Contestants in the Mr Desert competition, India 18 Oct 2017
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The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, showcases the colourful culture of Rajasthan. The festival has its origins over 1,000 years ago. Lord Krishna predicted his successor would settle on the mythical Trikuta Hill. In 1196 the prediction was thought to have come true when a Yadav descendant established his kingdom in Jaisalmer.
From then, every year during the month of Magh (usually around February), a three-day celebration has taken place in the Thar Desert. Festivities start with a procession from Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. Traditional, brightly coloured clothes are worn while singing and dancing lasts into the night. Gymnastics performances, camel polo and food and handicraft stalls abound. Discover Rajasthan with Insight Guides' Rajasthan: The Land of Kings trip.
This article was originally published on 24th February, 2016
