival Ticket Charges | Free for all tourists all over India |
| Official Website | Rajasthan Tourism |
Image Source: Wikimedia.org
FAQs on Bikaner Camel Festival:
Bikaner Camel Festival is organized annually in the month of January every year.
In 2023, Bikaner Camel Festival will be celebrated in Junagarh Fort.