Pushkar

One of the most famous festival in Rajasthan which is celebrated every year in the starting of winter season, Actually Pushkar Fair is mega event of Rajasthan in which thousands of camel owners comes to Pushkar city to take part in events and sell purchase activities of their cattle. This festival is not like other festivals of Rajasthan, it’s quite different from other festivals which attract thousands of domestic and foreigners every year. So let’s explore more details what makes it different and how it is celebrated!

Pushkar fair is quite known for the camels. The ship of the desert are seen in huge numbers. The camels are dressed up in colorful garbs, adorned lovingly. The beasts of the desert are lovingly washed, adorned and ornamented with cloths, jewelry, silver bells, bangles and other finery. The camels bedecked at their best are paraded around for all to see. Interesting thing to see that should not be missed in Pushkar festival is Camel Beauty Contest. Camels are entered into races, competitions dance shows, and trade of cattle. One interesting contest turns the camel into a clown car. Numerous people climb aboard, until the camel starts bucking vigorously to get down people from its humps.

This festival has religious origins which draws pilgrims from far and wide to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar's lake. The two days around the full moon are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for bathing in the lake. It is believed to absolve their sins with the holy waters. Sadhus, holy gurus and people from all walks of life come to take a dip in the lake.

The sand dunes of Pushkar appear in the carnival mood. There is a huge inflow of pilgrims, camel traders, and tourists. It is a fascinating sight, and a great opportunity to witness the colors, aromas and mood of an old traditional style Indian festival. A huge carnival is held. There are musicians, dancers, acrobats, magicians, snake charmers, rides and food stalls to entertain the guests. The festival highlights are temple dancing, folk and classical music, and arts and crafts bazaar as well. The mustache competition where menfolk compete for the award for their facial tresses is definitely worth witnessing.

It is possible to witness the spectacle of the camel fair from up in the sky, in a hot air balloon. There are tour companies which offers exhilarating hot air-balloon flights over Pushkar. Savor the beautiful sight of the desert landscape in the early sunrise hour or anytime of the day. An International Hot Air Balloon Festival is also organized during the fair.

Festival Dates

The Pushkar Fair is celebrated every year on the holy Kartik Purnima. The full moon day in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik has been known to be very auspicious. Pilgrims from far and wide come to take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake and pray to Lord Brahma. In 2017, the official dates for the Pushkar Fair are October 8th to November 14th.

Tips

The Pushkar Fair is one of the significant tourist attractions in Rajasthan. The huge influx of visitors during the camel fair causes the demand for accommodations to rise, and prices increase accordingly. Before you attend the festival make plans for your stay. There are two main options for organizing a place to stay, either arrive a couple of days before the fair starts and find accommodation or book in advance. Lodgings include simple guest houses, desert tents, heritage hotels, and farm stays.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport to reach Pushkar is in Jaipur. The Jaipur International Airport is around two and a half hours away. Buses, state owned and private luxury ones play on the route. Taxis and other private vehicles can be booked for comfortable travel.

By Rail

The closest railway station, which receives long distance Indian Railways trains, is Ajmer. There is a single train line linking Ajmer and Pushkar. Either take a taxi from Ajmer railway station or reach Pushkar by train coming from Ajmer.

By road

By Road Pushkar is well-connected through Jaipur and Ajmer. A 30 minute drive through the aptly named Snake Mountain (Nag Parbat) takes you to Pushkar. State owned buses, deluxe Volvos and taxis ply on the route.