Published 07:51 IST, November 5th 2019
Pushkar Mela: All you need to know about the famous 'Camel fair'
Pushkar Mela kick-started on November 4, Monday. If you plan on visiting Rajasthan, here is everything you need to know about this widely celebrated festival.
The famous annual Pushkar fair of Rajasthan, widely known as Pushkar Mela, began on Monday, November 4 and saw a gathering a huge mass of people across the country and also from abroad. It is for the first time that the nine-day international fair started with the worship of Pushkar Sarovar. The fiesta of Pushkar Mela is not only about trading the livestock, but about the camel and horse races, cultural performances, art exhibitions, magic shows, longest moustache competition, and so much more. According to reports, this fair is renowned for being one of the world’s largest cattle fairs. If you plan on visiting this camel fair, here is everything you need to know about this festival.
All you need to know about the festival of Pushkar Mela
Dates and location
The camel fair, also known as the Pushkar Mela, is held in the town of Pushkar in November at the time of Kartik Purnima. It kick-starts from November 4 and commences around November 12, majorly on the auspicious day of the full moon in Kartik month. The week-long festival is held in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. Being one of the oldest fairs in India, Pushkar Mela is held in Pushkar Fair ground, near Pushkar lake.
Sitting area and gatherings
Reports say that there is a special elevated sitting arena, which allows the visitors to get a top view of the whole camel fair as the opening ceremony is celebrated with utmost grandeur which the visitors do not want to miss on. The ceremony gathers hundreds of beautifully adorned camels and horses mounted by riders in aesthetic traditional Rajasthani outfits.
Significant aspects
The story behind the origin of Pushkar is truly captivating. According to reports, the sand dunes of Pushkar, during Pushkar Mela, appear in the carnival mood, signifying a varied essence and texture. This cultural extravaganza brings the whole of Rajasthan together. Numerous musicians, folk dancers and acrobats lighten up the spirits and entertain the guests in traditional ways. Some of the significant must-watch events of the festival include hot air balloon flights, handicraft exhibitions, cultural dances and half marathon from Ajmer to Pushkar.
As per various reports shared about this camel fair, one must definitely pay a visit to this culturally rich Pushkar Mela. It takes you on a ride, introducing the Pushkar culture, ethics, and all about life in Rajasthan. Jaipur International Airport is around 150 km away from Pushkar. Buses and taxis are also available. You can also opt for railways. The closest railway station is Ajmer and is approximately 20 km from Pushkar.
Updated 12:15 IST, November 5th 2019