Discover Pushkar Fair India, Schedule for Pushkar Camel Fair 2024

The Pushkar Fair India  is a super fun festival in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, that happens every year between October and November. It’s also called the Pushkar Camel Fair because there are so many camels and other animals there!

People from all over come to buy and sell camels, cows, and sheep. But it’s not just about animals – there are exciting competitions too! They have games like Matka Phod (pot-breaking), a contest for the longest moustache, and even a bridal competition where people dress up like brides! These contests are really funny and everyone loves to watch.

Lately, there’s also a special cricket match where the Pushkar Club plays against a team of foreign tourists. The fair is full of music, dance, and colors. It’s a huge party, and many tourists visit to see all the fun!

Pushkar Camel Fair 2024 India 

• Pushkar Fair 2024: 09 November, 2024 – 16 November, 2024
• Pushkar Fair 2025: 30 October, 2025 – 05 November, 2025

Suggested Read:  Discover Top 6 Most Underrated places in Jaipur Rajasthan, India

Overview:  Pushkar Fair India

The Pushkar Camel Fair, or Pushkar Mela as it is locally known, is one of India’s most unique and vibrant cultural spectacles. Held annually in the sacred town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, this week-long event draws thousands of visitors from around the world, offering a fascinating blend of rural trade, religious devotion, and Rajasthani hospitality.

At its heart, the fair is a livestock market, primarily featuring camels, which are bought and sold by herders and traders from across the region. However, the fair has evolved into much more than just a commercial event. It is now a celebration of local culture, featuring a stunning array of festivals, competitions, folk music, dance performances, and spiritual rituals.

Beyond the bustling trade of camels, the fair provides a chance to immerse oneself in the spiritual atmosphere of Pushkar, with its sacred Pushkar Lake, believed to be created by Lord Brahma.

The fair’s magic lies in its ability to blend the rustic charm of Rajasthan with the entrancing spiritual allure of one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant marketplace, witnessing traditional camel races, or participating in the holy rituals, the Pushkar Camel Fair offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Camels, Music, and Dance at Pushkar Fair

I love traveling and have been to many places in India, but the Pushkar Fair was my favorite! I got to go last year, and it was so much fun. I won’t tell you things you can find on Google, but I will share what made me happy.

At the fair, there are lots of camels and farmers and traders. They have camel races and other fun challenges. Then, there are religious ceremonies at the big lake.

There’s also lots of music and dance. It was like seeing old traditions come alive with bright colors and happy people. The Pushkar Fair is a wonderful and exciting place!

Pushkar Fair India:  Cultural Festival

During these dates, the Rajasthan government sponsors many cultural activities. You can enjoy folk dances, live music, and other traditional performances.

While these events are exciting, you can often experience similar performances at many hotels throughout India with added comfort. If booking through agencies, be cautious; visits specifically to the Camel Fair during this period might not include as many herders or livestock, as they may have already departed.

Pushkar Fair: November 15, 2024

November 15  is the most sacred day of the Pushkar Fair. This is when thousands of Hindu pilgrims gather to bathe in the holy Lake Pushkar. The town becomes very crowded, so it might not be the best day for travelers to join the celebrations. This holy day aligns with Dev Diwali, the Festival of Lights of the Gods, celebrated in Varanasi.

When to Visit Pushkar Camel Festival

For those especially interested in camels and livestock, it’s best to arrive a few days before the official start of the festival. Although the festival dates feature state-sponsored cultural events like dances and performances, camel traders typically arrive and depart earlier.

The early days offer the perfect time to admire the camels adorned in vibrant decorations, along with other livestock in a less crowded setting.

During this quieter period, you can also explore the pop-up market with vendor tents selling unique crafts and souvenirs—a great chance to pick up memorable gifts.

Tips for Foreign Visitors

We recommend booking with an organized tour or a reliable guide to get group discounts on hotels and attractions. Booking directly at nearby hotels can be costly, as they often have high prices during the festival. If you’re okay with basic amenities, budget accommodations often provide good deals without the extra frills.

The Arrival of the Camels

Days before the Pushkar Fair officially begins, the desert dunes come alive as camels, herders, and traders arrive, setting up camp under the open sky.

Each day brings more people and livestock, creating a vibrant pop-up community where energetic trading kicks off. This early period is perfect for those unforgettable, award-winning photos as you can move around freely, capturing the essence of this unique event.

By the fourth or fifth day, the area is bustling with visitors and the lively sounds of camels, cattle, and herders fill the air, crafting an exhilarating atmosphere unlike any other.

Activities and Competitions

As Pushkar Fair reaches its peak, the excitement only grows! Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional competitions and thrilling rides. Watch the lively camel races or cheer on contestants in quirky events like the bridal competitions and the renowned best moustache contest.

