Renowned as the “tirtha-raj,” which means Kings of Pilgrimage, Pushkar is a temple town located in Ajmer city of the culturally vibrant and vivid state of Rajasthan. India’s largest state, Rajasthan, is widely popular for its picturesque desert dunes, colorful festivals, majestic palaces, forts, and rich delicacies. The state’s unique combination of rural charm and the city’s elegance attracts both national and international travelers to Rajasthan.
Pushkar Camel Fair, distinguished as the world’s largest cattle festival across the world, is another major event that attracts a large influx of visitors to Pushkar every year. If you’re planning a cultural expedition to India, then make sure to not miss to experience the warmth, charm, and beauty of this fair. Keep reading this blog to get a complete guide on Pushkar Mela 2024.
What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
An enchanting annual fair held in the Pushkar town of Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Fair is the largest camel and livestock fair in the world that lasts for a week. This fair began in the 19th century as a gathering for local Rajasthani tribes with the main purpose of facilitating the trade of camels and other livestock.
However, the Pushkar Mela gradually evolved into a grand cultural festival, and today this oldest fair in the country is a major attraction for tourists. Thousands of camels and other livestock are decorated, displayed, and traded at this festival. Apart from this, camel racing, camel dance performances, folk music and dance performances, puppet shows, mustache, and matka-phod are other highlights of this fair.
What is the historical significance of the Pushkar Camel Fair?
The Pushkar Camel Fair origin can be traced from a legend from Hindu mythology. According to this legend, the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma, to destroy the evil demon named Vajra Nabha, dropped a lotus flower from heaven. A lake was formed as soon as the flower petals fell on the ground and caused water to sprout. The Hindu god of creation then named this place after the lotus flower.
In the entire world, the Brahma temple at Pushkar is the only temple dedicated to the creator of the universe. The Pushkar Mela is a boon for the ‘Raika tribe’, a camel-herding community of Rajasthan that has been herding camels for centuries.
Mark the date of the Pushkar Camel Fair 2024:
The holy town of Pushkar hosts the Pushkar Camel Fair, sometimes referred to as the “Kartik Mela” locally, in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is typically observed in October and November when the climate is typically colder in Rajasthan. This year’s Pushkar Mela will take place from November 9–15.
What are the major attractions of the Pushkar Camel Fair?
1. Camel shows:
A must to experience the attraction of this grand fair is witnessing the races, pageants, dances, and parades of thousands of beautifully dressed and decorated camels.
2. Cattle trade:
The second most appealing event of the Pushkar Camel Fair is the cattle trade. This fair has great economic significance for cattle traders and farmers who come here with beautifully dressed and decorated cattle from different regions of the state.
3. Cultural performances:
Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy is celebrated during the Pushkar Mela, Rajasthani folk music and dance performances, matka-phod, bride and groom competitions, performances by local artists like magicians and snake charmers, puppet shows, and acrobatics are some major cultural events of this fair.
4. Longest mustache competition:
“Mooch” is considered the most prized possession by the Rajasthan men. The participation of men can be witnessed in the largest mustache competition, which is the major highlight among cultural events at Pushkar Mela.
5. A dip in the pious Pushkar Lake:
Hindu mythology regards Pushkar Lake as one of the “Panch Sarovar,” or the most sacred lakes in Hinduism. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in this pious lake can free them from their sins and cycles of rebirth.
6 Souvenirs:
Pushkar, popularly known as the rose garden of Rajasthan, is well-known for its rose products like scented rose oil, incense sticks, perfumes, gulkand, etc. Apart from this, you can explore other handicrafts like traditionally embroidered attire, bags, leather goods, silver jewelry, pottery, wooden toys, etc. at the markets near the Brahma temple.
Must-do things at the Pushkar Camel Fair 2024:
- Savor the captivating views of the sun rising and setting in the desert dunes of Pushkar while riding a camel.
- Make your memories of the Pushkar Mela unforgettable with desert camping.
- Don’t miss out on having a taste of the appetizing Rajasthani delicacies like Dal Baati Churma, Masala Chai, and creamy Rabri at this fair.
- Enjoy a lovely hot air balloon ride while enjoying the alluring views of this beautiful town.
- Be a part of or at least witness the cricket match between the Pushkar cricket club in the region and a team of visitors.
How to reach Pushkar Camel Fair 2024?
The Pushkar town is located at a distance of around 16 km from Ajmer City, which is well-connected through road, air, and rail transport to prominent cities of the country.
- You can take a bus or drive from Ajmer through the mountain pass road to Pushkar.
- If you love train journeys, then you can take a train from Ajmer to Pushkar, which leaves the Ajmer junction by 9:50 am.
- The airports that are closest to Pushkar are Jaipur Sanganer and Kishangarh.
- You can choose a tour package from several cheap tour packages offered by tour operating agencies in India.
Conclusion:
The Pushkar Mela is held on Kartik Poornima and is considered an auspicious event by Hindus. Hindu pilgrims believe that all 330 million Hindu gods and goddesses descend on Pushkar on a full moon day, and taking a bath in the lake brings them good luck by washing away all their sins. Make your visit to this grand and oldest fair of India extra special by choosing one of the several Rajasthan Tour packages offered by reputable tour operators in India. Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing are included in the travel packages offered by the tour operators.
