What began as a camel and livestock fair has now blossomed into an event that attracts thousands of tourists. Besides the buying and selling of animals, there are also stalls with jewelry and textiles, a camel race, and the longest mustache competition.
The fair originally began to attract camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, traditionally held here on the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika (November-December).
But inevitably, it’s now become a major drawcard for tourists, and the traditional camel trading has now given way to a program of activities—including camel beauty contests, camel racing, and camel dancing competitions.
Apart from the trading of livestock, it is an important pilgrimage season for Hindus to the Pushkar lake. Pushkar Fair has also become a significant tourist attraction for domestic and international travelers, given the cooler season, the abundance of colorful cultural themes.
Cultural events and competitions include dances, tug of war between women teams and men teams, the “matka phod”, “longest mustache” competition, “bridal competition”, camel races, and others.
Thousands of people go to the banks of the Pushkar Lake where the fair takes place. Men trade their livestock, which includes camels, horses, cows, sheep, and goats. Rural families shop at the handicraft stalls full of bracelets, clothes, textiles, and fabrics.
A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs, and exhibitions to follow. Between these events, the most waited for is the test of how the camel can bring the items.
To show, the men go up on the group of camels one after another. Pushkar is in the center-east part of Rajasthan, on the western side of Aravalli mountains. The nearest airport from Pushkar is Kishangarh Airport in Ajmer, about 40 km northeast.
Jaipur is well connected with all the major cities in India. Pushkar is about 10 km from Ajmer, connected via Pushkar road which goes over the Aravalli Range mountains. Ajmer is also the nearest major railway station.
History percolates deep in the beautiful city of Pushkar. The Pushkar Lake has 50 ghats around it. These are popular with international tourists. It is believed that a dip in the lake washes away all sins. There are approximately 500 temples in the city.
The very famous and one of its kind Brahma Temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma and is one of the main sites. Lord Brahma holds a significant position among Hindu deities. Lord Brahma is known as the creator.
The temple is made up of marble. You can see a Hans or Goose at the entrance. Adorned with silver coins, the temple is visited by many tourists during the fair.
