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The Unique Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan

By Anusha

The unique festivals of Rajasthan are popular for their colours, rituals, cuisine and sheer exuberance. Among the most popular festivals of the state is the Pushkar Camel Fair that is the main crowd puller at the town of Pushkar , located at the fringes of the Thar Desert, near Ajmer.

The festival takes place annually and attracts travellers from across the world. For many travellers the Pushkar experience is a unique peek into the traditional lives of one of the more remote parts of the world. So what are all the festivities about?

As this year's Camel Fair draws to an end, let us take a look at the festivities that take place typically over the span of seven days.

What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?

What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?

The fair sees a stunning gathering of camels and their owners from the various parts of Rajasthan and certain other pockets of India. Over numbers of 50,000 camels gather at the fair and if you have a fascination for the ‘Ship of the Desert' no better place to observe them than right here in Pushkar. The festival had its humble beginnings as an opportunity to incite camel traders to do business during the lunar festival of Kartik Purnima, today however, it has turned into a full-fledged tourist attraction!

Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy

When Does It Take Place?

When Does It Take Place?

It takes place annually and usually in the month of November. The exact dates are decided as per the lunar calendar. The festival dates are picked as per the religious significance leading up to the celebration of the Kartik Purnima at the end of the festival.

Photo Courtesy: A Vahanvati

The Preparation

The Preparation

Travellers plan well in advance to travel to Pushkar for the annual camel fair, this is especially important as most accommodation facilities fill up well in advance. Ensure you get your bookings done well in advance. The camels and their traders arrive at the venue about a week in advance to the fair to set camp.

Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy

What Can You See At The Fair?

What Can You See At The Fair?

The simple town of Pushkar wakes up to a frenzy of sights, sounds and people. The population inflow goes up tremendously and the desert's every inch seems to be covered with camels! This sight by itself is fascinating and a must-experience travel in India. You can enjoy the various activities that take place such as the camel races, camel beauty contest that include camel tattoos and adornment! There are more cultural festivities such as dance and folk music too.

Photo Courtesy: Jason Rufus

The Festival Itinerary

The Festival Itinerary

The first three days of the fair see many sports competitions, camel races, beauty contest and competitions between the tourists and locals. There are even mustache contests! The second part sees the more religious activities with the various rituals being performed. The pilgrims bathe in the lake at Pushkar to be absolved of all sins and this continues to the full moon day, considered highly auspicious.

Photo Courtesy: Marina & Enrique

Shopping at the Bazaars

Shopping at the Bazaars

Right towards the middle of the festivities see the opening of the ‘Shilp Gram' the art and craft bazaar. You can buy various local handicrafts here ranging from colourful textile to vivid puppets and other artistic items.

Photo Courtesy: A Vahanvati

Unique Experiences

Unique Experiences

You mind find it tough to believe that the Pushkar Camel Fair can get even more unique! How, you ask? Well, how about see all the festivities from the sky! Confused? Now you can take a hot-air balloon ride and enjoy the Pushkar Camel Fair from up in the sky.

Photo Courtesy: A Vahanvati

Where to Stay in Pushkar

Where to Stay in Pushkar

There are many hotels, eco-stays, heritage stays and guest houses around Pushkar and the nearby towns, but owing to the huge influx of crowds, most good places get booked out really quick. Ensure you book well in advance to avoid the last minute hassles. Click here for hotel bookings.

Photo Courtesy: Claude Renault

How to Reach

How to Reach

By Road: State and private buses connect Pushkar from all parts of the state and nearby cities and towns.


By Train: The nearest Railway Station is Ajmer, located at a short distance of just 15 km.


By Air: The Sagner Airport in Jaipur is located 146 km from Pushkar and connects the town to the rest of the world.


Photo Courtesy: kimkubrick

Read more about: pushkar camel fair rajasthan
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