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The
Pushkar Camel Fair
is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in
the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural
India flock to Pushkar, along with Camel and Cattle for several
days of live stock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and
religious festivities.
This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully
dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders,
comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair.
According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of
Kartika (October or November) beginning on ashtmi 8th day of
Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima). The
Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of
festival period. During the later half, religious activities
dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar"
lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation.
This
small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as
rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of
art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for Cattle, Camel
and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items
are the best bargain for buying souvenir. The Camel and Horse
races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are Quite
popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk
dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows
to the roaring and applauding crowds.
Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience
for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows,
films and magazine. According to lonely planet -"Its truly a
feast for the eyes.
If you are any where within striking distance at the time, Its
an event not to be missed." Foot print India handbook 200 I
writes- "The huge mela is Pushkar's biggest draw an
unforgettable experience."
Shilpgram:
During the fair, arts & crafts exhibition cum sale is organised
at 'Shilpgram', situated at RTDC Tourist Village Campus. Crafts
persons & artisans from allover Rajasthan & nearby states
participate to exhibit and demonstrate their art & talent.
Where to Stay:
R. T.D.C. provides the range of tourist hotels in Ajmer, namely
Khadim and Sarovar and Tourist Village in Pushkar. There are
good numbers of luxury, moderate, heritage and budget hotels for
comfortable stay. The Department of Tourism and many private
operators pitch luxury tents during Pushkar Fair.
For boarding & accommodation, please contact Tourist Reception
Center, Hotel Khadim, Ajmer
How to Reach:
Air -nearest airport is Jaipur, which is connected with major
cities. A newly built air strip at Kishangarh can cater to small
charter flights. Helipad at Ghooghra (Ajmer) and Devnagar
(Pushkar) can cater to clients travelling by helicopter.
Rail -Ajmer is well connected by Rail to all-important cities.
Pushkar is just 12 Km. away from Ajmer.
Road -Ajmer is well connected to important cities of Rajasthan
and country. Jaipur-145 Km., Delhi-415 Km., Mumbai-900 Km.,
Ahemadabad-520 Km., Jodhpur-205 Km., Bikaner-265 Km., Nagaur-1
SO Km., Jaisalmer-475 Km., Merta-70 Km., Bundi-180 Km., Kota-220
Km.
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