Bikaner Camel Festival 2024 - Dates, History and Major Attractions

Bikaner is a royal city of Rajasthan that lies in the Thar Desert. The atmosphere of this beautiful city is filled with art, colour, and festivity. Desert safari and sand dunes are among the major attractions in Bikaner that lure tourists from across the globe. The old-world charm, luxurious Havelis, and arts and crafts make Bikaner one of India's best holiday places. The city hosts a lively and colourful Camel festival every year, a famous attraction of Rajasthan tourism. It is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art, and Culture in January in honour of the camel, which is also called the ship of the desert.  

Dates of Bikaner Camel Festival 2024

In 2024, the Camel Festival will be observed on 13th and 15th January. The Bikaner Camel Festival, a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, is an annual extravaganza that captures the essence of the desert city of Bikaner. Amidst the arid landscapes, this festival unfolds a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and the undeniable charm of the majestic camels.The festival kicks off with a vibrant procession, where beautifully adorned camels, accompanied by their proud handlers, parade through the streets, creating a visual spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and culturally enriching. The festivities extend to the Karni Singh Stadium, where competitions like camel races, camel milking, and the best decorated camel contest add an element of excitement.

History of Bikaner Camel Festival

Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan is dedicated to the resilient animal that survives in the severe desert conditions. In earlier times, when there were no automobiles, people in Rajasthan used camels as a source of transport and livelihood. Bikaner was the only camel breeding region of India during earlier times. It is not just a trade festival but also an event when locals pay tribute to and celebrate camels. The government officially arranges this iconic festival to promote Rajasthan tourism and give tourists a sneak peek into its culture and heritage. The camels here are even enrolled in the army and have served in the world wars and India-Pakistan wars. The Indian army still maintains a regiment where camels are serviced in the Border Security Force.

How is the Bikaner Camel Festival celebrated?

Bikaner Camel Festival in India is a two-day celebration that starts with a colourful parade of beautifully decorated camels. The event takes place against the regal background of Junagarh Fort. The camels are dressed in bridles, necklaces, and anklets. Many competitions take place like best-decorated camel, camel milking, camel races, camel acrobatics, best breed competition, and camel beauty pageants. Along with the camel trading and breeding selection, locals put up cultural activities like Rajasthani folk dance performances and music performances. The exciting fire dance performance adds an appeal to the festivities. A group of people dance around the fire and take turns to walk over the embers. The puppet show is a highlight of the Bikaner Camel Festival where colourful attired puppet dolls narrate local folklores. Apart from the cultural performances, the colourful fireworks display illuminates the night desert sky in Bikaner. 

Adventure activities to try in the Bikaner Camel Festival 

The Bikaner Camel Festival is one of the most popular and colourful festivals in India. Here’s a list of activities to try in the festival and experience the true essence of Rajasthan: 

1. Participate in camel trading

Thousands of camels participate in this annual festival. If you own camels or like to own them, you can participate in camel trading at this festival.

2. Enjoy folk dance and music performances

Not just enjoy, but you can also participate in cultural dance and music performances and learn from the experts.

3. Shop until you drop!

If you’re a shopaholic, do check out the stalls in the fair, which offer jewellery, pottery, handicrafts, etc. They would make excellent souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

4. Participate in camel pageant

If feeling a bit creative, you can participate in camel pageants and help the owners with decoration and bidding.

5. Enjoy Rajasthani delicacies

If you have an affinity for food and like to try out new cuisines, indulge yourself in local Rajasthani cuisines, unique camel milk sweetmeats, and camel milk tea.

Tourist Attractions in Bikaner

Apart from attending the Camel Festival, there’s a lot more to try and explore the beautiful city of Bikaner.

1. Visit Junagarh Fort

Bikaner sightseeing tour is incomplete without visiting the famous Junagarh Fort. The marvelous architecture, beautifully done galleries and different coloured mahals will leave you spellbound. Built by Raja Rai Singh in the 15th century, the Junagarh Fort has themed areas – red, blue, white, and gold.

2. Enjoy A Royal Meal in Narendra Bhawan

If you can afford a royal stay in Bikaner – Narendra Bhawan is the place for you. It is one of the best places to experience a royal Rajasthani meal designed in Narendra Singh’s memory, Bikaner’s last Maharaja. The luxurious museum dinner is served in an exclusively designed dinner hall in Narendra Bhawan, one of the major attractions of Indian tourism.

3. Wildlife Spotting

The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife destination in Bikaner. It houses several animals like wild boars, local chinkara, dear, antelope, blackbuck, desert fox, nilgai, and innumerable bird species.

4. Shop at Kote Gate

Bikaner is a paradise for shopaholics. Kote Gate is a famous marketplace where you can buy everything from handicrafts to camel hides, traditional clothes to quilts, and beautiful paintings to Rajasthani jewellery. The colourful shops and eating joints make shopping in Kote Gate a memorable experience.

5. Enjoy A Camel Safari

When in Bikaner, you must experience a camel safari in the Thar Desert. It is something that tourists love to do. The camelback ride across the unexplored regions of Bikaner makes it a unique experience. The riders are accompanied by expert navigators who help them get through difficult terrains.

Book your trip to Bikaner via Adotrip and get ready to explore the beauty and attractions of this city. Or grab an exclusive Rajasthan tour package by Adotrip to experience its rich heritage and vibrant culture.