Jaisalmer Desert Festival Dates & Booking Guidelines: IRCTC Tourist Train Update
Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival, popularly known as Maru Mahotsav, is expected to attract tourists from across India and abroad in February 2027. The annual cultural celebration showcases Rajasthan’s desert heritage through folk performances, camel competitions, traditional contests and local cuisine.
The Ministry of Tourism’s Utsav portal lists the 2026 edition from January 29 to February 1. For 2027, February 18–20 has been reported as the expected festival window, although visitors should confirm the dates through Rajasthan Tourism before finalising travel arrangements.
What to Expect at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The festival is about the culture and way of life of the people who live in the Thar Desert. The main attractions are:
- Camel races and displays of camels
- Folk music and dance programs
- Tying turbans and mustaches competitions
- Puppetry and traditional games
- Food and handicrafts exhibitions
- Culture performances at Sam Sand Dunes
The festival usually comprises of activities that take place in and around Jaisalmer city, and then ends with a culture program in the desert under the full moon.
IRCTC Heritage Tourist Train Announcement: What Travellers Should Know
There have been claims of IRCTC introducing heritage trains for tourists in preparation for the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2027, but no notification from the railway authorities in this regard has been verified.
The visitors must differentiate between general train services that run to Jaisalmer and the special IRCTC tour packages. The IRCTC runs their tour packages via a different portal, wherein the confirmed packages will give all the information regarding accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and meals.
The visitors must visit the IRCTC Tourism website for any new Rajasthan packages that are being offered.
How to Book Train Tickets for Jaisalmer
Travellers planning independent journeys can follow these steps:
- Visit the official IRCTC website at https://www.irctc.co.in.
- Log in using an existing account or register a new one.
- Enter the departure station and Jaisalmer as the destination.
- Select the travel date and check available trains.
- Choose the preferred travel class and passenger details.
- Complete payment and download the confirmed ticket.
Normal railway bookings usually begin 60 days prior to the travel date, as per the provisions of railway regulations. Special trains and tours have their own timetable for booking.
Plan Accommodation and Local Travel Early
A festival time may boost the demand for hotel rooms, campsites, and transportation services. It is advisable that travelers book their accommodation in advance, especially those planning to camp in Sam Sand Dunes.
It may be helpful for travelers to check the updates from Rajasthan Tourism and Railway Authorities before leaving for the journey.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a chance to experience the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
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