Pushkar Fair, Pushkar Camel Fair, and Kartik Mela are the various names for this annual cultural kaleidoscope held in Rajasthan.
Pushkar is also known for having the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. On the night of Kartik Purnima, according to mythologies, 33 million gods and goddesses are said to have consecrated the lake surrounding the temple. Pushkar is now one of the five dhams for Hindu devotees.
History
Locals in Pushkar claim that the fair dates back more than a century. Initially, the fair was organised to honour and celebrate Kartik Purnima (the full moon night of Pushkar lake consecration) in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Villagers from the surrounding area would come here to celebrate through religious rituals, folk music, and dance.
Rajasthan, being a desert, is home to camels, which are an integral part of their culture and festivals. During Pushkar Mela, camel owners dress their camels in colourful clothes and accessories, hang bells around their necks, and paint them to attract viewers.
All About The Fair
During the Pushkar fair, pilgrims and villagers from all over the country flock to this sacred site to take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake and pray to Lord Brahma.
The fair's main attractions are puppet shows, moustache competitions, camel sports, Matka Tod competitions, camel parades, and dance performances. The Pushkar Fair (Mela), which lasts nine days, is a concentrated dose of Rajasthani culture and heritage.
How To Reach
Train
You must take a train to Ajmer, then a 30-minute drive to Pushkar. The railway station in Ajmer is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Bangalore. You can take a taxi to Pushkar when you arrive at the station.
Air
The nearest airport to Pushkar is 140 kilometres away in Jaipur. The airport has direct flights to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. You can take a cab to Pushkar when you arrive at the airport.
Bus
Long-distance travellers should avoid this option. On the other hand, buses from Delhi to Ajmer and Pushkar are readily available. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operates deluxe and semi-deluxe buses (air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) that connect Ajmer to nearby cities before transporting you to Pushkar for a meagre fare.