Overview
Located on the edge of Thar desert, Pushkar is a small town in northern
Indian state of Rajasthan. On the banks of a picturesque lake by the same
name, Pushkar has now emerged as an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It
surprises many that a small town like Pushkar has as many as 400 big and
small temples and 52 ghats. Moreover, Pushkar has the only temple dedicated
to Lord Brahma in India.
But it is the animal fair of Pushkar that has shot the small town into
international fame. The fair is not just about buying and selling of
animals, rather many attractive events are held in the fair which can be
termed as unique. The fair attracts tourists from all parts of the world.
The
Pushkar Fair
Time and venue
In the Hindu month of Kartik, which is October-November in the English
calendar, Pushkar comes alive with one of India's most amazing fairs. The
fair is held for a duration of one week. The fair is held on the banks of
holy Pushkar lake. Participants to the fair normally take a holy dip in the
waters of Pushkar lake before the beginning of proceedings.
Pushkar fair is also dubbed as the largest camel fair in the world. It is
said that the Pushkar fair gives a much needed break to the villagers who
lead a harsh life in the arid deserts.
Trading of animals
Trading of animals takes place mainly on the first five days of the fair.
Basically a camel fair, other animals traded in Pushkar fair are horses,
cows, goats and sheep. Long-drawn negotiations are held with the seller
concentrating on singing the good virtues of the animal and the careful
buyer in an interrogative mood. Many tourists love to witness the
transaction process, which itself is unique in many respects.
Colourful Events
Once the momentum of the trading process dies down, it is time for the fun
events. First on the list are Camel races. Well decorated camels under the
watchful eyes of their masters run like ostriches from the starting to the
finish line giving a fine opportunity to tourists to catch them in their
lenses or handycams.
The next event is somewhat like an
animal musical chairs. As the music stops, the camel is supposed to manage
to stick its long arching neck between two poles.Every participant is guided
by their master.
But the best event of Pushkar is the beauty contest involving the camel. As
judges sit silently at a distance, masters bring splendidly bedecked camels
to the ring and parade them in front of judges. Some of the qualities that
the judges look for are the choice of its equipment and ornament and its
capacity to interpret and carry out the commands of its master.
The final event is called 'laadoo oonths' in which man after man climbs on
to the back of camels and the camel lifting the highest weight is the
winner. Unable to keep the balance, most climbers come crushing down to the
ground giving a nice opportunity to tourists to have a hearty laugh.
The shops and colourful attires
The tiny stalls in the fair sell a variety of colourful items that include
traditional dresses and exquisite items of handicraft. Many tattoo stalls
are also put up whose services are mainly sought by foreign tourists.
Another attraction in Pushkar is the attire of womenfolk. Women come out in
catchy attires including intricate silver ornaments, hairpins, chains, nose
rings, neckbands, waistbands, anklets, toe rings and ivory bangles worn from
wrist to shoulder.
The Culmination
The curtain falls on one of the most attractive fairs in the world on the
day of Kartik Purnima. Participants first go to the Pushkar lake for a holy
dip in its waters. After a holy dip, they queue up to pay obeisance at the
Brahma temple of the place. In the evening, earthen lamps on leafs are set
afloat in the lake waters. The lamps look like thousands of twinkling stars
in the waters.
Finally, with tears in their eyes, the participants return to their native
villages in long caravans.
Camping in Pushkar
Apart from enjoying a wide variety of fun-filled activities, several people
go for camping in Pushkar. The Royal Desert Camp is a famous desert camp set
up during the Pushkar fair and is easily accessible from the fair ground.
Equipped with necessary amenities the camps in Pushkar offer fine lodging,
dinning and entertainment facilities. So when you plan a trip to Pushkar
keep the annual cattle fair in your mind.
Reaching Pushkar
Flights : The nearest landing facility is Jaipur at a
distance of 145 kms. Jaipur airport is connected to most air destinations of
India.
Trains : Ajmer is the nearest railhead from Pushkar. Many
express trains operate to Ajmer from other parts of India.
Bus services : Pushkar is well connected to Ajmer, the
nearest big town at a distance of 11 kms. Buses are regularly available to
Ajmer from many destinations of Rajasthan.
