World Famous Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan

The Pushkar Camel fair, also known as Pushkar mela is an annual event organized in Pushkar city of Rajasthan, India. The city is located on the edge of the Thar Desert. It’s a weeklong festival held during October or November months near to date of Kartik Purnima (Full Moon day). It is one of the oldest and largest livestock fairs in the world and an important tourist attraction. During the festivals, thousands of cattles and camels are exhibited in front of approx 2 lacs visitors and traders. Camels are decorated that enhance the beauty of fair and make the visit interesting.

Visitors attend this popular fair as it reflects the vibrant culture of Rajasthan and showcase the beauty of golden hues of desert sand. A sacred dip in Pushkar Lake and darshan of Lord Brahma in Pushkar temple completed the fair atmosphere.

For the world renowned festival, Government make all the necessary arrangements for animal keepers and visitors. Department of animals care keep an eye on all facilities and process for hassle-free execution of fair. From electricity, drinking water, cleaning, lighting, security all facilities are under guidance of state government.

Highlights of the Pushkar Fair

• Trading activities of the livestock, especially camel
• Cultural performances which includes school girls group dance, folk dance, Traditional ghoomar dance
• Various competitions as mandana, rangoli, Camel dance, Camel decoration, horse dance, matka race, tug of war, Turban tying contest, moustache competition etc.
• India bride & groom Contest
• Kabbadi match with foreign tourists group
• Shilpgram handicrafts bazaar     
• Hot Air balloon ride adventure
• Live dance & music performance by famous artists or groups
• Aarti rituals at Sarovar Ghats
• Camel safari and horse safari

Pushkar fair can be a memorable experience that one should not miss. It is the opportunity to observe the pristine beauty of traditions & Golden sand hues of desert city. This fair is an integral part of Rajasthan tourism.

History of Pushkar Fair

From the ancient tales of epic Mahabharata, Pushkar city is mentioned as one of the five holy cities. As per Hindu Mythology, at most religious day of Kartik purnima, all Hindu gods and goddess came together to the sacred Pushkar Lake that makes it’s water holy. These are some reasons that pilgrims come here at the occasion of Kartik purnima and take holy dip, do veneration at the Lord Brahma temple. Pushkar fair is the best chance to attend all these at one time. As the fair is arranged in the initial time of winter, visitors can roam easily throughout the day without getting tired.

Reasons that make Pushkar Fair Celebration so exciting

Decorated camels, dressed up people, game arena, folk music swirling in the air welcomes you with celebration vibes at Pushkar fair ground. Adorned in the best possible way, all things in the atmosphere will please you and give a memorable collection in your travel diaries. The fairground is well occupied with an array of dancers, camel groups, snake charmers, Giant rides, musicians, artists and many more.

The most exciting activity of the fair is hot air balloon ride that takes you to roam in air and observe the 360 degree view of adorable city from a sustainable height. If you are the adventure lover, indulge in para motoring, quad biking and camel safari. A ride on the camel back through the rippling, windswept desert can be an enchanting moment of your Pushkar fair trip.

The most happening fact is participation in various events and competitions. There are various activities organized which give a fair chance to take part positively. For photography lovers, there is a chance to participate in Frame the Fair and show your vigorous talent to the world. Click the still of a decorated camel or festival, unique moment or anything else. Women, fond of jewelleries, can buy silver jewellery, bangles, bajubandh or traditional ornaments available there.

Camel and horse races are the centre of attraction. Camel keeper decorate with various ornaments, clothes, colourful pom poms, anklets, flowers to give a unique appearance to them and participate in race. Apart from camels, horses, goats, cows and sheep are also part of livestock trade and fair. Different events are organized at fixed time slot so that you can enjoy everything at the fascinating sight. Refresh your mood with old traditional style Indian festival vibes where you will see a complete devotion to culture and tradition.

To keep the modernity, festival has special events as music concerts and live dance performance by famous artist of India and foreign. Have a mind blowing experience at camping at fair and enjoy the pleasures of tented accommodation with preferable choice.

Fun filled competitions will win your heart. As moustache competition where men compete with their facial tresses and showcasing big moustaches. Local women take part in Matka race, ghoomar competition, water pot racing and many more. Other interesting games played are cricket matches, musical chairs. To take part in organized games, you have to register your name in advance with organizers. Kida enjoy their rides on ferrier wheels, pirate boats and get a spectacular view of fair.

With all these fun activities, don’t miss the chance to grab the delicious Rajasthani cuisine at various stalls. Local cuisines as Daal bati Churma, bajre ki roti and lehsun ki chatni, kachori can be found everywhere. Their authentic taste and tanginess will give a respite to your taste buds.

As usual, the biggest day of this weeklong fair ends at Shahi snan of Kartik month which takes place on full moon day. Many sadhus and pilgrims from all over the country gather here for shahi snan at Pushkar Lake. Traditionally, Pushkar Mela is crowded with many foreign tourists but in lieu of pandemic, the fair is attended by Indian tourists and foreign residents only. With less cattles this year, tourists had shared fun and excitement with giant wheels and other entertainment rides available.

Have a trip to offbeat destinations of Rajasthan

How to reach Pushkar

Pushkar is easily accessible from any part of Rajasthan, but from Ajmer, you can access direct transport means as train, bus, private cab. The hotel rooms and other pretty things are out of stock, so try to book in advance to avoid last minute rush or pay a high price. Hotels, guest house and camping are stay options near the fair ground. You can also take part in Harmony Marathon from Ajmer DargahSharif to Pushkar mela which is a great initiative taken by authorities. This marathon will add an excitement to your Pushkar mela trip.

Read more: Pushkar-A Cultural Odyssey Tour

Nearby attractions to visit in Pushkar

If you have time in hand, you can plan a road trip to famous attractions nearby. Jaipur, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Khatu Shyam Temple & Ajmer. Extend your Pushkar fair tour with one day or two day short trips to these beautiful places of state. Another sightseeing attractions in Pushkar are Lord Btahma temple, Pushkar Lake, Rose garden, Sarafa bazar, Rangji temple and Naga Pahar. Feel the serenity encompassing the lake and Brahma temple with sunset and sunrise view at Pushkar Lake. If your heart is Shopaholic, pay a visit to sarafa bazar and polish your shopping skills in variety of items as Rajasthani costumes, handmade puppets, embroided fabrics, bangles, bead necklaces, bags, decorative items and many more. Rangji Temple is an extraordinary site which represents a perfect amalgam of Rajputana & Mughal era architecture. Nature lovers will feel great while visiting Rose garden of Pushkar which boasts numerous variety and colors of rose harvesting.

Concluding thoughts

Pushkar Fair is a treat to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Soak in the nature blessings and have authentic experience of traditional style fair. With thrilling activities and pilgrimage trip at one go, Pushkar Fair is gorgeous and full of unseen wonders. So if you are planning to cover all days at the fair, you will have something new to do every day definitely.