Location : Pushkar, Rajasthan, India.
Famous for : Camel Trade, Camel Race, Cultural Events.
Festival Time : November.

About Pushkar
Pushkar is a small town which appears like a shinning pearl in the desert land of Rajasthan. Like Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, Pushkar is one of the tourist centre where people go for a little rest and recuperation from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is located at a height of 1539 feet at a distance of 11 kms from ancient city of Ajmer. Nag Hill (Snake mountain) of Aravalli range separate Pushkar from Ajmer. Pushkar wears glowing red hues in the morning and evening and captivates the onlookers with its scenic beauty. The town is situated on the side of beautiful Pushkar Lake and houses the famous 14th century Brahma temple. Pushkar is an important pilgrimage centre and also a popular tourist destination.


Pushkar Camel Festival
Pushkar is famous all over the world for its Camel Fair. Every year at the full moon of Kartik Poornima (in November), the 10 days Pushkar Camel Festival is arranged by the State Government. Pushkar Camel Fair is perhaps the biggest cattle fair in the world and it provides a good opportunity to have a glimpse of the colourful traditions of Rajasthan. Up to 200,000 people flock to Pushkar, bringing with them thousands of cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities. The business men and common people reach the town from far and near, dressed in their regional costumes.
Pet animals like cows, horses, camels etc are bought and sold in the fair. Enamelled articles, leather goods made of camel skin, home appliances of all types, beautiful dresses and ornaments are also sold here. You can also enjoy the traditional delicacies of Rajasthan in Pushkar festival. The cultural programmes including puppet shows, dance and music of different regions and religions are performed here. The silence of the night is broken by Camel calls, Dramas and heart throbbing beats of folk music and dances.

Events During the Festival
Pushkar fair is renowned for Camel trading, Camel racing and many more interesting activities.

Cattle Trading : Trading of Camels and other cattle is the most interesting part of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Camel-traders from miles away come to Pushkar for cattle trading. Horse and Camel races are organized here.

Sporting Events : Pushkar Camel Festival attracts a large number of tourists as various sporting events are taken place. The festival is celebrated with sporting events like

tug of war, weight lifting competition, horse balancing acts, camel racing, body tattooing etc. The gamblers also have a great time here. One should not take park on the tug of war game because Rajasthanis always win the game.

Attractions
Brahma Temple : The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the one and only Brahma temple in the world. The temple houses a life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma.

Pushkar Lake : Apart from gaily bedecked camels, the Pushkar lake is the major attraction. Thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the lake on Kartik Purnima. The entire lake is surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces and 52 ghats. One has to remove his shoes before taking a dip. In the evening the Deepdaan creates a superb view on the Pushkar lake.
Accommodation
Limited accommodation options are available at Pushkar. Tourist can stay at Ajmer as there are plenty of accommodation facilities.

How to Reach Pushkar
By Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur airport at a distance of 132 kms. Jaipur airport is linked to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Udaipur and other cities of India.

By Rail : Nearest railhead is Ajmer (11 kms) which is connected to important places of Rajasthan. Daily train is available from Delhi to Ajmer.

By Road : Deluxe & Air-conditioned buses of Rajasthan Roadways ply between Jaipur and Ajmer. Buses are also available from Ajmer to Pushkar.