The ultimate guide to the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India

Every year, the Thar desert in Rajasthan, India, becomes the temporary home to tens of thousands of camels and their owners at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Some owners travel for up to three weeks with their ships of the desert to trade in camels and other livestock. After a few days of trading, the real fun begins, with camel racing, bazaars, turban tying contests, and moustache competitions. The Pushkar camel festival,  sometimes referred to as a Pushkar Mela, is extremely lively, a little brash, and very bizarre. You’re sure to come home with plenty of stories from India to entertain your friends and family!

What is the Pushkar Festival?

The Pushkar Festival is the largest camel fair in the world, filled with livestock trading and cultural events. The five-day celebration hosts many exciting activities and events, ranging from camel races to lighthearted competitions like seeing who has the longest mustache.

It is also when thousands of Hindu pilgrims wash away their sins in the sacred holy lake. There are processions, incense burning, and chanting, which rise to a peak on the final day when candles are set afloat on the lake.

What is the date of Pushkar Mela?

The best time to visit India for the vibrant Pushkar Fair is late October to early November, in the fall, the dry season. This period aligns with the auspicious eight-month Kartik, on the Hindu calendar, which is considered a highly sacred time. As a result, the exact festival dates change annually depending on the lunar cycle.

Getting to the Pushkar Festival in India

• From the airport: Pushkar does not have an airport, but the nearest airport is Kishangarh Airport (KQH) in Ajmer, about a 45-minute drive away. From there, you’ll have to take a taxi, train, or bus to get to Pushkar.
• By bus: A few buses connect Ajmer with Pushkar. Depending on which bus route you take, the drive can take between 20 minutes and an hour.
• By train: The closest train station to Pushkar is Ajmer railway station, about 30 minutes away.

Unique activities at the Pushkar Fair

Pushkar is a compact town that curls around a sacred lake, attracting a mix of pilgrims and tourists. It’s not a place to come if you’re looking for peace and quiet, but as long as you’re prepared, you’ll find fantastic photo opportunities and unique experiences around every corner.

Watch camel shows

Naturally, you can expect a caravan of the two-humped animal at the Pushkar Camel Festival in India. For one of the main events of the fair, visitors can look forward to camel decoration, camel trading, and races.

During these shows, you can see camels adorned in jewelry, colorful cloths, beadwork, and ornaments. Sometimes, the animals are also painted with intricate or sometimes funny designs for a more light-hearted approach.

Don’t miss out on the unique camel dances that are also performed alongside traditional folk music and cheerful spectators. Thanks to the elaborate adornments, the synchronized steps are accentuated. You can also take a few photographs with the camels.

Experience camel and cattle trade

Trading camels, horses, and cattle is a central feature of the fair in the Thar Desert. Pushkar cattle traders come from far and wide, decorating their livestock in vibrant fabrics, bells, and shimmering ornaments to show off their health and beauty to potential buyers.

While camels remain the most popular, Marwadi and Kathiawari horses have surged in popularity with sellers in recent years at the fair. These desert war horses are ideal for traveling over long distances in rough terrains, proving to be much faster than camels.

The spectacle of decorated cattle and bustling negotiations highlights the region’s deep-rooted traditions and the fair’s enduring importance as a major livestock market.

Take a hot air balloon flight

Hot air balloon rides are an excellent way to see a bird’s-eye view of the entire festival for those with an adventurous spirit, especially at sunset. Flights typically last about an hour, and take you 12,000 to 14,000ft above the ground.

This is also an excellent time to bring out the camera for some splendid shots of the camel shows, folk dancing, and incredible traditional clothing. Try to catch a sunset ride and watch as the desert dunes turn golden, then deepen into warmer shades before the stars appear, creating a truly serene scene.

Marvel at the Brahma Temple

Also known as the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, the Brahma Temple is an iconic landmark in Pushkar, dating back to the 14th century. It is the only temple dedicated to the Hindu creator god, Brahma in the entire country.

The structure was built using stones and marble, with additional partitions added later to enlarge it. The striking structure sits on a high platform accessed through marble steps. It is adorned in blue with an even more striking red roof.

Outside, you are likely to hear chants and see rituals being performed by devout pilgrims. Once you step inside, you are moved by the spiritual energy and are met with a large statue of the four-faced deity. It is an especially important shrine for anyone seeking wisdom and liberation.

Catch the longest mustache competition and turban tying

Pushkar men annually duel it out at the fair in the most unique way, with moustache competitions to see who has the longest and most impressive facial hair.

The coveted groomed mustaches are a serious feud rooted in Rajasthani culture, filled with laughter, joy, and playfulness. Participants model their impressively well-groomed creations, and the man with the longest moustache walks away victoriously with bragging rights.

The fair also has a turban tying competition, which challenges contestants to tie a traditional Rajasthani turban within a set time. While this may sound easy, this cloth is known for its impressive length that requires intricate wrapping styles. International travelers are encouraged to join and learn from experienced locals.

Both events are major attractions, drawing large crowds and brimming with lively spirit and music.

Ascend to the Savitri Temple

Savitri Temple is located on Ratnagiri Hill, about 800ft (244m) above the holy Pushkar Lake, with a panoramic view of the city. It is dedicated to the deity Brahma’s first wife, Goddess Savitri.

