City of Pushkar in Rajasthan is considered to be one of the oldest cities in India. Legend has it that it was Lord Brahma who created this city. Pushkar city is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. There are many temples in Pushkar prominent amongst them being the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Other important attractions of the city of Pushkar include the Pushkar lake and a very famous annual event called 'Pushkar Fair' which is also the largest congregation of camels in the world.
The Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan, India is one of the most unique and popular events not to be missed if you are in India. An annual event, Pushkar Fair attracts many visitors to the otherwise quiet town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma (Creator of the Universe) along with other deities come to Pushkar Lake around this time of the year to take the holy dip. Hindus from all over the world consider a holy dip at the Pushkar lake an auspicious event and many visitors head towards the Pushkar purely because of this holy dip.
A special attraction is the trade of livestock especially Camels which takes place during the annual Pushkar fair which draws out huge crowds towards the town of Pushkar. Pushkar fair also witnesses the largest congregation of camels in the world. Camels are traded by the villagers at the Pushkar fair and many visitors including foreign nationals arrive at Pushkar just to witness the sheer celebrations and excitement associated with the Pushkar Fair. Besides the camel trade one can also witness excitement amongst the visitors as they are exposed to attractions in the form of camel races, folk music, dance, colorful costumes and other entertainment stalls at the famous Pushkar fair. Karthik Purnima (as per Hindu Calendar) is the day when the week long festivities of the Pushkar fair come to an end with the visitors taking a holy dip in the waters of the Pushkar lake. The Festival Attractions
Cattle Fair: The cattle fair is synonimous to the Pushkar fair. The villagers and the merchants meet at Pushkar and barter. The cattles are decorated in very colorful manner to attract the buyers and the tourists.
Cattle Competition: Various competitons involving cattles takes place during the festival. The famous camel race and the cattle race also takes place here. There is an intersting event to test the power of the camels. Many people sit on the back of the camel and the camels race. People fall from the back of the camels and the camel who carries the most number of people on the back is declared the winner. Other events like the Cattle fashion show, magix\c shows are also a part of this event.
Temples and Ghats: The temples and Ghats are decorated to worship the Lords. A series of worship processes takes place during the festival. People visit the temples and take bath in the Pushkar lake. The temples of Pushkar comes to a new life during the celebrations.
Shopping: The ghats and the surrounding areas of the lake becomes a mini Rajasthan market during the fair. Decorative items for Cattles, like saddles, saddle-straps and beads are sold. One can buy jewelry, garments, silver ornaments, bead necklaces, tie 'n' dye fabrics etc. Also for the Tatoo lovers, stalls for body tatoo are made all over.
Air: Jaipur Airport (145 Km) is the nearest airport to Pushkar.
Rail: Ajmer Railway station, 11 Km from Pushkar, is very well connected to the major cities of India and has some direct trains to these cities.
Road: Ajmer and Pushkar are well connected to the cities of Rajasthan and nearby states.