About Pushkar Mela:
Pushkar Fair is a five-day livestock fair which is held annually from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, in Pushkar town of Rajasthan. It is considered as one of the largest Camel fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become a major tourist attraction due to the several entertaining events such as "Matka Phod," "longest moustache," tug-of-war, turban tying and "bridal competition." In recent years the fair has also included a cricket match between the local Pushkar club and a team of foreign tourists. Thousands of devotees visit the banks of the Pushkar Lake where the fair is organized. Locals buy and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep, and goats. The women shop for bracelets, clothes, textiles, and fabrics. The event begins with a camel race followed by the traditional music, songs, folk dance, and exhibitions.
Glimpses:
Pushkar Fair is a mega event of Rajasthan where thousands of camel owner participate in the events to sell or purchase the cattle. At Pushkar fair, the camels are adorned beautifully and dressed up in colourful garbs. They are lovingly washed and ornamented with clothes, jewellery, silver bells, bangles and other finery. The camels are often paraded around for all to see. The most fantastic event of Pushkar fair is Camel Beauty Contest. Camels are entered into races, dance shows, and trade of cattle. Pushkar fair has a religious importance which draws pilgrims from far and wide to this festival. The Ekadashi and Purnima are considered to be the most auspicious time for bathing in the holy Pushkar lake since it absolves the sins. It is an excellent opportunity to witness the colours and mood of a traditional Indian festival. Musicians, folk dancers, acrobats, arts-craft bazaar, magicians, snake charmers, rides and food stalls entertain the visitors. Tourists can also witness the spectacular view of the camel fair in a hot air balloon. It is a marvellous experience to ride on the humpy back of a camel across the sandy desert of Rajasthan. Pushkar is a food lover’s paradise. Visitors have a chance to savour the delicious taste of Rajasthani cuisine.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur which is around three hours away.
By Train: The closest railway station is Ajmer.
By Road: Pushkar is well-connected through Jaipur and Ajmer. State owned buses, private buses, and taxis are readily available to reach Pushkar.
