The picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar lies 11 km. from Ajmer. Pushker is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. Accourding to the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a Vedic yajna (sacrifice). While contemplating, lotus fell from his had on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yajna here.

A lively and gigantic fair is held every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon in October-November). About 1,00,000 pilgrims and ascetics from far and near gather here to take a dip in the holy lake.

The fair is also the biggest camel market. Besides camels, horses and bullocks are sold here. The people in their colorful attires enhance the cheerful mood of the fair. Pushkar temples and also has the temples of Lord Brahma this is the only temple dedicated to Brahma. This somewhat somnolent town reverberates with hectic activity during the festivities. To cope with the large-scale attendance, extensive arrangements are made; Gaily costumed enthusiasts rubbing shoulders in the human ocean, hunting around for bargain, shopping engaged in parleys for striking deals in the camel market, savouring an endless month watering delicacies, enjoying the local and dance presentation contribute to enhance the colour of the Rajasthan. A host of cultural progammes are staged to enthrall the audience.

The biggest draws of the events are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet shows are equally attractive and enjoyable.

All the fair and festivals of Rajasthan are celebrates with enthusiasm and vigor, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of a region. Some of the important fairs and festivals are:

Pushkar Fair (Oct.-Nov.): A colorful and lively fair, it is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country held every year at Pushkar on Kartik Poornima (full moon, October-November). The 9-day event is considered to be the most striking animal fair in the world. As the fair has a religious significance too, pilgrims and tradesmen come in thousands from far and near. Hundreds of horses, camels, cows and bulls are brought here to be sold.

The spectacular fair is irresistible. Vendors display their attractive goods and the villagers go on a shopping spree. The stalls sell snacks, sweetmeats, ice crushes, bangles, brassware, camel saddles etc… the list is endless. Colourfully filled by turbaned men and odhni-weaing women, the entire atmosphere is electric and the otherwise serene temple town comes to life.

The Camel & Horse races, parades and other cultural events are organized, which are full of fun and gaiety. After an eventful day, as the sunsets down, the entire atmosphere reverberates with the ringing of bells and prayers in the temples. At night, hundreds of small oil lamps are lit and placed on green leaves and floated on the lake after the Arti Puja (prayers). This act of worship is called `deepdan', and the entire lake is illuminated. The view is simply mesmerizing and is to be seen to be believed.

The fair is a tourist's delight as one experiences a rich display of typical Rajasthani culture and heritage, which has remained unchanged with the passing centuries, taking the visitor back into the pages of history.

Future dates for the Pushkar Fair

2005 8-15 Nov.

2006 29 Oct.-5 Nov.

2007 17-24 Nov.

Tourist Camp - Pushkar Fair: Elaborate arrangements are made by the RTDC during the fair. A Tourist Village is set up, with lodging and boarding facilities provided in deluxe/ordinary tents and huts.


The tourist Village is self-sufficient and especially designed to complement the scenic beauty of the site. It has a coffee shop and a dining hall in the center. Only vegetarian food is allowed here and alcohol is totally prohibited.

The village is arranged in blocks of tents, each with its own identity, and named after the famous dances of Rajasthan. The village also has huts (all double-bedded) with attached western-style toilets and running hot water.

A panoramic view of the entire fair can be enjoyed from here.

Nagaur Fair, Nagaur (Jan.-Feb.)
The sleepy town of Nagaur is awakened to the rumbling and bustling sounds at this time of the year, and the town wears a festive look during the period of the fair. Hundreds of cattle, horses and camels throng the venue, accompanied by their proud turbaned owners and keen buyers, who come here for a good bargain.

Shopping is a delightful experience at the Pushkar Fair. A wide range of Handicrafts is displayed on the roadside stalls making shopping irresistible. A bewildering variety of souvenirs, curios and trinkets are up for sale.

Bead, bangles, embroidered shoes, clothes, shiny brass utensils, belts studded with brass, cloth covers for camels embroidered and embellished with mirrors, colorful saddles, beautifully woven blankets camel leather goods etc., can be purchased.

Air: Nearest airport-Jaipur (146 km)
Rail: Nearest Railhead-Ajmer (12 km)
Road: Well connected by road