Pushkar Fair

Time: March on the day after Holi festivities.
Venue: Ajmer, Rajasthan
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 festivities. 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.

Pushkar Fair Activities

On this auspicious occasion, the largest camel fair of India is held at Pushkar. Camels coming to the fair are decorated with great care and wear jewelry of silver and beads. The silver bells and bangles around their ankles make an interesting sound when they walk. An interesting feature of camels coming in the fair is piercing of their nose, which is considered a must ritual. In this fair mass trading of camel is done. Besides camels other cattle are also bought and sold. It's estimated that over 25,000 camels are traded in the Pushkar fair, making it the largest camel fair of the world.

How To Reach

Flight : The nearest airport from Pushkar is located in Jaipur which is 131 km away.

Train : Ajmer which is situated at a distance of 11 km from Pushkar, is the nearest railway station. Ajmer in turn is well connected with major destinations in Rajasthan.

Road : Pushkar has to two bus stands. The Marwar bus stand is situated to the north of the town by the post office and has buses to some long distance places including Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner. The Ajmer bus stand is located east of the Pushkar town and offers bus services to Ajmer and Jaipur.