Pushkar Fair
Pushkar is an ancient religious town in the Thar desert of Rajasthan. The town clings to the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake, considered by Hindus to be extremely holy. Hundreds of small temples are built on the periphery of the lake with wide stone steps or `ghats' leading down to the lake.Hindus visit Pushkar all year round to take a dip in the purifying waters of the lake, but the Kartika full moon night which usually is in the beginning of November (depending on the cycle of the moon) is believed to be the most auspicious day to do so. During the 4 days leading up to and including the full moon, Pushkar hosts thousands of celebrating devotees following prescribed rituals at the lake side and in the Brahma Temple.
In the week leading up to the official start of the Pushkar Festival, a large camel fair is held in the sandy flats west of the town for the start of the fair. There is brisk trading and parading of camels, horses and cattle. To add to the flurry of colour and festivity, a huge carnival is held at the fair ground including cattle races, plays, a funfair and a circus with performers such as tightrope walkers.
Camel traders often arrive a few days early to engage in the serious business of buying and selling and most of the animals disappear before the official starting date, a few days before the full moon. Attention then shifts to the pilgrims bathing in the lake, the full moon being the most auspicious time. Be sure therefore to come early to see the fair in full swing!
