Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela)
Thousands of camels on the desert dunes, a sacred lake, and one of the most colorful gatherings in India.
The straight answer
The Pushkar Camel Fair runs for about a week each year in the Hindu month of Kartik, ending on the full moon of Kartik Purnima, which usually falls in November.
The Pushkar Camel Fair, known locally as Pushkar Mela, is one of the largest livestock fairs in the world and one of the great spectacles of Rajasthan. For about a week, herders from across the region bring thousands of camels, horses, and cattle to the dunes on the edge of the small holy town of Pushkar, near Ajmer, to trade and celebrate.
The dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar. The fair builds to Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the month of Kartik, which usually falls in November and occasionally in late October. That full moon is also one of the most sacred days for pilgrims, who bathe in Pushkar Lake.
Two events run side by side: the livestock trading, strongest in the early days, and the religious festival, which peaks with the pilgrims at the full moon. Arrive early in the fair for the camels, stay for the full moon for the pilgrims, and you see both faces of Pushkar.
The event, explained
The trading grounds on the dunes are the heart of the fair in its early days. Camels are groomed, decorated with jewelry and patterned shaved fur, and traded, and herders camp with their animals. Dawn and dusk on the dunes, with the camels silhouetted against the sky, are the photographers' moments.
The mela ground hosts organized events and competitions, including camel races, decorated camel contests, the famous longest moustache competition, turban tying, and folk music and dance performances. The program changes from year to year; check the local schedule on arrival.
Pushkar Lake, ringed by bathing ghats and temples, is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, and the town is home to one of the few temples in India dedicated to Brahma. On Kartik Purnima, pilgrims bathe in the lake at dawn and the ghats fill with devotees and evening prayers.
The town itself is a religious center: alcohol, meat, and eggs are not allowed. Remove shoes near the ghats and dress modestly.
How to play it right
- 01Book lodging three to six months ahead. Pushkar is small, and during the fair temporary tented camps go up on the edge of town, ranging from basic to luxurious. Prices rise sharply.
- 02Arrive in the first days to see the livestock trading at its peak; by the full moon, many herders have left and the focus shifts to pilgrims.
- 03Pushkar is about 30 minutes by road from Ajmer, which has a railway station with trains from Jaipur and Delhi. Jaipur's airport is about three hours by road.
- 04Weather is dry and pleasant during the day, with highs near 86F (30C), but nights in the desert are cool. Bring layers, sun protection, and a scarf for the dust.
- 05Be wary of priests at the ghats offering flowers or blessings, then asking for large donations. Politely decline if you do not want to take part.
- 06Bring cash in small notes. Many stalls and vendors do not take cards, and ATMs can run dry during the fair.
With kids in tow
- Children love the camels, horses, and carnival rides, and camel rides on the dunes are easy to arrange.
- The crowds, dust, and heat can be challenging for small children. Plan outings for early morning and late afternoon and rest in the middle of the day.
- The full moon days are extremely crowded at the ghats. With young kids, visit the lake before or after the peak days.
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Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela), quick answers
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
For about a week in the Hindu month of Kartik, ending on the full moon of Kartik Purnima. That usually falls in November and occasionally in late October. Check the dates for your year.
What is the best time to visit the Pushkar Camel Fair?
The first few days for the livestock trading and camels, and the full moon for the pilgrims and religious ceremonies at Pushkar Lake. Staying for most of the week lets you see both.
How do I get to Pushkar?
Take a train to Ajmer, about 30 minutes by road from Pushkar, or fly into Jaipur and drive about three hours.
Where should I stay during the Pushkar Fair?
In town guesthouses or in the tented camps that go up during the fair. Book three to six months ahead; prices rise sharply.
Can you drink alcohol in Pushkar?
No. Pushkar is a holy town, and alcohol, meat, and eggs are not allowed. Dress modestly and remove shoes near the ghats.
Make a trip of it: Rajasthan
The best time to visit Rajasthan
Best: Nov to Feb
The best time to visit Rajasthan is October through March, and ideally November to February, when days are warm and sunny and desert nights are cool.
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