Pushkar Fair – The Great Indian Mela in Rajasthan

The Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela is India’s greatest tribal gathering. Started as a cattle trade fair, where people bought and sold camels or horses, this fair slowly developed into a grand spectacle of vibrant culture and heritage of the Indian State, Rajasthan. In short, the century-old Pushkar Fair is a fusion of cultural, commercial and religious activities. 

In the midst of quaint Havelis, forts, palaces, Jain temples and traditional hues, Pushkar ka Mela has taken over a major part in Rajasthan Tourism. 

When and Where is the Pushkar Fair held?

Pushkar Mela is held annually at Pushkar in the month of October – November. Precisely it is held during the auspicious period of Karthik Ekadashi to Karthik Purnima as per the Hindu calendar. 

Overlooking the glittering waters of the Pushkar lake, the city of Pushkar has sprung up as a notable Hindu Pilgrimage in India. It is also one of the oldest cities in India that is very much familiar with the divine chapters of Hindu religion. This city also boasts the tradition and culture of the Gujar community. 

The ambience starts to grace with colourful tents, shops arraying bangles, turbans and ethnic wears and livestock with dates nearer to the Karthik Ekadashi. This cultural extravaganza turns out to be busy and chaotic, with camel rides, itinerant musicians and vendors, as days progress. The charming alleys, ancient temples, serene lake and pilgrims is a frame to several photographers. 

Religious Aspects 

The incredible city of Pushkar houses the only Brahma Temple in the world. It is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, where people seek salvation. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Bramha is one of the gods in Hindu trinity, who is the creator of the universe. It is believed that the Pushkar lake was formed when he dropped a lotus flower to the earth. On the last day of the fair, i.e. on the eve of Karthik Purnima, thousands of Hindu devotees come together to take a dip into the holy waters of Pushkar to remove their sins. 

A brief on the history of Pushkar

If we turn back the chapters of the history of Pushkar, this captivating city has been mentioned by the great Indian poet Kalidasa in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. Furthermore, the two great Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana make references to this religious place as Adi Tirtha. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Creator God, performed rituals at the Pushkar Lake on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima. And so, it is believed that taking a bath on this auspicious day in the Pushkar Lake, will wash away all their sins and will help them attain salvation. 

Highlights of Pushkar Fair 

Pushkar Fair itself is a grand travel experience held on a large scale, where over 40,000 Camels, Horses and other Cattle can be seen trading. There are many amazing and exciting activities. Some of the funky competitions are ‘Matka Tod’, ‘Longest Moustache’, and ‘Bridal Competitions’. This Fair is also a showcase of local talent, live musical performances and Camel and horse dance competitions. 

This five-day long Fair is frequented by international travellers to witness the beauty of Rajasthani Culture. The cold weather at the time of the Pushkar Fair also adds a bonus point and attracts over 200,000 visitors per year. The casino, year after year attracts tourists from all across the globe. 

Things to do in Pushkar Fair

There are a number of off-beat things you can experience while in the Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan. Here’s a list of top exciting activities which are admired almost every tourist.

Camel Safari in Pushkar

Going for a trip to Pushkar Fair, you can’t miss the exciting Camel safari which is loved by all the visitors & will enthral you with joy. Camel Safari offers you the best way to experience life in the desert.

Quad Biking Tour

Have ultimate fun by riding in Quad Bike through the desert and enjoy the fantastic landscape of the desert. Once you reach the desert, ride through the sand dunes for fun and adventure. If you love to explore the vast deserts, then enthral in this exciting quad biking experience.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Explore the Pushkar city from the top by trying this exciting activity. Enjoy the sights of the ancient sacred landscape.

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to do these activities.

Apart from these activities, the Pushkar Fair also hosts folk music and dances, Ferris wheels, magic shows, cultural events and competitions such as Tug of War, Longest Moustache, Matka Phod, Bridal competition, Rajasthani group dance, Camel race, Camel decoration, Camel dance competition, Wrestling competition, Matka race for women.

There are many Indian sports competitions where locals play against tourists. Tourists also are greatly encouraged to take part in competitions like Turban tying and tilak competition. There is also the Indian Bride and Groom Competition organized by Rajasthan Tourism, exclusively for tourists.

How to reach Pushkar?

The nearest airport to Pushkar is the Jaipur International Airport, which connects the quaint city with a modest mode of transport. 

Pushkar is also easily accessible by road from the Ajmer Railway Station. Buses and auto-rickshaws are available from Ajmer to Pushkar every 15 to 20 minutes.

Rajasthan State Tourism also operate their own buses, with scheduled departures from major Indian cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Gwalior to Pushkar.

Places to visit in Pushkar

Some of the most famous and historical places to visit in Pushkar are :

1. Pushkar Lake – Take a dip and wash away the sins of your life. 

2. Jagatpita Brahma Temple – The only Bramha Temple.

Note: Married men aren’t allowed to enter the sanctum of the temple. Only ascetics and sanyasis are allowed. 

3. Savitri Temple – Pay respects to Brahman’s consorts, the divine goddesses Savitri and Gayathri.

4. Man Mahal – Explore the view of Sarovar Lake along with a stay in the renowned world-class hotel. 

5. Varaha Temple – A beautiful Temple dedicated to Varaha (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

6. Ramavaikunth Temple – The holiest temple in Pushkar with towering spires and pagodas; dedicated to Lord Rama. 

7. Rangji Temple – A temple with high gopuram, know for its South Indian Architecture. 

8. Pushkar Bazaar – One of the best shopping experiences. 

These are just a list of few places to visit in Pushkar and there many other interesting things to do. Combine Jaipur and Pushkar for an excellent vacation. If you’re planning to visit Pushkar Fair, arrive a couple of days before the fair starts. Make sure to pre-book your stay for availability and best price. Check-out the best selling Jaipur Packages and book your trip to the Pushkar Fair with Pickyourtrail.