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PUSHKAR FAIR |
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| In the month of November, the vibrant land of Pushkar, Rajasthan comes alive with the glistening colors of joys, vivacious events and huge crowds to relish the famous Pushkar fair. A reflection of the ancient land of Rajasthan with its opulent traditional culture and the enthusiasm flowing through each event in the Pushkar Fair is truly awe- inspiring. The occasion is marked with a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake and pay homage to the Hindu Deities. |
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Thousands of people go to the banks of the Pushkar Lake where the fair takes place. Men buy and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep and goats. The women go to the stalls, full of bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs and exhibitions to follow. It is celebrated on the day Kartik Poornima (night of the full moon), the day, according to legend, which the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the lake, thus numerous people swim in the sacred water. |
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Special Attractions The picturesque lake of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 11 kms northwest of Ajmer, surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth. Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. Turbaned heads of men, and colorful veils and skirts of the women, bring alive the arid desertscape. The village women dress in their best clothes and finery for the five-day mela.
Like Varanasi, Pushkar is one of the sacred places for the Hindus, with 400 temples of which the most important is dedicated to Lord Brahma – the creator of the universe. |
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| In the afternoons, people crowd the stadium where camels, horses, and cows are paraded and raced. Camels are bought and sold during the Pushkar fair. On the roadside, stalls of all kinds are set up to sell a cornucopia of items. Almost every household is engaged in setting them up as the locals try to capitalize on the massive influx of people. It is impossible to drive around because of the large crowds. Either you hire a camel or you walk. In this aspect, it is truly a rural bazaar. |
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| An interesting part of the Pushkar Fair is the mass trading of camels. Of course, cattle and other livestock are also traded, but it's camels that hold center stage at Pushkar. Camel-traders and villagers from miles away converge to Pushkar with their humped beasts. Over 25,000 camels (and that's on the conservative side) are traded; making this world's largest camel fair. Since Pushkar is a religious place alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited. |
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How to Reach
Pushkar is 11 kms northwest of Ajmer, which is located on National Highway No, 132 kms west of Jaipur. Ajmer is well connected with Jaipur and Delhi by road and rail. One can fly to Jaipur and then easily drive down to Pushkar, the site of the fair. |
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