The Pushkar City
The Pushkar city is located in the western part of Rajasthan,
near Ajmer. The holy city is known for being home to the only
temple of Brahma and for the Pushkar Fair. A small town though,
this place attracts many tourists every year. The major
attractions in the city are the temples of Brahma and Savitri
and the Pushkar lake.
The Pushkar Fair
The annual Pushkar fair in Pushkar is celebrated with great
enthusiasm. The festival is an obeisance to lord Brahma, the
creator of this world. Situated in Pushkar is the only temple of
Brahma in the world. Celebrated on the occassion of Karthik
Purnima (November), it is believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and
others come down to Pushkar to bath in the lake Pushkar. So it
is considered very holy to bath in the Pushkar lake on this
auspicious occassion. The festival becomes a hub for the
cultural activities of Rajasthan. People come from far places to
take part in the festival celebrations. They stay in there
tents, named after the village they belong to. They also bring
herds of cattles along. These cattles are here for a show and
for trading. Other cultural events of Rajasthan also takes place
during the festival.
The Festival Attractions
Cattle Fair: The cattle fair is synonimous to the Pushkar fair.
The villagers and the merchants meet at Pushkar and barter. The
cattles are decorated in very colorful manner to attract the
buyers and the tourists.
Cattle Competition: Various competitons involving cattles takes
place during the festival. The famous camel race and the cattle
race also takes place here. There is an intersting event to test
the power of the camels. Many people sit on the back of the
camel and the camels race. People fall from the back of the
camels and the camel who carries the most number of people on
the back is declared the winner. Other events like the Cattle
fashion show, magix\c shows are also a part of this event.
Recreation: The culture of Rajasthan comes alive in Pushkar
through the folk lores, music and dance performances. Cultural
events, exhibitions and movies reflect the rich culture of
Rajasthan.
Other Attractions
Temples and Ghats: The temples and Ghats are decorated to
worship the Lords. A series of worship processes takes place
during the festival. People visit the temples and take bath in
the Pushkar lake. The temples of Pushkar comes to a new life
during the celebrations.
Shopping: The ghats and the surrounding areas of the lake
becomes a mini Rajasthan market during the fair. Decorative
items for Cattles, like saddles, saddle-straps and beads are
sold. One can buy jewelry, garments, silver ornaments, bead
necklaces, tie 'n' dye fabrics etc. Also for the Tatoo lovers,
stalls for body tatoo are made all over.
How to Visit Pushkar
Air: Jaipur Airport (145 Km) is the nearest airport to Pushkar.
Rail: Ajmer Railway station, 11 Km from Pushkar, is very well
connected to the major cities of India and has some direct
trains to these cities.
Road: Ajmer and Pushkar are well connected to the cities of
Rajasthan and nearby states.
