If you haven’t yet experienced the vibrant Pushkar Mela, you’re truly missing out on one of Rajasthan’s most iconic events. Known globally as the camel fair in Pushkar, this annual festival is a lively, colorful celebration that brings together people from all walks of life to witness the spectacle of thousands of camels, horses, and cattle. All you have to do is book a Savaari cab from Jaipur to Pushkar and feast your eyes on one of the greatest tribal gathering in India. The Pushkar Mela has been going strong for over a century, making it not only one of the oldest but also the most famous camel fair in Pushkar and beyond. More than just a fair, it’s a full-blown cultural festival with music, dance, competitions, and rituals that showcase the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
What exactly is Pushkar Mela all about?
The greatest tribal gathering in India, Pushkar Mela, takes place every year in November from Karthik Ekadashi to Karthik Purnima as per the Hindu calendar. The fair has two essential components-camel trading and religious rituals.
Camel trading is the main highlight and hence takes place at the beginning of the festival. Gradually, the focus of the fair shifted from trading, competitions and activities to religious ceremonies during the last few days. The fair includes activities such as camel racing, horse shows, cow and horse beauty contests, acrobatics, camel safaris, and a plethora of other exciting events to entertain visitors who come to enjoy the fair from different corners of the world.
It is believed that 330 million Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu religion had come to Pushkar Lake on the full moon night to sanctify the pious. As a result, thousands of pilgrims come to Pushkar to commemorate the event and redeem themselves. Pushkar is also one of the five dhams or sacred places that are revered by the Hindus.
Sacred traditions and cultural festivities at Pushkar Mela
During the vibrant Pushkar Mela, pilgrims and villagers from across India gather at this revered destination to take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake and offer prayers to Lord Brahma. This nine-day camel fair in Pushkar showcases the true essence of Rajasthani culture, with captivating events like puppet shows, mustache competitions, camel races, Matka Tod contests, camel parades, and mesmerizing dance performances. The Pushkar Fair (Mela) brings together the rich heritage and spirit of Rajasthan, making it an unmissable experience.
Here are some more reasons why you should not miss the Pushkar Mela this year –
- You get to witness the beauty of Rajasthan in the truest sense of the term.
- You get to participate in some of the most interesting events and competitions.
- Some of the most famous fusion bands of India come to perform at the festival.
- You get a chance to witness camel trading. (I am the most excited for this one)
- Hot air balloons. Need I say more?
The Pushkar Mela 2024 fair will be held from November 9th to 15th, during the auspicious time of Kartik Purnima, a full moon night that holds spiritual importance.
Highlights of this year’s Pushkar Festival
While each day is loaded with fun-filled activities, they are also specially designed and planned to give tourists a great time on the grounds. Take note of these activities so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Day 1: Harmony Marathon, Hot Air Balloon Flights, and a renowned band will be playing to call the day off.
Day 2: Langri Taang, Camel decoration along with a dance contest, and sunset safari at the dunes.
Day 3: An exciting horse dance contest, Shilpgram Handicrafts Bazaar, and an evening full of cultural activities.
Day 4: A spiritual Walk from Gurudwara to Mela Ground and cultural performances on the ground.
Day 5: A cricket match, Mustache competition, turban tying, and kite flying.
Day 6: Matka race, musical chair, and a host of other cultural activities.
Day 7: Adventure activities.
Day 8: Mega cultural event & closing ceremony, Matka race, Camel race, and Kala Jattha.
Day 9: An auspicious day with locals taking dips in the holy lake along with other religious activities.
Things to do at Pushkar Mela
1. Shop till you drop
Set up by rural artisans, the Shilpgram is a great stop to buy souvenirs and take memories home from the fair. From traditionally handcrafted jewellery to gorgeous paintings and classic leatherware to pretty puppets, there is a lot you can buy from here.
2. Hop on that hot air balloon for sure
One of the most thrilling activities at Pushkar is the hot air balloon ride to get a fantastic panoramic view of the place. However, this is not for the faint-hearted.
3. Camping
Camping in Pushkar is not ordinary camping. It is an entirely different affair with large luxury tents. The tents have all the facilities including butler service. People from all over the world come to camp under the full moon in the dunes.
4. Camel Safari
You cannot go to Pushkar and miss out on this one. No better way to jump into the action! Many locals will be keen to offer a camel cart ride for a negotiable fee. Perhaps the best way to comb the area as you ride past clusters of locals and traders selling camels. You will spot women and children decked up in their traditional finery and jewellery – all ready to pose for a photograph. Do take their permission before taking a photo though – many expect payment in return.
5. Participate in the photography contest
If you’re a photography enthusiast at heart, it’s time you let the world see your talent and win a prize for it as well. Of all the things to do at Pushkar Mela, participating in ‘Frame The Fair’ being organized by the Rajasthan Tourism and E Factor Entertainment is one thing you must definitely try.
6. Forget about your diet here
While everything at the fair might look too expensive, know that it’s definitely worth a try, especially the local cuisines like Dal Bhati Churma. There is a food street in Pushkar, where you can try out local savouries as well as sweet delicacies. It is located at Gau Ghat. Top-rated restaurants and cafes include Out Of The Blue, The Laughing Buddha Café, Funky Monkey Café and Pink Floyd Cafe Sunset Café.
How to reach the Pushkar Fair
Situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan on the shores of Pushkar Lake, the town is easily accessible by all modes of transport.
By Air:
Connected to all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport to Pushkar. Upon reaching the airport, you can take a bus or hire a cab to cover 146 kilometers to reach the town.
By Train:
The closest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer, which is located some 11 kilometers away from the town. If you’re traveling from Delhi or Jaipur, you can take the Shatabdi or the Pink City Express to reach Ajmer from where you can take a taxi to Pushkar.
By Road:
Connected to major roadways and highways in India, Pushkar can be reached easily by taking any regular bus from Ajmer, Indore, Jaipur, and Nagda. Or you can also take your own car and drive directly to this vibrant town.
So, whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the Pushkar Mela always has something new and unforgettable to offer. Each year, the camel fair in Pushkar grows more vibrant, with fresh events and even more lively celebrations that deepen its charm. Download the Savaari app, book a car rental, and make your journey as memorable as the destination itself. Don’t wait—plan your visit and immerse yourself in this extraordinary Rajasthani tradition that continues to capture hearts from around the world.
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
