Reflecting the vibrant culture of Rajasthan through sparkling activities and events, the 100 years old Pushkar Mela is definitely one of the most famous and largest camel fairs in the world. From letting you witness the beauty of the golden sand to embracing the vibes of Rajasthani culture, this fair is a land of colors you must visit.
With multiple reasons for why you should attend the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan at least once in your life, here’s all the essential information about this popular fair, what’s different, and why you need to book your Rajasthan trip right away!
Schedule Of The Pushkar Mela
One of the common question of the visitors is where is pushkar fair held? The famous five-day fair is being held for seven days this year during the auspicious time of Kartik Purnima and will begin with a Harmony Marathon in Pushkar, Rajasthan 15 km away from Ajmer at 6:30 AM on day one. This zeal-filled run is a great initiative for celebrating the uniqueness of the incredible state of Rajasthan, and you can be a part of it, too. This grand Celebration includes camel races, cultural performances, competitions and religious rituals.
A Camel race starts off the event with music, songs, exhibition to follow on the banks of Pushkar lake. One of the key highlight or attraction of this event is how the camel is able to bring the items. in order to this, the men go up on the group of camels one after another.
The Pushkar Mela will culminate with a Maha Aarti on the Pushkar Lake followed by sparkling fireworks on the High-Level Bridge.’
Dates: 9th November 2024 to 15th November 2024
Timings: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
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Highlights Of The Pushkar Fair
While every day of the Camel Fair at Pushkar 2024 is loaded with fun and cultural events, each day has a specialty that will enhance your experiences. The true beauty of Rajasthan’s culture is best reflected through every bit of this fair, and so it’s essential for you to make a note of the following highlights of all the events happening every day so that you don’t miss out on anything.
Day 1: Harmony Marathon by more than 25000 camels, Hot Air Balloon Flights, and a renowned band (preferably Indian Ocean) will be playing to call the day off. Thousands of beautifully dressed camels are the focal points from dances and parades to peasants and auctions at this fair.
Day 2: Cattle owners from across the state bring their beautiful cattle, including cows, horses, goats, and sheep, in colourful clothing for trading.
Day 3: Amazing cultural performances, such as folk dances, acrobats, matka phod competitions, and bride-and-groom contests.
Day 4: Moustache competitions on the ground, where long and thick Moustaches are a matter of pride for the Rajasthani men.
Day 5: Purchase local products as souvenirs from the colorful stalls of the Pushkar fair. These include Rajasthani garments, bags, jewellery, toys, brassware, decorative pieces, and a handicraft collection.
Day 6: Engage in religious activities, such as bathing in the holy Pushkar lake, participating in maha aarti, and other rituals like Deepandaan and Pushkar Abhishek.
Day 7: Adventure activities in the adventure zone include magic shows, turban tying, tilak contests, tug-of-war, live music, carousel rides, and other interesting activities.
Day 8: Mega cultural event & closing ceremony, Matka race, Camel race, and Kala Jattha
Reasons For Visiting Pushkar Fair
- It helps you witness the beauty of Rajasthan like a local
- Lets you be a part of entertaining competitions and events
- You get to listen and watch the most famous fusion bands of India
- It lets you experience the fun of staying in luxury and old-school style camps
- You get to witness the trading of camels
- Helps calm the adventurer in you with a range of pulsating activities
- It lets you witness the magical desert from up in the air
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Top Things To Do At Pushkar Fair
Here are the interesting things you can do at the Pushkar Mela:
1. Shop For Paintings And Jewelry
Set up by rural artisans, the Shilpgram is a great stop to buy souvenirs and take memories home from the fair. From traditionally handcrafted jewellery to gorgeous paintings and classic leather ware to pretty puppets, there is a lot you can buy from here. Explore these stalls and purchase some of the famous traditional products that acts as a perfect souvenier and gifts for your loved ones.
Cost for paintings and jewellery: INR 2000 onwards
Key Highlights: range of intricately designed products like patchwork garments, rajasthani footwear, printed textiles, and silver jewellery.
2. Get Your Adventure Game on
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Enjoying an aerial view of the fair from a hot air balloon flight, indulging in Paramotoring, quad biking, and taking a camel safari are some of the best ways to calm the adventurer in you while you’re soaking the warmth of the desert. Get ready, hop on, and explore the city while you’re at the Pushkar Camel Fair India. This place is also surrounded by some of the best resorts in largest camel fair in the world.
Cost of the activities: The cost of these activities range from INR 4, 000 to INR 18,000.
Duration of the adventures: 20 to 30 minutes
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3. Participate In The Photography Contest
If you’re a photography enthusiast at heart, it’s time you let the world see your talent and win a prize for it as well. Of all the things to do in Pushkar Mela, participating in ‘Frame The Fair’ being organized by the Rajasthan Tourism and E Factor Entertainment is one thing you must definitely do!
Top spots for photography: Nag pahar, the main fair, pap mochani temple, pushkar lake.
Cost of the contest: no fees
4. Witness Or Be A Part Of Fun Competitions
From competitions like Mustache Contest to Matka Race, and Camel Dance to Bride & Groom Contest, there is a long list of events happening throughout the Pushkar Mela. Apart from just witnessing them from a distance, you can also participate in them and make unforgettable memories. This is also one of the best things to do in Pushkar for a great trip.
Cost of the competitions: depending on the type of activities and number of persons.
Duration of the activities: November 9 to November 15
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5. Indulge In Pushkar’s Local Delicacies
If you are a gourmand, then you are in for a treat when you relish some of the finest delicacies of the Pushkar Mela from different parts of the world. The delectable Rajasthani food steals the show, especially the lip-smacking dal baati churma. While everything at the fair might look too expensive, it’s worth a try. It’s the best time to indulge in the food specialities of Pushkar, and you can relish it throughout your trip to the Pushkar Mela in Rajasthan.
