The world's largest camel fair, which is held in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, is known in the world over as the Pushkar Camel Fair. The population of Pushkar swells during the Pushkar Camel Fair. This fair attracts thousands of tourists, merchants and of course about 50,000 camels every year. The camels are shaved and sold, raced and decorated amidst colourful ambience.
Umpteen number of traders assemble here and set up various shops. These traders sell a lot of products here. These include the textiles of Ajmer, cloth of Jodhpur, brassware from Jaipur and Jodhpur, woolen products from Merta, Nagpur bead necklaces, etc. However, besides buying and selling, there are lots of fun elements in this week-long mega fair. Camel trading, folk performances, ethnic shopping, body tattooing, puppet shows, acrobatics, moustache competition, best breed contest, bridal competition, etc. are the other attractions which take place along with the camel fair. A host of interesting competitions are being held here which creates an ambience of carnival of sorts. These include the matka phod, moustache and bridal competition. These competitions attract a lot of crowd. Cultural shows and exhibitions are also organized in this fair to make the event livelier. Cinemas are telecasted, competitions are set, bards and poets rehearse and sing tales of valour of bygone eras.
As a tourist you can also participate in these numerous cultural activities; purchase ethnic shopping items from all over the state, which are showcased here on sale. You can interact with local tribal folks and get to know about their culture.
Pushkar also has great relevance for religious tourism. Pushkar has the only temple for Lord Brahma in the country. Myth says that Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna', which is a fire sacrifice. While contemplating on this; a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place. Pushkar or a lake in Sanskrit was born, from which the place derived its name.
Pushkar is vibrant and alive during the camel fair, though at other times this small little known, located just 11 km from Ajmer, is quite peaceful. People from all over the globe also come to the holy Pushkar lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip. Camel fair is also held around the same time.
To know more go to:
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Rajasthan Attractions |
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 Dilwara Temples |
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Pushkar Camel Fair |
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Desert Safari |
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Sariska National Park |
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Ranthambore National Park |
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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
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Palace on Wheels |
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Bundi Palace |
