PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
The Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual event held in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. It is one of India’s oldest fairs and has been conducted for over 150 years. Initially, it was held only for trading camels and livestock, but over time, it has evolved into a grand cultural festival. Camels, which were usually kept for farming and transportation, are now used for racing and breeding. The fair attracts thousands of traders from all over India. Naturally, the camels are the center of attraction. They are beautifully decorated and dressed up in colorful blankets, beads, and other ornaments. The fair lasts for a week and culminates on the full moon day of the month of Kartika. This year, the fair lasts from November 20th to 28th.
Years ago, the sand dunes used to be totally covered with almost 50,000 camels. However, the number of camels being sold at the fair has dwindled dramatically, and the fair definitely isn't what it used to be. These days, it's much more commercialized and tourist-focused. The fair has changed from a simple camel fair to a full-fledged cultural festival, including all the rich traditions of this enchanting state. You will be able to witness the best of Rajasthani culture, music, dancing, and food.
Additionally, there are camel races, camel dance performances, traditional puppet shows, and folk music. But the most interesting show is the mustache competition. Rajasthani men are noted for their huge mustaches, and the competition draws a huge crowd of bushy and bristling mustaches!
There is, however, another side to this fair. Pushkar is one of the two places in India which has a temple to Brahma. Pilgrims come to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar lake to be absolved of their sins. The full moon day and the day just before it are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for bathing in the lake. Those who bathe on the day of the full moon are said to receive special blessings. Legend has it that this lake was created by Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale. The lotus changed into a lake. Hence the place got its name “Pushkara,” which has many meanings including “lotus.” This is one of the two temples to Brahma in India so it will be most crowded on this day. The lake has 52 bathing ghats which have steps leading into the water where it would be safe to take a bath. The waters of each of the ghats are said to possess special medicinal powers. There are five hundred temples around the lake. Most pilgrims do a round of the lake visiting all the temples, but the most famous temple on the lake is in the Chandra Ghat dedicated to the Moon god. It is the only temple of its kind. The highlight of the day is the Maha arati, which is held in every ghat, every evening. It is a beautiful scene with huge lighted lamps that are held aloft and waved around in every ghat. The lake shimmers and glows with the reflections of all the lamps. The whole place looks like a wonderland.
For one long week, the sleepy, little town of Pushkar is changed into a fairyland of flowers and lights and songs. When the moon starts to wane after the full moon, the town reverts to normalcy. As with all Hindu festivals, this one also follows the course of the moon since it is the planet that is closest to us and has the most effect on our minds.
Hari Aum Tat Sat!