Arna - Jharna Desert Museum, Jodhpur - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 18.5 km from Jodhpur Junction, Arna - Jharna is a desert museum situated near Arna - Jharna Temple of Mokalawas village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan.

Arna - Jharna Desert Museum was the brainchild of late Komal Kothari, one of the finest Indian folklorists and executed by his son Kuldeep Kothari. The word Arna and Jharna means jungle and spring, respectively. Kothari founded the Rupayan Sansthan, an NGO in 1960 to catalogue and preserve the rich and diverse folk art of Rajasthan.

Arna - Jharna is an interactive place that depicts the lifestyle of people living in the villages. Spread over an area of about 10 acres, the museum displays a variety of brooms belonging to different rural communities along with a unique collection of utensils. The artifacts are basic yet intriguing as they represent the socio-ecology aspects of people of different cultures. The museum itself houses a collection of musical instruments from all corners of Rajasthan. There's also a room dedicated to puppeteers where visitors can learn about puppet making as well playing, perfect for children.

Artists and researchers can participate in the various workshops conducted here. Besides, exclusive folk music sessions are also held at the museum. The museum is an effort not only to show cases the traditional arts but also the flora and fauna of the desert. Today the location boasts close to 120 indigenous plants and herbs that attract numerous local and migratory birds.