The Pushkar City
The Pushkar city is located in the western part of Rajasthan, near Ajmer.
The holy city is known for being home to the only temple of Brahma and for
the Pushkar Fair. A small town though, this place attracts many tourists
every year. The major attractions in the city are the temples of Brahma and
Savitri and the Pushkar lake.
The Pushkar Fair
The annual Pushkar fair in Pushkar is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The
festival is an obeisance to lord Brahma, the creator of this world. Situated
in Pushkar is the only temple of Brahma in the world. Celebrated on the
occassion of Karthik Purnima (November), it is believed that Lord Brahma,
Vishnu and others come down to Pushkar to bath in the lake Pushkar. So it is
considered very holy to bath in the Pushkar lake on this auspicious
occassion. The festival becomes a hub for the cultural activities of
Rajasthan. People come from far places to take part in the festival
celebrations. They stay in there tents, named after the village they belong
to. They also bring herds of cattles along. These cattles are here for a
show and for trading. Other cultural events of Rajasthan also takes place
during the festival.
The Festival Attractions
Cattle Fair: The cattle fair is synonimous to the Pushkar fair. The
villagers and the merchants meet at Pushkar and barter. The cattles are
decorated in very colorful manner to attract the buyers and the tourists.
Cattle Competition: Various competitons involving cattles takes place
during the festival. The famous camel race and the cattle race also takes
place here. There is an intersting event to test the power of the camels.
Many people sit on the back of the camel and the camels race. People fall
from the back of the camels and the camel who carries the most number of
people on the back is declared the winner. Other events like the Cattle
fashion show, magix\c shows are also a part of this event.
Recreation: The culture of Rajasthan comes alive in Pushkar through the
folk lores, music and dance performances. Cultural events, exhibitions and
movies reflect the rich culture of Rajasthan.
Other Attractions
Temples and Ghats: The temples and Ghats are decorated to worship the
Lords. A series of worship processes takes place during the festival. People
visit the temples and take bath in the Pushkar lake. The temples of Pushkar
comes to a new life during the celebrations.
Shopping: The ghats and the surrounding areas of the lake becomes a mini
Rajasthan market during the fair. Decorative items for Cattles, like
saddles, saddle-straps and beads are sold. One can buy jewelry, garments,
silver ornaments, bead necklaces, tie 'n' dye fabrics etc. Also for the
Tatoo lovers, stalls for body tatoo are made all over.
How to Visit Pushkar
Air: Jaipur Airport (145 Km) is the nearest airport to Pushkar.
Rail: Ajmer Railway station, 11 Km from Pushkar, is very well connected to
the major cities of India and has some direct trains to these cities.
Road: Ajmer and Pushkar are well connected to the cities of Rajasthan and
nearby states.
