If you are in search of something unusual with colours that would take your breath away, peculiar customs and the deserts of Rajasthan? The same can be witnessed during the Pushkar Camel Fair india 2024. From camel bridal show to traditional dance and music; from the delicious fragrance of spices to fireworks; all these make this carnival spectacular an extraordinary experience. Read more about this enchanting event and major attractions, experience as well as useful travelling tips in this ultimate Pushkar camel fair guide.
Also read- Culture of Rajasthan: Cuisine, Festivals, History, Music and Dance, Handicrafts
History of The Pushkar Camel Fair india 2024:
Pushkar Mela is one of the examples which shows how culturally rich Puskar is. It is said that the Lord Brahma, who is the god of creation, once let a lotus flower fall on the ground to subdue a demon called Vajra Nabha because he was murdering children. It is said that when petals of the flower fell on the ground water emerged and formed Pushkar Lake. According to Lord Brahma, this place got its name from the flower called Pushkar. Besides, the only temple in the whole world which is dedicated to Lord Brahma is the Brahma Temple in Pushkar.
The zest of the festival since years is to bring together local traders and farmers to sell their produce. In due course, people started including various programs like puppet shows the longest moustache race, craft shops, Matka Phod, and even the bridal competition at this fair. Today, this fair is one of the most visited places by tourists in the whole country.
The Pushkar Camel Fair is not just a fair. It is a festival of life in Rajasthan’s desert tract and a congregation of business, spirituality and tradition. This is an annual fair that is held in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan and lasts a week or so and involves the trading of camels, horses and other livestock, decked up, paraded and traded. On the other hand, the real-world activity of Pushkar Mela would be as follows: Pushkar Mela – being a part of the desert land of Rajasthan – is an eye-opener to the world of traditions and path of those arid lands; Pushkar Mela pulls the hearts of any globe trotter.
Pushkar Camel Fair India 2024 Dates
Pushkar Camel Fair 2024 will be held between 9th November and 15th November 2024, that will be celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. The fair continues up to Kartik Poornima, the full moon night and the last day is considered the most auspicious time for taking a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.
Pushkar Camel Fair India 2024 Timing
Like most fairs, the Pushkar Camel Fair is a round-the-clock event but the most impressive events such as camel racing, cultural troupes, etc take place in the early morning and late evenings. Be prepared for some serious adventures during the less hot hours of the day because the sun can be very strong in the desert.
Pushkar Camel Fair India 2024 Itinerary
Planning your visit to this lively festival is essential to make the most out of it. Here’s a detailed itinerary that will help you experience the Pushkar Fair in its full glory, along with other fantastic locations in Rajasthan.
Detailed Itinerary (Pushkar Camel Fair Rajasthan Tour 7 Nights/8 Days)
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
You will arrive at Delhi at Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3), Then you will be moving to your hotel for a briefing about the next day’s activities. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2: Explore Delhi
Have your breakfast in the hotel. Delhi is a city with many histories and it has a lot of beautiful places to hang out. In the morning drive through New Delhi and take a glimpse at India Gate, President’s House and Parliament House. Then, go out and visit the complex of Humayun’s Tomb along with the Lotus Temple and standing tall Qutub Minar.
In the afternoon visit Old Delhi where you can find Red Fort and one of the largest mosques Jama Masjid which has a capacity of 20000 worshippers. Next, wander around the streets of Chandni Chowk, or take a rickshaw through colourful bazaars. Last of all, go to Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial.
Day 3: Delhi-Agra Drive
Take your breakfast at the hotel before departing for Agra. In the morning leave for Agra and after getting down from the car check into your respective hotel and freshen up. Around 1:7.30 PM visit Agra Fort and Itmad – ud – Daula’s Tomb. visit Agra Fort to watch the sunset for one to glamour over the Shining Pearl –Taj Mahal. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur
After taking your breakfast get down for Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, a city planned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Once in Jaipur, move to your hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 5: Explore Jaipur
Your first tour will be surrounding Jaipur, popularly known as ‘Pink City’. The city is well known for its Rajasthani style of architecture, forts, Carnivals and bazaars. To start with, one visits Amber Fort and you can go around on an elephant.
After that, tourists can go to the City Palace and take a closer look at Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds, Jal Mahal – Water Palace, Albert Museum and Birla Temple. In the evening you can do some shopping and then back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 6: Drive to Pushkar
After breakfast proceed to Pushkar – the famous Camel Fair of Pushkar. On arrival, take some time to accommodate yourself in the air-conditioned camp with private amenities. Your stay includes all meals. Spend the day enjoying all that the fair has to offer in terms of carnival shows and local art such as bangles and other ornaments. Visit, dinner and overnight stay will be in your respective camp.
