Pushkar India Tourism
Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is situated 14
Km from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams, pilgrimage sites for
devout Hindus; it is often called "Tirth Raj" (the king of pilgrimage
sites). In recent years it has become a popular destination for foreign
tourists.
Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principle temples,
many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims decend to the lake to bathe
in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple
dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord
Brahma exist anywhere in the world, so Lord Brahma's temple in Pushkar is
quite rare.
Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of
its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural
India flock to Pushkar, along with Camel and Cattle for several days of
live stock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.
This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed
devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, sadhus
and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair.
According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October
or November) beginning on ashtmi 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues
till full moon (Poornima).
The Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival
period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario.
Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water
is known to bestow salvation.
This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of
make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility
stuff. Decoration items for Cattle, Camel and women, everything is sold
together.
Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenir. The Camel
and Horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are Quite
popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and
music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and
applauding crowds.
Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers.
It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazine. According
to lonely planet -"Its truly a feast for the eyes.
If you are any where within striking distance at the time, Its an event
not to be missed." Foot print India handbook 200 I writes- "The
huge mela is Pushkar's biggest draw an unforgettable experience."
Pushkar India Tourism, North India Tourism Reservation Form