| Vikram Samwat (Lunar Calendar) |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
| 7-15 Kartik - S |
29Oct-5Nov |
17-24 Nov |
5-13 Nov |
25Oct- 2Nov |
13-21 Nov |
Of singular importance is the annual fair held at Puskar,
near Ajmer. Tens of thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters
of the Puskar lake. Legend has it that the lake appeared miraculously on the
spot, where petals of a lotus blossom fell from the hands of Lord Brahma,
the creator. As the site of a rare temple of lord Brahma, Pushkar has an
atmosphere of an ancient religious town, peaceful and secluded. Holy men,
called sadhus can be seen meditating.
But, for twelve days in the month of kartik, it is transformed into a
spectacular fair ground. This cattle fair is overwhelming in its magnitude
and in its visual impact. Here traders set camp to strike deals for cattle,
camels and horses. You can join in too, if only to share a glass of tea.
Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares in hundreds of stalls. Graceful
camels raced and paraded are also bought and sold. Gaily canopied booths
selling smacks, sweetmeats, ice crushes, bangles, brassware, cloth and camel
saddles and halters are a photographer's delight. In the evening, the entire
atmosphere reverberates with the ringing of bells. Meanwhile, at the
camel-camp, the silhouettes of camels against the sunsets are memorable.
At night, hundreds of small oil lamps placed on green leaves,
set the lake alight floated by worshippers after the arti puja, this act of
worship is called " DEEPDAN"
Facilities In Pushkar Fair: A special tourist village complex is
set up by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to cater to the
rush. This not only offers tented accommodation, but also has a round-the
clock Coffee shop, Dining Hall, Tourist information Counter, Foreign
currency Exchange counter, Post office and Medical aid facilities. Offer
combines also provide tented accommodation.
T
he
RTDC puts up a tourist village during the fair. This self-sufficient camp
can cater to 1500 guest, all looked after with service and facilities like
comfortable tents, coffee shop, post and telegraph and entertainment.
The Royal Camp captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age of the
Maharaja's safari and shikar camps. The Camp consists of 80 custom made
tents each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom. All amenities and fittings
have been created for maximum comfort. There is a large dining tent serving
the best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent with seating
areas. The campfire is the focal point for the evening entertainment
programmed and rhythms of the Thar-music, dancing, magic shows, puppet
shows, jugglers, flaming torches and camel parades. The experience of such
fine camp living could be enjoyed at Pushkar and Nagaur.
Note
that demand for accommodation during the fair is very high and tourists are
advised to prebook their rooms much in advance.
