India, Oct. 8 -- The Thar Festival began in Rajasthan's Barmer on Wednesday with a grand and colourful procession, camels, horses, folk dancers, and women carrying decorated pots on their heads.

While the women filled the streets with colour and rhythm, the men performed the traditional 'Gair' dance, with artists presenting vibrant folk performances added to the festive atmosphere.

The lively procession wound its way through the city's main streets before concluding at Adarsh Stadium, where a series of traditional competitions took place amid loud cheers and cultural pride.

Nakshatri, a student at Mumbai's Sophia College, was crowned Thar Sundari. Originally from Barmer, Nakshatri arrived at the event wearing around 350 grams of gold j...