The Pushkar Fair, or “Pushkar ka Mela,”
Attracts buyers from across India and around the globe. India, a land rich in ancient religions, temples, and associated rituals, hosts thousands of fairs throughout the year, with Pushkar Fair being one of the largest and most significant. To stand out in India’s vibrant festival landscape, a fair must offer something extraordinary, and Pushkar Fair is no exception. Its importance is deeply connected to the unique characteristics of the town of Pushkar, located near the historic city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Notably, Pushkar Fair is recognized as the world’s largest camel fair, gathering around 50,000 camels. The event can be divided into three main categories, each with its own subcategories. First is the Cattle Fair, where not only camels but also horses, cows, sheep, and goats are traded. Colorfully adorned camels compete for prizes, showcasing their beauty and health.
The second category is the Cultural Fair. Here, stalls and shops offer a range of goods for both people and livestock, including clothing, jewelry, and tattoos, all infused with a distinctly Rajasthani flair. The cultural richness of Rajasthan comes alive during the fair through folk dances, music, and puppet shows.
On the final day, participants enjoy a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake, which holds great mythological significance. As the fair grows in popularity, it now attracts an astonishing 185,000 visitors each year, drawn by Rajasthan’s allure and the fair’s unique offerings.
Pushkar is home to the only Brahma temple in the world, making it a sacred site in Hindu tradition, as Brahma is regarded as the Creator of the Earth. The town is also famous for its global cattle fair, especially for camels, making it a hub for the largest gathering of livestock worldwide.