The very famous and popular Pushkar Mela is one of the most celebrated fairs in Rajasthan. It is visited by Indians and foreigners alike and has a more than average stand out every year. Celebrated over a period of five days, it is the largest camel fair in the world.
As per Hindu mythology, the Gods left a swan with a flower in its beak and the place where the swan dropped the flower became scared as Lord Brahma performed a yagna there. This place was named Pushkar or ‘to be born due to a flower’. Since then, it is one of the holiest places in India for Hindu worship.
Pushkar fair has been going on for decades and the significance of the fair is intertwined with the uniqueness the town. It is the world’s largest camel fair with about 50,000 camels in one ground being traded by tradesman from far and wide. They are both sold and exhibited. Apart from the camels, other animals like horses, cows, sheep and goats are also traded here. To add to the festivity and colour of the fair there are competitions amongst colorfully ornate camels.
Besides the camel fair, the Pushkar mela is known for its cultural events where many stalls are set up to celebrate the vibrant Rajasthan. Traditional jewelry, typical Rajasthani attire and tattoo artists arouse the ethnic charm of the state while folk music and dance add to the glamour of the show with all the visitors especially foreigners dancing to the beats of Rajasthani music.
Though camel trading is one of the prime purposes for the fair, religious pilgrimage is also an important aspect of it. Thus, on the finale day of the Pushkar mela, all visitors and tradesman take a dip in the mythological significant Pushkar Lake.
So get set to be enthralled by the varied flavours of Rajasthan seen at this historic place of Pushkar. You will surely be mesmerized.