Pushkar Fair, one of the most famous events in India, is a massive congregation of camels, cattle, livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and moviemakers. This event, popularly known as Pushkar Camel Fair, takes place in the little town of
Pushkar in
Rajasthan for five days starting from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the month Kartik (October-November).
Each year scores of people bring with them thousands of camels and cattle for livestock trading and the place soon gets converted into the biggest camel market in the world. The place becomes an extraordinary swirl of color, sound and movement, thronged with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and devotees. Various cultural events including folk dances and songs take place during the fair. Different cultural and sports competitions are also held, which charges the excitement of the people. Delicious cuisines are sold in stalls. Various riding equipments, jewelry, brassware, bangles and ethnic handicrafts are also sold.
One of the important rituals that take place is the piercing of a camel's nose. It is believed that during the fair all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devotees.
Pushkar Lake, situated here, is considered holy and devotees come here to have a holy dip in the sacred waters of the lake. The only Brahma Temple of India is situated at Pushkar.