Top dishes to try: Gulkand lassi, dal baati churma, Malpua, gulab jamun, Jalebi, samosa, kadhi kachori, ker sangri, etc.
Types of cuisines: Rajasthani, Chinese, Lebanese and Italian.
Other Places To Visit In Pushkar
While you’ll already be in awe of the town during the Pushkar Festival, here are some of the top places which you must definitely explore to see the what makes this town a true marvel.
1. Pushkar Lake
Renowned as one of the most sacred lakes in Rajasthan, this place is a paradise for every type of traveller. The serenity encircling the lake is worth experiencing, and so it the beauty of watching the sunset and sunrise from here. The Lake has a total 52 bathing ghats and water around the each ghats has the special medicinal powers. This is evidenced by over 500 temples that dot the banks of the Lake. Take a dip in the sacred lake that is believed to cleanse sins and cure any skin diseases.
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
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2. Sarafa Bazaar
Apart from the Shilpgram Bazaar in the Pushkar Mela, the Sarafa Bazaar in the town is one of the best shopping places in Pushkar to visit if you’re a Shopaholic at heart. It offers a variety of items like Rajasthani costumes and puppets, embroidered fabrics, souvenirs, bangles and beads, decorative pieces, curios, embroidered shoes, glass lamps, bags, and more. The Market reflects the cultural and traditional vibrancy of the state, famed for its unique offerings.
Location: vibrant market area of the Pushkar near to the lake and ends at the mela ground.
A 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Rangji Temple
A perfect blend of Mughal, Rajput, and South Indian architecture, this temple is an extraordinary site in the town of Pushkar. Since it is devoted to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is in close proximity to the old markets, it usually stays crowded with innumerable worshippers. The temple is built in south Indian style in 1823 by the Sheth Puranmal. The unique feature about this temple is that all the Pujaris are from the south Indian origin.
Location: FHR4+44Q, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Timings: open 24 hours
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4. Naga Pahar
Being a hill that divides Pushkar from Ajmer, and is rumoured to disappear with time, Naga Pahar is a top tourist attraction in the town. Apart from sitting by the Nag Kund here, you can also admire the breathtaking view of the town from here and capture memories on your camera. Also the Naga kund beleived to have existed on the Naga Pahar. The kund was a home to Vatu, Lord brahaman’s son who stayed on the hill for being a mischief-maker as a punishment by Chyavan Rishi. This attraction has the religious signficance that is famous for the trekking and spiritual walks.
Location: Pushkar subdivision of Rajasthan, India between the towns of Pushkar and ajmer.
Timings: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
5. Rose Garden
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Pushkar is famously known as the ‘rose garden of Rajasthan’, and so there is every reason why visiting the beautiful land with a zillion roses is a must thing to do. The fragrance of these flowers is captivating, and the beauty is breathtaking. Definitely a paradise for nature lovers! The roses are grown by local farmers that come in a variety of colors and fragrances. However some species are sourced from the various parts of the world. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of roses and the Pushkar mela.
Location: Choti Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan
Timings: open 24 hours
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Pushkar Camel Fair Accommodation
There is no doubt that the best accommodation at the Pushkar Camel Fair 2024 are the traditionally styled camps wrapped in modern luxury, which can be availed via The Sky Waltz Camp.
From deluxe non-AC camps to luxury AC camps, a stay here will cost around INR 10,000 and INR 13,000 respectively. Apart from accommodation, the package includes all the meals at the camp, local transfers to the Pushkar Mela ground, VIP seats for the evening concerts, and more.
Apart from Sky Waltz, Camp Bliss also offers luxury tents near the fair in a peaceful gooseberry orchard and offer a magical experience with camps priced around INR 29,500.
Planning your holiday in Rajasthan but confused about what to do? These Rajasthan travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
How To Reach Pushkar Fair
Situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan on the shores of Pushkar Lake, the town is easily accessible by all modes of transport.
By Air:
Connected to all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport to Pushkar. Upon reaching the airport, you can take a bus or hire a cab to cover the distance of 146 kilometers to reach the town.
By Train:
The closest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer, which is located some 11 kilometers away from the town. If you’re traveling from Delhi or Jaipur, you can take the Shatabdi or the Pink City Express to reach Ajmer from where you can take a taxi to reach Pushkar.
By Road:
Connected to major roadways and highways in India, Pushkar can be reached easily by taking any regular bus from Ajmer, Indore, Jaipur, and Nagda. Or you can also take your own car and drive directly to this vibrant town.
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Tips For Visiting Pushkar Fair
- Make sure you book your tickets well in advance, and also the camp to get the most traditional experience during your visit.
- The Harmony Marathon is a great initiative. Do try and be a part of it to add some thrill to your holiday.
- The Shilpgram Handicrafts Bazaar is a haven for Shopaholics, and is home to the best Rajasthani souvenirs. Do visit and shop your heart out.
- Don’t forget to carry your medicines, a mosquito repellant, and a torch.
- Participate in competitions that interest you and indulge in fun to get a closer glimpse of the fair and its festivities.
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The Pushkar Mela is a glocal spectacle that is a must visit for anyone interested in exploring the cultural richness, spirituality or adventure of Rajasthan. The fair will features camel races that are dressed in a beautiful attire and paraded around the fairgrounds. So, are you excited about visiting the Pushkar Mela 2024? If yes, get packed, plan your trip to Pushkar and leave right away for an enticing vacay! Don’t forget to share your experience once you come back from Pushkar with us.
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
