PUSHKAR MELA

Rajasthan, the land of fairs and festivals is famous world over for the eclectic, vibrant and most colourful fairs that are held all the year round. Each fair has a central theme that it revolves around and has its own significance too. But Pushkar Fair sure wears the crown when it comes to the popularity of these fairs. Not just is the fair popular among the village folks who come here for religious reasons but also among farmers and animal traders who visit the fair to trade into cattle and livestock. But the star of the “Pushkar Mela”, as it is referred to in local parlance, remains the ship of the desert, the camel! Read on to take a tour through this amalgamation of colour, culture, tradition, celebration and festivities.

Pushkar is a sacred town situated 530 metres above sea level in the enchanting valley of the Aravali hills. It is about 11 kilometers northwest of Ajmer in Rajasthan. The holy town has a central lake , The Sarovar which is surrounded by as many as 500 temples all around. But the most important temple here is the one dedicated to Lord Brahma, The Creator God in Hinduism. In fact, till recent times it was only in Pushkar that one could find a Brahma Temple, now though a couple more have been constructed elsewhere too. The lake is about ten meters deep and gets its water supply from the rains. It is surrounded by mountains on the three sides. The Hindu Scriptures describe Pushkar as "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC. Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a holy dip, especially around Kartik Poornima when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse one of sins and cure skin diseases.

A Pashu Mela or the animal fair is also held at the same time as the 'Pushkar Mela’. The fair is held from 'Kartik Shukla Ekadashi' (11th day of the moon) to 'Kartik Purnima' (full moon night). The Kartik Poornima is of utmost importance for people who visit Pushkar for a religious reason. The water in the lake on this day is considered to acquire miraculous healing powers and people throng the ghats to take a holy dip. It is believed that any ailment or disease gets cured if one takes a dip in the lake on this day.

The local Govt. authorities organise events on each day of the Pushkar Mela. The calendar of the events is released a month in advance from the date of the commencement of the fair. There are fun filled races held for each section of the society. While the women can run with a pitcher of water in the matka race, the men can proudly show-off their moustaches in the moustache competition. Musical evenings enliven the atmosphere of this quaint holy town which buzzes with life during these 9 days of the famous Pushkar Mela.

The stadium in Pushkar turns into the arena for these multi cultural programmes. Classical dancers, folk dancers, Drum and Nagada Troupes, Dancing Horses and Camels, Sufi singers, folk singers all vie for a spot under the arch lights of the magnificent stage set up for the Mela in the arena. Of all the activities that are organised here, the maximum draw is of the Dulha-Dulhan Show where tourists are encouraged to participate dressed as Indian groom and bride and compete for a prize. Another crowd puller is the turban tying competition where men compete to tie that perfectly perched turban in as less time as possible.

Pushkar attracts crowds from all across the world, some come for religious reasons, some for buying or selling camels, horses, cattle and other household and farming wares, but there is a big number of tourists who flock Pushkar to witness this extravaganza of fun and frolic going hand in hand with business. Photography walks, heritage walks, culinary walks and shopping walks are the usuals for the tourists along with henna tattoo making, yoga classes, art classes, cycling excursions, horse riding and camel riding with camel cart riding as well. You would meet the masquerade champs too who dress up as Indian Gods and Goddesses and will oblige you with a picture for a tiny treat or a paltry cash reward. 

Evenings at Pushkar are enchanting to say the least. Colourful play of reflected lights on the still water of the lake, reverberation of Aarti, bells and conch coming from afar skimming the waters to reach your ears, hunger-inducing aromas wafting through the air and people with a skip and dance in their feet everywhere - that’s a Pushkar evening for you.

A shout out to the foodies of the world to savour mouth watering Maal Puas and traditional Dal Bati Churma. There’s Falooda, Lemonade, Chhaas and Ice creams to keep you cool during the sunny days. Hot Jalebis and Rabri, Samosas and Kachori with Kadhi make for a fantastic breakfast or evening snack. The many restaurants by the lake and in the market also serve up international favourites like Pizza, Pasta, Falafels, Tacos and the likes. And the masala chai with a liberal amount of milk is a must-have.

When visiting Pushkar, the must dos include participating in one of the fun events in the arena, observing the nuances of animal trading, savouring the local flavours, paying your respects at the Brahma Temple, spending a quiet evening at the ghats observing the goings around and very important (!) , stock up your collection of leather bags and multi hued bangles made in lac (lacquer).

Pushkar is the Festival for you and me and everyone!