Camel Festival is celebrated in Bikaner every year in January. It is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan. This is one festival where one can witness the Ship of the Desert dressed up in colorful attires. Camels have fascinated the tourists from all over the world. During this festival different activities involving camels are organized. Camel races, camel, rides, camel dances and other activities are organized by the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan.

The festival has its roots in history. The festival was started to recognize the services of the camels. Once upon a time Bikaner was completely inaccessible. The only way to travel was on a camel. The Camel Festival, in a way, reflects the long association of the animal with the dwellers.

The Camel festival commences with a procession of camels. The animals are beautifully decorated. After the procession reaches the desert ground the contests begin. The first day is when the Camel Pageant takes place. The owners display their animals dressed with colorful bridles, neck jewels and tinkling anklets. As the camels walk across the desert they make a jingling sound and look stupefying in middle of the desert. The best-decorated camel is rewarded. Other than this a contest for best camel haircut, fur cutting design and camel milking is also organized.

For the visitors tea and sweet made of camel milk are also arranged for. On the second day the camel race is organized. The swiftest animals participate in this race. At times the race can be very dangerous. Both locals as well as tourists throng the desert region to watch this race. The Camel Festival ends with fireworks that light up the entire desert region. It is a visual treat to watch this illustrious sight.

The nearest airport is at Jodhpur. Buses from Jaipur and Delhi are available to reach here. Rajasthani festivals like Camel Festival are also a good way for promoting tourism.