Pushkar Camel Fair or simply Pushkar Fair which is also locally known as Pushkar Mela or Kartik Mela is one of the biggest fair celebrations taking place in India.
This fair is annually held at the start of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar and it is celebrated for 9 days on which 5 days are most important. This year it starte from 1st November and will conclude on 9th November.
The fair is one of the largest livestock fairs in India, celebrating and exchanging information as well as purchases of camels, horses, and cattle. The fair is held at the banks of the Pushkar lake which is located at the Ajmer district in the Rajasthan state of India and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
| Event | Pushkar Camel Fair |
|---|---|
| Date of Start | November 1, 2022 |
| Day of Start | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day marks the celebration of biggest Camel Fair taking place in India |
| Observed by | India |
Pushkar Camel Fair History:
Locals of Pushkar claim that the fair is more than 100 years old. Initially, the fair was organized to glorify and celebrate the Kartik Purnima (full moon night of consecration of Pushkar lake) in the lunar month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar. Nearby villagers would come here to celebrate the rich Hindu culture by performing religious rituals, folk music and dance. Being a desert, Rajasthan is home to camels which are an innate part of their culture and festivals.
The town of Pushkar has significance as well as according to Hindu mythology, all the 330 Hindu gods and goddesses gathered at Pushkar Lake on the day of Purnima (full moon night) to consecrate the lake, which made the lake sacred. The lake is also believed to possess healing properties. These are why many pilgrims visit Pushkar Lake for a holy bath to wash away their sins and pay their respects at the Brahma Mandir, the only one of its kind in India. Pushkar is also mentioned in the 2000-year-old Indian epic Mahabharata as one of India's most ancient sacred sites. Besides this, it has also been referred to in the Hindu scriptures as one of the five holy cities.
Although the original intention of the fair was to attract tradesmen and bring them all together for commercial activities, the fair has now become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state of Rajasthan. Understanding the value of the fair, the state government has invested a lot of money in its development, and today it is more than just a space where cattle tradesmen can purchase and sell cattle. But yeah we can say that as a major cultural festival the Pushkar Camel Festival only started to get shape in 1998 when for the first time it was celebrated at grand stage however the traditions around this festival is centuries years old.
In 1998, over 1 million visitors visited the town of Pushkar about 200,000 visitors visit this Pushkar camel fair annually since then. The modern Pushkar Camel Fair is a spectacle that represents the culture of the town of Pushkar, the tribal people of the desert, and the state of Rajasthan. The commercial fair has been transformed into a multi-day carnival that also includes the festival of Kartik Purnima. Considering health concerns because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the festival was canceled for the first time in 2020, the only time it has been cancelled in history.
Pushkar Camel Fair Significance:
Pushkar Camel Fair is a traditional carnival which brings thousands of camels, cattle, and horses together. This is a nine-day colorful, unique exhibition that attracts many tourists from all over the world. Apart from trading livestock, the main attractions of the fiesta are camel and horse races, cultural performances, exhibitions, magic shows, the longest mustache competition, bridal competition, and much more. Besides, this fair is renowned for being one of the world's largest cattle fairs and that's why it is one of the biggest carnival celebrations in India today and is very famous among foreign tourists as well.
This wonderful event also possesses a religious significance. During the Pushkar Fair, the pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. This is the auspicious time of the year, as it is believed that if someone takes a holy bath on the day of the full moon, that person receives special blessings. It is also believed that it brings good fortune and washes away all sins. The small town of Pushkar is also considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism and it also hosts the world's only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma and this temple is also a major tourist attraction. Overall town of Pushkar is filled with religious importance for Hinduism.
As Pushkar is a small town so this camel fair plays a very important role in the economy amd business of this town. This festival gives an opportunity to the locals for their source of income and that's why during the festive season many peoples of the town are employed in tourism and it also gives financial support to other local businesses as well like hospitality, restaurants, recreational activities, etc. Hence this fair is very important financially for the town as well. Moreover this camel fair has also become an integral part in representation of this small town to the world.
Almost 50,000 animals come together during this largest camel fair. Camel Safari and Horse Safari are one of the magnificent experiences you can gain at this festival. These are the best ways to explore the sturdy region of the vast Indian desert during sunrise and sunset. This event also gives an opportunity when one can spend some time with the locals and get a deep insight into rural India in its pure form. Over the years, the fair has found an honorable mention in Rajasthan Tourism. In addition, during the winter, the Pushkar Camel Fair takes place when the weather is far more soothing than the blazing heat of the summer months. Visitors can stroll for long hours without feeling fatigued or tired. The rolling dunes, the vibrant ambiance, and the festive colors embrace one and all.
Pushkar Camel Fair Celebrations:
The fair is visited by agriculturalists, farmers, cattle owners, and people who belong to the dairy industry to sell and purchase cattle and camels. Apart from sales and purchases, people also get to witness an exhibition of camels wherein they are adorned with vibrant accessories and clothes which presents us a colourful view which is truly majestic!
Many fusion bands from all over India also perform during the festival which is a major highlight of the fair. Some fun and extremely entertaining competitions and events are also a part of the event in which people can participate and win exciting prizes as well.
Enjoy hot air ballooning at the Pushkar Fair. Watching the buzzing activities from above will give you an experience like no other amd by this you will be also able to get view of this beautiful desert town. This thrilling activity is one of the top reasons to visit the Pushkar Fair. Further, one can indulge in a number of adventurous activities like paramotors, quad biking, and horse riding.
Being in Pushkar is an opportunity to opt for a desert safari on a camel. Camel ride amidst the golden sand and under the blue sky is an experience of a lifetime that one will never forget. Apart from camel rides, people can also opt for horse and jeep rides to explore the place and the Pushkar fair to the fullest amd don't forget to witness the incredible camel races of this event as well.
Most Searched FAQs on Pushkar Camel Fair:
1. When is Pushkar Camel Fair celebrated?
The fair is organised to glorify and celebrate the Kartik Purnima (full moon night of consecration of Pushkar lake) in the lunar month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in November.
2. Where is Pushkar Camel Fair held?
Pushkar Fair is an annual week-long carnival held in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. This carnival is held in Pushkar Fair Ground. This place is situated near Pushkar Lake.
3. What is the entry fee for Pushkar Camel Fair?
There are no entry charges for the Pushkar Camel Fair.