The Pushkar Fair is no less than an encyclopedia on the tradition and culture of the state of Rajasthan. It is the event when a better population of the state can be found at one place and at one time. It seems as if the whole state has come alive at Pushkar to stand witness to its pulsating cultural heritage. Villagers gather from all around the state to enjoy and make merry, breaking all the barriers of hectic schedules of their lives. Colourful sights at the fair can touch and move even the sternest heart. Hindu pilgrims can be seen flocking the place to take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake, washing away all the sins of the past. Devotees and worshippers can be seen surrendering themselves at the only Brahma Temple.
Bring on the camels; it’s time for one of the most popular fairs of the Thar Desert – the five-day long Pushkar fair. With delicious food festivities and friendly locals, visitors are assured of a good time.
At most times, Pushkar, famous for its ancient temples is a sleepy, hot Rajasthani town. It does attract tourists but mostly those who have an abiding interest in the Indian spiritual tradition or here on pilgrimage. But come November and the town suddenly transforms into a giant tourist. Walking in Pushkar at that time is like strolling through a large village fair. The town is dotted with stores selling just about everything, from embroidered Rajasthani bed sheets to Jewellery to kitschy furniture. But these are mere trappings for the bugger drama that’s playing out on the sand dunes with surround the town. November is the time for the annual camel fair, which has been held here since the 16th century!
It begins on the Karthik Poornima or full moon day, considered auspicious by most Hindus. Thousands of traders and their families set up tents on the sand dunes. Most trade in camels but some also bring along horses. For many it’s a time to network with people from other clans and villages, negotiate and fix up marriages, pay obeisance at the several temples that do the town a and take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake.
Camel races, in which different clans race their beautifully decorated brood against each other for prize money, are regularly held.
Nights are meant for revelry: men sing and woman dance, their vibrant Ghagras swirling around their feet. The camel fair attracts tourists from across the world to Pushkar, who then take time out to check out its other attractions such as the Brahma temple.
Glimpse of the programmes -
Flag Hosting
Mandana Competition
Cricket Match (Local V/S Visitors)
Football Match (Local V/S Visitors)
Satolia Match
Bullock Decoration Competition by Rajasthan tourism
Safed chitti
Classical music & devotional song
Horse dance competition by Rajasthan tourism
Camel race competition
Camel dance Competition by Rajasthan tourism
Inter panchayat samiti rural sports competition
Opening of Shilpgram art & craft bazaar
Nagara & shehnai vadan by rama kishan
Folk song/devotional dance
Inter panchayat samiti cultural programme
Rajasthani kavi samelan
Spritual Walk (Pushakr Parikarma)
Classical Music & Devotional Song
Turban tying & tilak competition (for visitors) by Rajshtan tourism
Animal competition (camel,horse & nagauri bullock)
Shilpgram Art & Craft Bazar
Moustache’s competition by Rajasthan tourism
Inetr panchayat samiti rural sports competition
Inaugration of gir & cross breed cattle exhibition
Milk (stripping) competition
Inaugration of vikas pradarshini
Indian bride competition (for visitors) by Rajasthan tourism
Folk song/Devotional dance
Folk dance & music by Rajasthan tourism