Pushkar, lying about 14 km from the holy town of Ajmer is one of the most revered pilgrimages of the Hindus. Set in a valley, this small township of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dune on one side, making it a perfect platform for Pushkar Camel fair.
The fair starts from Kartik Ekadashi and goes on till the full moon day. Both the starting and culminating days of the fair are very busy as they are considered to be holy. Hundreds and thousands of people take dip in the waters of the lake to wash away their sins and attain salvation.
Major Attractions : Cattle Fair, Cultural Activities.
The Pushkar Camel Fair
Every year on the Kartik (October - November) Purnima (full moon day), the quiet township of Pushkar in Rajasthan turns out to be one of the liveliest places in India. The entire township including the nearby villages, towns and cities too comes alive with a riot of colors and exciting activities.
The five day affair pulls in thousands of tourist, devotees, traders to the small town of Rajasthan. The pilgrims come here to take a dip in the holy water of Pushkar lake and pay obeisance at the only Brahma Temple in the world. Traders come here to trade on cattle, tourist to visit and experience some most thrilling activities. Besides the visitors, there are performers, cattle, camels, the main attractions of the fair. Its an Occasions which is worthy visiting.
A visit to Pushkar during the Pushkar Camel fair is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience, which one can cherish throughout one's life.
The temple of Brahma is primarily dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator and one of the holy trinity. Hindu devotees come here to pay obeisance at the only Brahma temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world.
The Pushkar lake is one of the most sacred lakes in the India. People from far and wide come here during the festival to take a holy dip in the sacred lake, which is known to "wash away the sins of a lifetime".
Traders and farmers come here to buy and sell cattle, as this is known to be the biggest cattle fair in the world. From the beginning of the November people starts gathering here with their livestocks. Due to the festival's immense importance to the people it gradually turned into a cattle fair where people started coming in for both pilgrimage and cattle trade.
People from nearby villages bring in their cattle for trading. Though camel forms the bulk of trade other animals like cows are also traded. The bedecked camels and cattle are great attraction of the fair.
In addition to the colourful camels and equally colourful people there are lines of stalls selling items of daily use.
Pushkar becomes the platform for a host of cultural activities during the fair. Rajasthani performers (folk dancers, folk singers, gymnasts, magicians, etc.) dressed up in colourful dresses are a major attraction of the entire festival. Performers from all over the state come here to display the vibrant culture of Rajasthan.