Bikaner Camel Festival 2024: Tales of Camels, Colours and Competitions

Rajasthan is known for its colourful festivals comprising music and dance. The state boasts of its cultural heritage and traditional practices that attract tourists from all over the world. Bikaner in Rajasthan is a city that celebrates camels! You heard it right, Bikaner Camel festival is dedicated to the ship of the desert.

You get to witness hundreds of camels with their traders on the big day. Bikaner Camel Festival 2024 is a great opportunity to witness the royalty of celebrations in the state. It is also a significant platform to observe the creativity of craftsmen of Rajasthan. 

From lively food stalls to authentic shopping, immerse yourself in extraordinary experiences. It is time to say hi to the winters of Rajasthan and drool in the mouth-watering cuisines at the festival. Let’s explore the complete details before you book your tickets!

Bikaner Camel Festival: Decoding the Essence of Celebration 

Bikaner Camel Festival is dedicated to celebrating the existence and reliance of strong camels. The desert regions of Rajasthan did not have access to vehicles in the early times. That’s when camels came into the limelight! The strength of camels not only helped people travel but also opened opportunities for locals. 

It is only due to camels that locals could afford a source of living back then. Additionally, it is believed that Bikaner was the only camel breeding destination making it one of the prime places for camels. Along with this, these heavy-bodied animals were used in the Indian army during wars. 

The festival aims to honour the loyalty of camels towards the people of the state. Isn’t it a beautiful thought to pay respect to animals in such a beautiful way? That is exactly why you must witness this celebration of joy and pride.

TOP 5 FORTS IN BIKANER THAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY VISIT

Dates, Venue and Theme for Bikaner Camel Festival 

The Bikaner Camel Festival is generally for two days in January. However, it is all different this time. The festival is expected to begin from 11th January to 14th January 2024. It is because the government aims to showcase the creativity of artisans.

The venue for the festival is Raisar Village in Bikaner. The village is ideal for providing an authentic Rajasthani experience. Dharanidhar Stadium, Urban Park and Camel Farm also are two nearby venues for different activities of the festival.

2024 is going to be unique and vibrant for this annual camel festival. The theme for the year is Icons of Bikaner. The theme specifically aims to promote the craftsmanship of locals. Whether you are a singing enthusiast or love to show your moves, Bikaner is open to all art lovers! Enthralling performances by the local and renowned icons of the city are ready to grace your presence.

Highlights of the Camel Festival 2024

1. Camel Fur Cutting Competition

Wondering if Fur cutting is even a thing? Bikaner Camel Festival is best known for unique competitions and fur cutting is one of them. Camel traders from all over the state participate in huge numbers in the competition.

It involves cutting the camel’s fur to create intriguing designs and patterns. You are sure to be astonished by the top-notch skills of traders who narrate stories through fur cutting. Now, that’s something you cannot miss!

2. Camel Race

The camel race is one of the oldest traditions of the festival. The camels are well prepared throughout the year for this big day! The event turns into a huge success as camels line up to race for their victory. It is best to enjoy the thrilling race and watch how camels make their traders proud! You can also witness various other camel games throughout the festival.

3. Beauty Pageants 

Shocking, right? You sure know of such competitions among humans. But camels? A big YES! Camels are beautifully adorned with heritage jewellery and shawls for the competition. Right from decorating its neck with neck pieces to anklets on the feet, these camels are dolled up in the colours of Rajasthan.

You can hear the rustling sound of pieces of jewellery as camels walk around. The majestic view of camels set the perfect vibe for the event. It is the rustic feel of the state combined with the elegance of the ship of the desert. 

4. Camel Dance

Sure, camels can dance but only when they hear the right beats. Camels are trained throughout the year for the famous dance competition. The dance includes a few generic steps on the beats of the music. It is a sight to behold when camels jump to the exact rhythm with their jewellery adding to the glamour. The alchemy of music and dance is one such soothing part of the Bikaner Camel festival.

Apart from these customary competitions and activities for camels, there’s a lot more to the Bikaner Camel Festival. You may also be able to witness a fusion of various games and activities for camels and their traders. With the traditionally designed competitions, there’s always a chance for something new to witness at the festival!

Discovering the Rajasthani Essence Beyond Camels

1. Rajasthani Folk Dance

Did you know Rajasthani dance performances are filled with awe-inspiring moves? The folk dance is famous across the world encompassing different aspects of the cultural heritage. 

From heavy clothing to traditional jewellery and turbans, these dances steal your heart! Moreover, the performers invite you to join them for the rich ghoomar dance.

2. Rajasthani Music

The nicely dressed musicians of Rajasthan take pride in their art. It is the simplicity of musicians who generally sit on the floor to perform their art. 

