The 'Maru Mahotsav', also known as the Desert Festival, is celebrated in which city?

The Maru Mahotsav, popularly known as the Desert Festival, is held every year in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in January-February. It is held for three or four days, ending on the full moon day of the month of Magha (Magh Purnima). It is organised by Rajasthan Tourism.

The festival celebrates the colourful culture and traditions of the Thar desert. It begins with a grand procession from the Jaisalmer Fort, with decorated camels, folk artists, dancers and musicians. The events are held at the Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium and at the Sam sand dunes, about 40 km from the city. Highlights of the festival include:

The "Mr. Desert" (Maru Shri) competition, a contest of traditional Rajasthani costumes, turbans and moustaches.

Turban-tying and moustache competitions.

Camel races, camel polo, camel dances and camel decoration contests.

Performances of folk music and dances of Rajasthan, such as the Kalbelia, Ghoomar, Gair and Fire dance, by Manganiar and Langa musicians.

Puppet shows, acrobatics and the sale of handicrafts.

On the last evening, a cultural programme is held at the Sam sand dunes under the full moon, followed by fireworks.

Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City" because of the yellow sandstone used in its buildings, was founded in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Its fort, Sonar Quila, is one of the largest living forts in the world, as many people still live inside it. It is part of the "Hill Forts of Rajasthan", a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013). The Desert National Park near Jaisalmer is a home of the Great Indian Bustard, the state bird of Rajasthan.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Bikaner holds the Camel Festival in January.
• ✗Jodhpur holds the Marwar Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival.
• ✗Pushkar holds the famous Pushkar camel fair in Kartika.