The fairgrounds are buzzing with artisan crafts, camel cart rides, and bustling vendors offering unique local goods. Musicians play folk tunes, while gypsy performers add to the vibrant atmosphere.

As trading winds down, herders and their camels start to make their way back to the desert. But the town of Pushkar remains abuzz, especially around the temple areas, as pilgrims pour in for sacred rituals and offerings.

Official events continue, including amusement park rides, folk dances, music shows, and even turban-tying competitions that bring smiles to locals and tourists alike.

Where Holy Men Roam on the Earth

India’s spiritual landscape is rich and alive, and few places capture this mystic side better than the Pushkar Fair. Among the bustle of traders and the colors of decorated camels, you’ll encounter Hindu holy men, known as sadhus or Babas, who roam the fairgrounds and the shores of Pushkar Lake.

These sadhus are recognizable by their distinctive attire, often clad in orange or white robes, with faces marked by ash or paint, representing their devotion to a spiritual path.

The life of a sadhu is far from easy. By renouncing family ties and worldly possessions, they dedicate themselves entirely to pilgrimage and faith, traveling from place to place, relying on small donations to sustain them.

As they make their rounds with modest collection tins, dropping a coin or two is a simple way to support their journey. The sight of these holy men offers visitors a glimpse into the centuries-old tradition.

The Pushkar Lake is one of India’s most revered spiritual sites, with roots that trace back to the Hindu god Brahma. Legend says the lake was born when Brahma dropped a lotus flower here, creating this sanctified spot.

During the Kartika Purnima—the full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik—the Pushkar festival reaches a spiritual climax as countless devotees gather to take a holy bath in the lake’s waters.

This act of bathing is believed to heal ailments and wash away sins, offering a path to Moksha (salvation). The two days surrounding the full moon are the most auspicious for this holy dip, as pilgrims immerse themselves in the lake with deep reverence and faith.

For many, this journey to Pushkar Mela is a chance for spiritual cleansing, reflection, and renewal amidst the fair’s vibrant energy.

Explore the Fair in the Shady Comfort of Caravans

Navigating the vast Pushkar Mela fairgrounds is best done on foot to fully appreciate the bustling stalls and lively tents around.

However, under the desert sun and over heated grounds, this can be challenging, especially for those not accustomed to Rajasthan’s climate.

For a cooler option, join other visitors in caravans, pulled comfortably through the fairgrounds. This way, you stay shaded while still taking in the sights, sounds, and festive energy all around.

If you’re craving an even more scenic perspective, take to the skies with the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which coincides with the Pushkar Fair.

Soaring above, you’ll see the vibrant crowds below, dancers, musicians, and the swirling activity that makes Pushkar so unforgettable. For many, those moments of serene flight over the fair are the most breathtaking part of the experience, giving you a picture-perfect memory of this colorful festival from above.

Enjoying the Performances of the Kalbelia

Amidst the vibrant hustle of pilgrims and camel traders at Pushkar Mela, the spirited Kalbelia, known as the “Snake People,” bring captivating music and dance performances to the festival.

Once a nomadic community, the Kalbelia specialized in handling snakes and creating serums. Though their old way of life has faded due to modernization, their traditions of dance and music have become a celebrated art form, drawing crowds every year.

The Kalbelia people have retained a sense of independence, choosing to reside on the outskirts of town. Their performances at the fair are marked by the sound of the pungi flute—the same type used in snake charming—alongside drums and vocals.

A Kalbelia dancer, adorned in flowing, colorful garments, moves gracefully in mesmerizing, serpentine motions that mimic the cobra’s sway.

The dancer’s back-bend and contortion skills, executed with ease, create an enchanting scene that draws visitors in, making everything else fade into the background.

These performances, rich with cultural significance, provide a rare glimpse into the Kalbelia’s heritage, creating one of the fair’s most memorable and immersive experiences.

A Word of Advice

The renowned Pushkar Mela attracts visitors from all over the world, and it’s no surprise you’d want to experience the magic of this spectacular event.

However, attending the fair on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the customs or the environment. While I’ve grown accustomed to Indian food and traditions, I’ll admit that even for an Indian, there are still moments when certain aspects of the fair can be a bit too much to handle.

To fully enjoy the Pushkar experience, I highly recommend traveling with a companion or a reliable travel company. This way, you’ll have someone guiding you through the maze of food, travel, and accommodations, ensuring you stay comfortable and healthy throughout your visit.

Whether it’s finding the right food, managing the crowds, or securing a safe, comfortable place to stay, having a trusted guide can make all the difference.

Ultimately, the Pushkar Fair offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in India’s vibrant culture, and having the right support will let you enjoy it to the fullest while keeping the experience memorable and stress-free.

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