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The Pushkar Camel
Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of
its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of
people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with Camel
and Cattle for several days of live stock trading, horse
dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.
This small town,
becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed
devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders,
comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar
fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the
month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ashtmi
8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima).
The Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the
first half of festival period. During the later half,
religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take
dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is
known to bestow salvation.
This small town is
transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of
make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of
art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for Cattle,
Camel and women, everything is sold together. Small
handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenir.
The Camel and Horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel
judging competitions are Quite popular with animal lovers.
Each evening brings different folk dances and music of
Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring
and applauding crowds.
Pushkar fair has
its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for
travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows,
films and magazine. According to lonely planet -"Its truly
a feast for the eyes.
If you are any
where within striking distance at the time, Its an event
not to be missed." Foot print India handbook 200 I writes-
"The huge mela is Pushkar's biggest draw an unforgettable
experience."
Shilpgram:
During the
fair, arts & crafts exhibition cum sale is organised at 'Shilpgram',
situated at RTDC Tourist Village Campus. Crafts persons &
artisans from allover Rajasthan & nearby states
participate to exhibit and demonstrate their art & talent.
Where to Stay:
R. T.D.C. provides
the range of tourist hotels in Ajmer, namely Khadim and
Sarovar and Tourist Village in Pushkar. There are good
numbers of luxury, moderate, heritage and budget hotels
for comfortable stay. The Department of Tourism and many
private operators pitch luxury tents during Pushkar Fair.
For boarding &
accommodation, please contact Tourist Reception Center,
Hotel Khadim, Ajmer
How to Reach:
Air -nearest
airport is Jaipur, which is connected with major cities. A
newly built air strip at Kishangarh can cater to small
charter flights. Helipad at Ghooghra (Ajmer) and Devnagar
(Pushkar) can cater to clients travelling by helicopter.
Rail -Ajmer is well
connected by Rail to all-important cities. Pushkar is just
12 Km. away from Ajmer.
Road -Ajmer is well
connected to important cities of Rajasthan and country.
Jaipur-145 Km., Delhi-415 Km., Mumbai-900 Km.,
Ahemadabad-520 Km., Jodhpur-205 Km., Bikaner-265 Km.,
Nagaur-1 SO Km., Jaisalmer-475 Km., Merta-70 Km.,
Bundi-180 Km., Kota-220 Km. |