Jaisalmer: The four-day Maru Mahotsav 2026 will begin Thursday in Jaisalmer, with the formal inauguration scheduled for Friday at Poonam Stadium. The programme will highlight Rajasthan’s rich folk culture, tradition and heritage and will be held across different places in Jaisalmer.According to the schedule, the first day will take place in Pokhran and will include a procession from Pokhran Fort to govt Higher Secondary School along with several folk cultural performances and competitions. The second day will take place in Jaisalmer city and will include a grand procession from Gadisar Lake to Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium along with the formal inauguration of the festival. Events like turban tying, a moustache competition, an art and craft fair, a puppet show and a food festival are also listed to take place throughout the day. The third day of the festival will be held at Sam-Lakhmana and will include events like the BSF Camel Tattoo Show, an Air Force Warrior Drill, rural sports, camel polo, and a camel decoration competition along with cultural and musical performances. The final day of the festival is scheduled at Khuhdi and will include events like horse racing, a Mandana art exhibition, and a camel race.A new attraction this year is a grand drone light show which will feature 200 drones flying in the sky and is planned for Jan 30.District collector Pratap Singh said district administration has completed all preparations in a timely manner to make the event memorable and historic. Officer-in-charge (General) and sub-divisional officer Saksham Goyal said all responsibilities were assigned to officers and personnel of various departments, with instructions to carry out duties in a timely, responsible and dedicated manner.
