76for fires. The sticky sweet smell of
incense wafts over from the town and
music from some of Rajasthan’s finest
musicians fill the air with a rhythmic
soundtrack befitting the occasion.
When they’re not offering rides, the
traders’ camels stand calmly by while
they belch or pass gas – much to the
amusement of children.
After strolling through the sea of
camels on the dunes, travellers can
top left A man plays a
traditional Rajasthani instrument
left A camel trader drinks camel
milk chai (tea)
above Camels rest in the cooling
desert at nightthen head to the stadium, where
a daily programme keeps people
entertained by showcasing cultural
folk dances, musical performances,
camel dancing, racing, and various
contests, including the popular turban
and moustache competitions.
Stalls set up on the grounds sell
camel wool shawls, notebooks and
paper made from camel dung. There’s
camel cheese – and even cheesecake!“Camel numbers are
declining, but I’m still
certain that the tradition
will live on. It has to”
Hukuma Ram