International Camel Festival Started in Bikaner, Rajasthan

The Department of Tourism organised the three-day International Camel Festival, which started with a Heritage Walk in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.

Events in Camel Festival

On the first day of the festival, both domestic and foreign tourists were seen enjoying the celebration of traditional folk culture. 

• The festivities commence at Rampuriya Haveli with beautifully decorated camels, women dressed in colourful traditional costumes and folk artists participating in the Heritage Walk.
• Local artists entertained the crowd with folk songs, Rammats and dances, showcasing the local culture. 
• During the heritage walk, city residents extended a warm welcome to the guests by showering flowers and creating rangolis at various places along the way.
• A festive atmosphere filled the city park as a large number of tourists and locals alike arrived early in the morning to witness the heritage walk.
• The procession started from Rampuriya Haveli, passed through the main roads of the city and concluded at Rao Bikaji ki Tekri.
• The Tourism Department organised Rangoli, Mehndi and drawing competitions for the participants at Bikaji ki Tekri, with the winners receiving mementoes in recognition of their skills and talents.

History of Camel Festival

The Bikaner region is famous for its camels, which are known for their strength, endurance and beauty. 

• Camels have always been an integral part of Bikaner's culture and history. The Bikaner army had a Camel corps called "Ganga Risala", which played a vital role in both the World Wars and conflicts in Somaliland, Egypt, and China. 
• "Ganga Risala" was the predecessor of the Indian Army's camel unit "Ganga JaisalmerRisala," which saw action in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before disbanding in 1975. 
• Today, the Border Security Force's Bikaner Camel Corp still uses camels for patrolling the long international border that Rajasthan shares with Pakistan. Camels also remain a star attraction at the Republic Day Parade.