Amazing Camel Hair Art on ‘ Ship of the Desert’

The Captivating Art on  ‘ Ship of the Desert’

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Forts & Palaces and camels are two integral parts of the state of Rajasthan. Whenever one goes for a portrayal of the state of Rajasthan, he/she can never stay aloof from giving  a little idea of the above said two aspects of this frequently visited state of India.Here I am attempting to give a little idea of the most sought after tourism product of this state which is none other than camel, otherwise better known by the sobriquet ” Ship of the Desert”. 

The  two days long Bikaner Camel Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Bikaner( Rajasthan, India), located  on the border of Pakistan and India where people race camels.This yearly event( falls in the month of January)  is dedicated to the tough animals enduring the brutal desert conditions . Bikaner Camel Festival is dedicated to the humped ship of the desert i.e. camel. To communicate the heritage and culture of the land, the camel festival is organised by the government of Rajasthan to promote tourism. Here I would like to mention few of the unique aspects of camels. The tears of camels is very much precious because the antidote of snake venom is prepared out of it. Several times it so happens that the camel caretaker himself makes the camel eat a live snake because it heals a specific disease of camels. Camels are very sensitive and loyal partners. They never make physical relation with any of their family member unlike some other animals. There are two distinctive and recognizable animal species generally found in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Those are Arabian Camel (one humped camel which are abundantly available comprising around 94% of total number of camels )and Bactrian Camel ( double humped camel , very rare which accounts for only 6% of total number of camels available on the surface of earth ).

Ever since the time of the founder of the city, Rao Bika Ji, Bikaner has remained the main camel reproducing locale. These delicate goliaths raised here, have been even enlisted in the Indian Army. The camel powers are known as “Ganga Risala” and have served during the World War and Indo-Pak War. The Indian Army still continues having a contingent where these daring animals are part of The Indian Border Security Force( BSF).

A few captivating exercises are seen  in the Bikaner Camel Festival Ground..The most spectacular among them are the following.

Fur Cutting Design, Best Breed Competition, Camel Dance,Camel Races,

Beautifully Adorned Camel Bands, Camel Tugs-of-War, Traditional Folk Dance-Music competition and even Beauty Pageants for Camels. The last one would without a doubt be an astounding yet intriguing action to watch during this celebration. It likewise features a few uncommon tricks that you wouldn’t find to see elsewhere

These camels have their hair frequently shaved and managed into intricate and delightful patterns.Camel hair workmanship is practised by several camel owners who participate in this festival and their preparation goes as long as two to three years prior to the actual dates of the festival . The camels should be kept clean and their fur should be routinely tended to accomplish this grand impact.

I.S: SIA photography

I.S. Pushkar Camel Fair

I.S: Holidify

Here I am not writing in detail about another internationally acclaimed five day long camel fair known as Pushkar Fair  of Rajasthan where camels are traded.The Pushkar Fair is held in the town of Pushkar between the months of October and November.

Dr. Manoj Mishra

lunarsecstasy@gmail.com

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