The music is well known for its inclusion of instruments including sarangi, morchang and dholak. The feeling of listening to soothing rhythms right amidst the desert is surreal!

3. Culinary Extravaganza 

Bikaner Camel Festival invites you to try the traditional food representing its culture. The festival is filled with food stalls depicting the culinary essence of Rajasthan. 

Most food dishes are dominated by pure ghee making it one of the significant aspects of Rajasthani food. Try the sweet dish Ghewar that instantly melts in your mouth. You can also find gatte ki sabzi, dal baati churma, bikaneri bhujia and chaat items.

4. Authentic Shopping

Did you know the Bikaner Camel Festival is famous for its vibrant shopping experiences? Yes, the festival attracts artisans and craftsmen to showcase their varied artworks. As you indulge in the lip-smacking cuisine, make sure to take home camel-themed souvenirs. 

A series of shopping stalls are decorated with intricately designed shawls, oxidized jewellery, traditional clothing and footwear. Negotiating is a common thing so do not hesitate bargaining for the right price!

5. Tonga Rides and Foot Walks

When in Bikaner, it is all vintage! Tonga Rides are traditional horse carriage rides for locals and tourists. The horses are well decorated with colourful clothing and jewellery. 

The ride takes you through the prime spots of Bikaner wherein you can witness dance and music. Tonga Rides are an integral part of Bikaner Camel Festival making it a cultural experience.

Foot Walks are particularly curated to offer you a mesmerising experience. These walks introduce you to the secrets of Rajasthani culture. Moreover, the walks make you explore Bikaner with locals. As you mark your journey towards various tourist spots, this walk lets you immerse in the rich culture. 

6. Competitions for Locals 

Did you know that the Bikaner Camel Festival is only about camels? Probably not! Locals excitingly participate in a plethora of competitions designed for them. Pot races for women have been a significant competition for years now. Apart from this, there are creative ones including turban tying and the longest moustache competition!

How interesting to even watch males and females competing in music and dance performances. Along with this, the festival also organizes sports competitions like Tug of War and Kabbadi. Depending on the plan for every year, there can be a change in competitions too. You may get to witness culinary, rangoli, photography and art-related contests throughout the festival.

Places to Visit during Bikaner Camel Festival

1. Junagarh Fort

Jump into the historical times and witness the grandeur of Junagarh Fort. It has also been a prominent part of the Bikaner Camel Festival as the events begin from here. The fort offers intricate carvings, lavish interiors, ancient artworks and stunning views of the city. It is exactly where royalty prevails!

2. Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple

Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of the famous places of worship in Bikaner. The temple is known for its spectacular beauty from the inside and outside. Mirror-work interiors depict the luxury of the temple. You can also find traditional paintings narrating age-old stories.

3. Rampuria Haveli

You cannot miss out on spotting the essence of Bikaner. Rampuria Haveli is a famous heritage Palace known for its architectural beauty. The rustic exteriors with jharokhas (windows) make it a historical wonder. Moreover, rooms of the haveli are adorned with paintings, murals and ancestral artefacts.

4. Prachina Museum 

Prachina Museum is a must-visit during the Bikaner Camel Festival. If you are a history enthusiast, you are sure to love the ancient collection. The museum depicts the lifestyle of kings and queens with jaw-dropping interiors. It also houses famous artworks making it a place of beauty.

5. Shree Karni Mata Temple

Shree Karni Mata Temple is just the right place where religious vibes meet mystical stories. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata. However, it is popular due to the existence of 25,000 rats who are considered divine. Out of all black rats, you are lucky if you get to spot a white rat. Seeking blessings here is considered precious for locals and tourists.

How to Reach Bikaner?

Bikaner is a famous city known for its festivities and events. The city is well connected through various means of transportation. It is best to plan the holiday a day before the festival to reach the destination peacefully.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Bikaner airport which is also an Indian Air Force Station. You can get flights from the major Indian cities. 

The other option is the Jodhpur International Airport. Indians as well as international travellers can easily book flights to Jodhpur. Bikaner is approximately 250 kilometres from the Jodhpur airport. You can then opt for a cab or a local taxi service to reach Bikaner.

By Railway 

The nearest railway station is Bikaner Junction. Many trains run through this route. Laggard Station is another railway stop near the city. Both railway stations are approximately 1.3 kilometres and 2.6 kilometres from the main city.

By Road

You can either opt for a road trip or travel by bus. Various state-run as well as private buses are available for most of the cities to reach Bikaner. Moreover, cab facility and local transport is available throughout the city.

Bikaner Camel Festival 2024 is a cultural gathering where the ship of the desert receives much-deserved love. The festival embarks on a journey of cultural heritage, pride and love for the state’s distinctive practices. Get ready to soak in the high vibrations of music and rhythms of Camel dance like never before!