A trek here will take about 40 minutes to complete at a distance of 1.4 miles (2.2km). It is moderately challenging, with about 970 steps and a ropeway to make it more accessible. On the way up, you may even spot a few playful macaques on the trail if you’re lucky.

The site is significant for anyone seeking blessings for perseverance, marital harmony, wisdom, and devotion. Pilgrims believe the trek is a way to purify oneself and earn divine favor.

Witness fun bridal competitions

One of the many fun activities at the festival is a bridal competition, as Rajasthan is a popular wedding destination. Foreign visitors are encouraged to join the fun as young women dress and parade around in their most beautiful Indian wedding garments, intricate jewelry, and makeup.

The event is held after the fifth day of the fair, but it is still lively and draws large crowds as everyone cheers the contestants on. Contestants are judged on their appearance, poise, and how well they embody an Indian bride. Oftentimes, local stylists are more than eager to help visitors out during this friendly rivalry.

Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake

While the fair does have a significant number of travelers here for fun and entertainment, the festival still has deep spiritual connections. The Pushkar Lake is thought to have been created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus petal on the ground.

Pushkar Lake (or Pushkar Sarovar) is considered one of the most sacred lakes in Hindu mythology. Pilgrims come to this sacred lake to take a holy bath and wash away their sins or possible diseases during this blessed month.

Pick up unique souvenirs

The state of Rajasthan is popular for its colorful textiles and handicrafts. And, what better place to showcase the region’s skills and buy a piece of artistic heritage than right here? Buy these and many other souvenirs at the Pushkan Fair, which offers many stalls, markets, and bazaars for you to explore.

The Sarafa Bazaar and Kedalganj Bazaar feature many stalls set up by local vendors and rural families, where you can go in search of necklaces, anklets, bells, paintings, pottery, patchwork, leather goods, and unique ornaments. The fair also showcases the crafts of blue pottery and the famous Rajasthani puppets.

Beyond these dazzling sights for your eyes, you can also enjoy a feast for your tastebuds by sampling multi-ethnic and local dishes – a great opportunity awaits to soak up the region’s bold flavors.

Enjoy traditional performances

During the fall, the town comes alive, and Pushkar is filled with cultural performances by locals showing off their traditional clothing, folk dances, music performances, and acrobatic shows. It is a fantastic group experience, with people and animals alike joining in on the fun.

Traditional Rajasthani dances such as kalbeliya and ghoomar are distinct and explicitly performed for special celebrations like weddings. Bowed and string instruments like the South Asian sarangi and dholak are used to accompany the fluid movements and vibrant costumes.

Cultural performances also include puppet shows that give you an enchanting look into the region’s century-old history. The age-old craft of creating puppets from wood is known as kathputli, and works as a fun way to pass over folk tales to younger generations.

Local travel tips for a smooth vacation in Pushkar, India

• Dress respectfully when visiting the few temples in the area. Consider traditional Indian attire that covers your shoulders, chest, and legs.
• Be wary of scams where people may offer you petals, flowers, or red bracelets and ask for payments afterwards.
• At the Brahma Temple, you can give donations. But, only do so in the official boxes at the temple to avoid scams.
• Pushkar is a popular wedding destination, often celebrated with loud noise, like music and fireworks. Be prepared for the noise, even if you stay outside the town, or bring earplugs.
• No alcohol, eggs, or meat is allowed within 1.24 miles (2km) of the Brahma Temple.

FAQs about the Camel Festival in India

Read our answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Pushkar camel festival, and be sure to get in touch with our local agents if you’re curious to learn more.

In which state of India is the Pushkar Mela held?

The Pushkar Mela is held in the state of Rajasthan, near Ajmer city. The state is well-known for its eye-catching architecture, rich royal heritage, and spirited culture. It is also renowned for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaipur City, where intricate architecture draws crowds from all around the world.

Why is the Pushkar Camel Fair famous?

The Pushkar Festival is one of India’s festival highlights simply because of its sheer size. It’s the largest camel fair in the world, and is a highly enjoyable riot of cultural events, folk performances, and unique competitions all at one time.

What is the specialty of the Pushkar Mela?

The Pushkar Mela combines livestock trading and a grand camel market. Pilgrims also gather here to dip in the Pushkar Lake and visit the nearby temples.

Why is Pushkar famous among foreigners?

Pushkar is popular among international travelers because it’s a unique cultural experience that enjoys a superb spiritual atmosphere. During the five-day fete, guests can expect colorful markets, traditional music, folk songs, dancing, and makeshift tents. The surrounding areas also offer adventure activities like visits to heritage sites and lakes, as well as thrilling ATV rides.

Which god is famous in Pushkar?

The most celebrated deity in Pushkar is the Hindu creator god, Lord Brahma. According to ancient legend, it was this spiritual deity that created the town when a lotus flower fell from his hand while he was performing a sacred ritual.

In turn, Pushkar is home to one of the few Brahma Temples in India. Because of this, the city has become a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus seeking spiritual merit and blessings.

Make it happen

The Pushkar Fair is a riot of colors, sounds, and movement deeply rooted in traditions and spirituality. Whether you’re visiting for the enchanted folk performances, a dip in the sacred lake, or simply for a laugh at the moustache competition, this festival offers all. Get in touch with our local experts in India for help fitting a visit to this festival into your personalized trip.