The Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar, India, is celebrated at the beginning of the Hindu month of Kartik, and this year, it's from November 1 to 9.
The Pushkar fair is not just a fair, it is a festival where camels, cattle, horses and humans, all come together to celebrate. The seven-day colourful, unique exhibition not only attracts tourists from all over the country but from across the globe. Apart from trading livestock, the main attractions of the fiesta are camel and horse races, cultural performances, exhibitions, magic shows, different competitions, and much more. Here are some facts you need to know about this mela:
The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or Pushkar Mela, as it is locally known, is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar.
The fair starts with the Hindu calendar month of Kartik and ends on the Kartik Purnima, which typically overlaps with late October and early November in the Gregorian calendar.
It is one of the world's largest cattle fairs.
Apart from trading livestock, it is an important pilgrimage season for Hindus to the Pushkar lake.
Along with the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction. The Pushkar fair alone attracts over 200,000 visitors.
The fair witnesses competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’. Recently, the fair has also included an exhibition football match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists.
Religious Importance of Pushkar Fair
This wonderful event also possesses a religious significance. During the Pushkar Fair, the pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. This is the auspicious time of the year, as it is believed that if someone takes a holy bath on the day of the full moon, that person receives special blessings. It is also believed that it brings good fortune and washes away all sins.
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