Day 7: Explore Pushkar
After breakfast, proceed for the second day of the tour to explore the Pushkar Fair further. You will be able to observe the local people dressed in bright colourful traditional costumes, buy some curious souvenirs and try the food. Two prominent places to visit are the Brahma Temple and the Holy Pushkar Lake. All forms of meals will be provided throughout the camp. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 8: Depart Pushkar
In the morning after breakfast, take the luggage and pack everything before departing from the camp. You can take a train and go to Delhi or even drive to the Jaipur airport to board a flight to Delhi or Mumbai.
Major Attractions of Pushkar Fair 2024:
Top 5 Fascinating Features of Pushkar Fair 2024
Camel shows:
It is characterized by camel racing, camel beauty competitions, and decorating camel with various ornaments. It will be possible to see thousands of fully clothed and ornamented camels. Camel parades, as well as dance performances, are also held. You can take pictures with them.
Cattle trade:
It is a melting pot of cattle traders and farmers from various states who bring their camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep to the fair. People come with their cattle dressed very well and adorned for sale during the Pushkar Mela.
Cultural Performances:
This grand fair includes such cultural events as folk dances of Rajasthani, matka phod competitions, acrobatics, and bride and groom competitions. For this purpose, some of the best well-known international and local artists perform here for the tourists.
Longest moustache competition:
Rajasthani men consider the mooch as a valuable part of their body. They also cultivate heavy and long moustaches. Another cultural event of Pushkar Camel Fair is the moustache competition where a large number of men are seen participating.
Souvenirs:
A significant number of rural households were selling artefacts at this fair. They sell jewellery, clothing items, ornaments, camel trinkets, bags, toys and even branded items from their stalls.
A dip in pious Pushkar Lake:
Pushkar also known as the Tirtha Raj–or king of pilgrimages, is the most revered site for Hindus. It is also called “Tirth Raj.” It is believed to be one of the ‘Panch Sarovar’ that is, the five sacred water bodies as per the Hindu mythology. It is a great faith of the Hindus that a dip in this lake can wash of one’s sins and diseases. At Pushkar Mela, you can also witness, and if interested, participate in, rituals like Pushkar Abhishek, as well as observe Maha Aarti.
Things to Do at Pushkar Camel Fair India 2024
There’s no shortage of exciting activities and experiences at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Whether you’re an adventure lover or a cultural enthusiast, here’s what you can enjoy:
- Camel safari can be done on this giant desert as a way of exploring the area while enjoying views of the sunrise and sunset.
- Your visit could be made more fulfilling by fixing accommodation in the big, comfortable, luxurious tents that are arranged in Pushkar Mela. Desert camping is something that you have to try at this fair.
- Any adventurer will definitely appreciate the hot air balloon ride at this fair if he is a fan of adventure. This is a good opportunity to see this desert in the sky view.
- For all the enthusiasts of food, you will find the beauty of Rajasthani food here at the Pushkar Fair. They include Dal Baati Churma, Mirchi Vada, Rabri, and Masala Chai which are all local Indian dishes. This restaurant also offers Chinese, Italian, Lebanese and many other varieties of food items.
How to Visit the Pushkar Festival
Reaching Pushkar is quite easy, and you have several options:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur situated at a distance of one hundred and fifty kilometres from Pushkar. From Jaipur, tourists can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the destination.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is at Ajmer which is only 16 km away from here. It is well connected to city railway stations such as Delhi or Jaipur, so reaching it should not be a problem.
- By Road: There is a good bus service from Jaipur and Delhi to Ajmer and Pushkar. Alternatively, from Ajmer, there are taxis as well as buses that can take you to Pushkar.
As you decide when to visit the Pushkar Camel Fair 2024, be sure that this unique event has a truly magical atmosphere. That includes camel races, colourful dance and music performances, the magical landscape of the desert and, of course, the overall feeling that one is in the heart of Rajasthan.
Which one will you prefer – a camel safari or watching the cultural show beneath the stars? Do let us know what you are looking forward to at the Pushkar Mela.
Also read- Jaipur to Kullu Direct Flight from Oct 14: Timings, Prices & Tour Package
What is the best time to go to Pushkar?
Pushkar is best visited during the festival of Pushkar Camel Fair in November as the town bristles with activities and the climate is also good.
Is Pushkar Mela worth visiting?
Absolutely! The fair is colourful and culturally intriguing, filled with events and camel racing, as well as having deeply religious undertones. It is of special interest to any person who is interested in the traditional way of life in India.
How old is Pushkar Mela?
The Pushkar Mela is as old as several centuries and was basically organized for the purpose of attracting local merchants for camel and cattle buying. It gradually developed into one of the most popular fairs in India.
Why is Pushkar Fair unique?
The main distinct feature of the Pushkar Camel Fair is that it is a spiritually charged, business-oriented event with a strong focus on the lively traditions of Rajasthan. This vibrant and colourful pageantry, which ranges from the camel riding parade to the traditional competitions, gives the fair an ethnic and cultural diversification of India.
