In spite of technological advancement and also penetration of worldly influences Jaisalmer residents have sustained their original norms and cultural practices. Culture of Jaisalner is multifarious. Delicious culinary dishes, people`s lifestyle, fairs and festivals, bear proof of this enriching cultural influence of Jaisalmer district. Fairs and festivals also form integral part culture of Jaisalmer district, which also adds to its prosperity and splendor.
Jaisalmer district also has a heritage of architecture, art works, melodious songs which easily draw the attention of myriads of tourists both from the locality and also from foreign countries.
In the musical bonanza of Jaisalmer district influences of the lifestyle of people of the desert region are prevalent. In other words, Jaisalmers`s desi music actually reaches its zenith with the blending of concepts of classical musical form. Thus fervor of local customs along with the richness of classical form creates a spell in the minds of its listeners. In addition, experts say that the influence of neighborhood countries too is sanctified. Thus music is a retreat, which also throws light on the culture of Jaisalmer district. In this regard, special mentioning may be made of two communities who have conserved the art and musical tradition to the best of their abilities. Also they are responsible of carrying it further which is beyond the boundaries of their homes. `Manganiars` and `Langas` are the names of the communities. Folk songs are sung with various musical instruments. Folk dance forms are equally famous amongst Jaisalmer folks. Performances of local artists are a special treat for the tourists and visitors, which visit here from far off places also.
Lifestyle of the people also is an indicator of grandeur of tradition and culture of Jaisalmer district. Jaisalmer people are renowned for their amiable and jolly nature. The best part in them is that in spite of the hurdles of their day-to-day living in the desert region they are satisfied and could maintain their calmness. In Jaisalmer one is almost detached from any kind of urban impact . Almost eighty percent of the total population has built their settlements in villages. Following the usual norm, male folks go to work , while female remain at home and mange the household chores. In the villages people have adapted to occupations like nurture of animals and agriculture. Every family keeps animals like cows, goats, Sheep and camel are domesticated and they are kept in almost all the family households of Jaisalmer district. During monsoon one can gather enough fodder for the cattle stock. Evidences are also not rare where people even change their residence to those places where one can get green grass to fed their cattle.
Culture of Jaisalmer district also can be identified by studying its cuisine as well. `Bajara` and `Gawar` are the staples of Jaisalmer people. The people of Jaisalmer love to savor dishes like chappatis made from Bajra, milk and its varied products and also curds. Also fruits, buds are consumed as vegetables and that too in abundance. They are grown in trees and scrubs of the desert region
Households of these Jaisalmer people are unique which also gets the touch of exquisite tradition and culture of Jaisalmer district.
In the rural areas majority of the people reside in huts , which are called Jhopri. For making these striking huts grasses are used. Advantage is that during summer months they are very cool and comfortable. However the huts grew hot and warm during chilly winter days. Each and every family live in four to five huts. The huts are being protected with `thorny bushes` and wires. In few of the villages one can even find houses, which are made from stones. To quench people thirst in every villages of Jaisalmer district, a well or a pond is a must. Even the government also has taken the initiative of supplying water via pipelines.
Fairs and festivals are incorporated in the culture of Jaisalmer district. Bidding adieu to all the mundane problems, all the people of Jaisalmer get into the mood of festivity.
Desert Festival is a special attraction of the tourists. Every year the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture orchestrated this festival. It has gained popularity even in the arena of the whole world. Touring the entire district and also cultural programs are special offering for the tourists. Also for entertaining them numerous competitions are conducted. Over the years these competition became very famous.
Hero-Worship Fairs are landmarks of the state of Rajasthan. In Jaisalmer also one such festival is organized in great jubilance. The culture of Jaisalmer is quite superb which is evident from this fair. It is a perfect example of blending spirituality and cultural ethnicity. It is called Ramdeoji Fair which is feted in memory of the famous saint of 15th century. He is called Shri Ramdeoji. During the months of August-September annually this fair is held and it continued for 10 days.
