Pushkar Fair

The Holy and Vibrant Pushkar - Rajasthan, the name at once conjures up the image of a historically and culturally rich Indian state which is also very colorful and lively. The “Camel State” has many wonderful attractions with Pushkar being one of them.

Actually, Pushkar is one of the five most revered places of India. Other places are: Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. Pushkar--sacred to Lord Brahma--finds mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata. It also finds mention in Kalidasa’s Abhigyan Shakuntalam. It was at Pushkar that Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabha.

Located at a distance of 14 km away from Ajmer, Pushkar is much famed for its many temples and the much renowned Pushkar Fair. In fact, Pushkar had as many as 500 temples and 52 palaces in the past--all of which surrounded the Pushkar Lake.

The magnificent Brahma Temple is the most famous temple and stands near the Pushkar Lake. This temple is unique as it is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. The walls of the Brahma Temple are decorated with the images of peacocks. In front of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is placed a beautiful silver turtle. Other famous temples at Pushkar are: Savitri Temple, Warah Temple, Rangji Temple, and Apteshwar Temple.

A dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake, on the day of Kartik Purnima is believed to wash away one’s sins and also cure one’s skin diseases (if any). No wonder, both pilgrims and general travellers alike visit Pushkar in large numbers in the month of November, especially during the five auspicious days that start with Kartik Shukla Ekadshi and conclude with Kartik Purnima.

During this time, the wonderful Pushkar Fair is held at Pushkar. . This year (2008), it is being held from 9 to 13 November. Riots of colors and frenzied actions take place during the fair that create spectacular spectacles dazzling the visitors to the fair no end.

The Pushkar Fair--the largest camel fair in the world (according to a conservative estimate, more than 25,000 camels are traded every year during the fair)--attracts enthusiastic visitors and participants from all over Rajasthan and other parts of India, besides the world.

Traders--mostly from the various parts of Rajasthan--participate in the Pushkar Fair and sell their wares that include, among others, bead necklaces of Nagaur, Woollen Blankets of Merta, Brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur, and textile printed at Ajmer and Jodhpur.