The small and often tranquil city of Pushkar, located in eastern Rajasthan,
turns into a major centre of activities of devotion, fair, music and dance
in the month of November every year, the reason:
the Pushkar Fair.
The city of Pushkar is settled alongside the banks of Pushkar lake, which is
surrounded by the hills on its three sides and sand dunes on the other. This
picture perfect scenery sets and amazing backdrop for the annual event of
Pushkar Fair with lots of frolic, pilgrimage and recreations in the north
Indian state of Rajasthan.
The annual event of Pushkar fair attracts thousands of visitors from India
and abroad to witness its main features like camel fair and camel sports,
traditional dance shows, trade exhibitions and the Brahma temple which is
believed to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma (the
creator of the world as per the Hindu mythology). Among the attractions of
the Pushkar Fair, one more thing deserves mention here, the 52
bathing ghats surrounding the Pushkar lake in which the devotees take ritual
dip to seek the blessings of almighty.
Importance of
Pushkar City
The city of Pushkar is considered one of the five revered dhams for
pilgrimage and holds high importance among the Hindu community. According to
the Hindu mythological references Pushkar was the very city where Lord
Brahma performed Yagna (a fire sacrifice) and as per an another legend,
during the battle between Lord Brahma and demon Vajra Nabh, the latter was
killed by the lotus flower of Lord Brahma and few petals fell down on the
earth, from where the lakes around Pushkar sprang up. Pushkar is also known
as a city of pilgrimage consisting of 52 ghats, with a unique quality
attached to the each one, and over 500 temples among which the Brahma Temple
which is the only temple of its kind in the world.
Colors of Pushkar Fair
The native males of the Pushkar city with flamboyant turbans and
traditional Rajasthani costumes reaching the annual fair of Pushkar for the
camel trading and the ladies dressed up in their fine colorful attires
alongwith armful of bangles, turn the entire landscape of Pushkar into a
splendorous sight. Various small shops and stalls are set up during the
Pushkar fair where handicraft items, traditional crafts, jewellery and
textile products are put on sale. Camel sports, cultural shows and
exhibitions are another features of this massive annual fair that are very
hard to miss.
Attractions of Pushkar Fair
Pushkar Lake
Pushkar lake formed by the lotus petals by Lord Brahma- the creator of
world, is engulfed by the 52 bathing spots (ghats) which are known for their
unique medical benefits. Having a dip in the Pushkar Lake is considered the
most auspicious one to attain the salvation. During the five days long
festivities of Pushkar fair, the lake sees lots of religious fervor by the
devotees amidst the chanting of mantras from the holy scriptures.
Camel Market
The market set up during the Pushkar festival for the trading of Camels and
other domestic animals like goat, cow and horses, are known as one of the
best animals' shopping markets in India. Camels and the other animals are
brought into this market for trading, while some of them are properly
cleaned and finely decorated before they are put on sale. Special events of
Camel racing and parades also see lots of cheers from thousands of
spectators during the Pushkar fair.
Brahma Temple
Among all the temples in Pushkar, the Brahma Temple holds much reverence
for the Hindu pilgrims as it is the only temple in the world that is
dedicated to Lord Brahma (the Hindu God of creation). Every year in the
month of October-November (the Karthika month of Hindu Lunar calendar), a
five days festival is held to honour Lord Brahma. Devotees take bath in the
adjoining Lakes on this occasion which is considered very auspicious as Lord
Brahma and other Gods visit Pushkar to shower their blessings.
How to Reach Pushkar
The city of Pushkar is well connected by all the major means of transport:
By Air: Jaipur- the capital of Rajasthan, is the nearest Airport
lying 131 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer which is 11
km away. Ajmer is well connected to the rest of North Indian states.
By Road: Pushkar can be reached through the dense road services
network. The distance between Pushkar and other major cities are:
Jaipur (131 kms)
Delhi (392 kms)
Ahmedabad (526 kms)
Jaiselmer (490 kms)
