Introduction
Bikaner,
that forms the desert trio along with Jodhpur and Bikaner, is a city with a
perfect medieval feel about it. The city appears to be a mirage rising out
of the desert. All around the town, you can witness sandstone turrets,
cupolas, arched windows and balconies with stone screen work predominating.
The city is much renowned for its camels, the prime helpers in the desert.
You can see camels all over, pulling carts, transporting grains or working
on wells. The city sets forth a number of sights and sounds that remind one
of the medieval times. Sand dunes dot the whole landscape and it is also the
place where you can find the best riding camels in the world.
The Department of Tourism organises the Camel Festival every year in
January to commemorate the medieval era and to remember the camels in their
past glory. The camels have been a part of people's life here in the desert
since time immemorial. And thus the festival is wholly dedicated to these
desert leviathans. However, folk performances form a major part of the
festivities.
Celebrations
The picturesque city of Bikaner springs to life during the Camel Festival.
Tourists and vacationers pour into the city from all around to partake in
the festivities and to soak in the medieval flavour. Needless to say, camels
are the cynosure of all eyes here. Camels of various breeds are groomed and
preened and then a procession is taken out. The backdrop of the Junagarh
Fort adds to the charm all the more. The procession further moves on towards
the open sand ground where the festivities continue to cast a magical spell
on the audiences.
The first day of the festival includes various camel competitions and is
solely dedicated to camels. There are prizes for the best decoration and
jewellery of camels and the best fur cutting design on camels. Competitions
for the best breed of camels are also organised. The second day holds camel
races and camel dancing competitions. It is truly interesting to notice the
rhythmical movement of camels. Spectators look at the adept camels in awe
and respect. The elaborate ceremony catches on more heat when the folk
performers arrive on the scene. Folk artists leave no stones unturned to
turn the whole crowd nostalgic. Art forms like Chari, Ghoomar and Fire Dance
stir the emotions while the air reverberates with soulful folk tunes. A
grand presentation of fireworks announces the end of the festivities only to
keep the sightseers waiting for the next year to arrive.
Other Attractions
The city of Bikaner offers a number of attractions to see and experience.
While in the city, do take out time to pay visit to the palaces and the
temples of the city. Popular attractions are as follows.
» Junagarh Fort
» Bhandasar Jain Temple
» Shiv Bari Temple
» Lalgarh Palace
» Ganga Government Museum
» Prachina Museum
» Camel Breeding Farm
Reaching Options
The closest airport is at Jodhpur, 250 km from Bikaner. Rail routes connect
Bikaner with places like Delhi, Jaipur, Churu and Jodhpur. There is an
excellent road network that links the city with a number of cities and towns
of the states and outside. Regular bus services are available from Agra,
Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Barmer, Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur.
