Pushkar Mela -The Reflection of Rajasthani Culture

27 Jan 2021 by Swati Mamgain

Pushkar Mela

Pushkar is a beautiful town bordering the Thar Desert in the Northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. This pretty town is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake that has several ghats water pilgrims take a bath. Be it serene places, pretty temples, lakes, Pushkar has it all. Pushkar holds hundreds of temples including the 14th century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, devoted to the god of creation. 

Ajmer is the nearest railway station to Pushkar and enjoys a good connection with all the prominent cities of India. One can even reach Pushkar by air. Kishanganj is the nearest airport that is connected with all the prominent cities of India. Pushkar can be reached easily by taking any regular bus from Ajmer, Indore, Jaipur, and Nagda. One can even take one’s car and drive directly to this vibrant town. The aptest time to explore Pushkar is from October to November as the weather is salubrious and very apt for sightseeing. 

It is also the best time to visit as the famous Pushkar Camel Fair is celebrated. Some of the best places to explore here in Pushkar are- Pushkar lake, Merta- the birthplace of Meera Bai, Naga Pahar, Kishangarh, Brahma’s temple, Varaha temple- The largest temple in Pushkar, Savitri temple, Rangji Temple, Gurudwara Sahib Pushkar, Gayatri Mata temple- devoted to Lord Brahma’s wife, Varaha Ghat, Gau Ghat, Apteshwar temple, and Man Mahal- enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Things to do in Pushkar Mela

There are lots of things to do in Pushkar Mela. From Camel safaris, jeep safaris to visiting the serene places, Ajmer has it all. Enjoy desert camping in Pushkar and enjoy the musical performances post-sunset and sumptuous local dinner. Take a ride in a hot air balloon in the skies. Enjoy trekking to Ratnagiri Hill. Witness the sunset views and pay a visit to Savitri temple devoted to Lord Brahma’s wife. 

Enjoy a Cable ride to Savitri temple that is one of the best things to do. Attend the evening aarti at Varaha Ghat. Explore the ancient city of Merta that is known for its rustic palaces and temples. Pay a visit to several temples here like- Meera Bai temple, and Bhanwal Mata temple. There are other places too that truly needs to be visited and explored on your Pushkar tour itinerary.  

What is Pushkar Mela

Pushkar Mela or Pushkar Camel Fair is held in the town of Pushkar in October- November at the time of Kartik Purnima according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. It is a 100 years old camel fair that is majorly popular all over the world. It beautifully showcases the vibrant rich culture of Rajasthan through a wide range of events and activities. Pushkar Mela has two important components- camel trading and religious rituals. Camel trading is the major highlight and takes place at the beginning of the festival. The time when the Pushkar Mela takes place is considered to be the most auspicious time to redeem past sins. It is one of the largest cattle fairs. It celebrates the beauty of the desert, the camels, as well as other cattle found in the region. 

Several pilgrims visit Pushkar during this time to take a dip in the holy water of Pushkar lake. It is believed that bath in the Pushkar lake washes away the misdeeds and sins of people. This beautiful traditional carnival brings thousands of camels, cattle, and horses together. It includes trading camels, goats, cows, horses, sheep, and bullocks. Pushkar Mela is a grand seven-day colourful, unique exhibition that truly attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Pushkar Mela brings almost 50000 animals together here. This grand festivity holds camel and horse races, cultural performances, exhibitions, magic shows, the longest moustache competition, and bridal competition. 

Enjoy camel and horse safari that surely gives one a memorable experience. Pushkar Mela beautifully showcases the rich heritage and vivid culture of Rajasthan state. To fulfil this purpose some numerous stalls and shops hold multicoloured turbans, jewellery, dazzling bangles, pretty clothes and several other marvellous artefacts. Enjoy traditional folk dance, magic shows, music, and puppet shows that truly mesmerizes the tourists. Take part in various exciting activities like tug of war, Kabaddi match, turban tying, horse race, Matka phot and long moustache competition. watch the best of fusion bands concert for free.

The positions are taken on a first-come-first basis. Rajasthan government has put a great effort to entertain the visitors who attend the Pushkar Mela. Enjoy watching the cricket match of Lagaan recreated on Mela ground. A group of Locals and foreigners bound by the love for cricket showcases their passion for cricket and recreates the iconic cricket match. The match takes place on day 5 of the Pushkar Mela.

For those who love other sports can enjoy other sports like- kabaddi, volleyball, Langri tang, Matka Phod and many more other sports too. Visitors can also take part in the marathon. The Harmony marathon is a 14km run from Ajmer Sharif to Brahma temple. Celebrated the uniqueness and oneness of the incredible state of Rajasthan. Enjoy Patangbaji where kite flyers flaunt their Patangbaji and support local kite makers from all around India with their crafted and unique kites.  

Another superb thing to do is the hot air balloon ride during this festival. In the evening several visitors assemble near the Pushkar lake to see the floating lamp ritual and offer prayers in the Brahma temple. The fair is thrown open to the visitors with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Mela ground. Apart from its celebratory aspect this beautiful event also holds religious significance. Over the years the fair has found an honourable mention in Rajasthan tourism. 

The best accommodation at the Puskar Mela is the traditionally styled camps wrapped in modern luxury, that can be availed via the Sky Waltz camp. From deluxe non-AC camps to luxury AC camps are available here. Apart from this accommodation the package also includes all the meals at the camp, local transfers to Pushkar Mela ground, VIP seats for the evening concerts and many more. Apart from Sky Walts, Camp Bliss also offers luxury tents near the fair in a peaceful gooseberry orchard and offers a magical experience. 

When Pushkar Mela is celebrated

The astounding Pushkar Mela is celebrated and organised in the month from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima that is October-November according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. 

Highlights of Pushkar Mela

1. Cattle Trading

Cattle trading is the major attraction of Pushkar Mela. The cattle breeders from several regions of India come to sell their cattle- camels, horses, cows, goats, dogs, buffaloes, sheep and numerous species of birds too. One can find numerous popular cattle breeds like- Haryanvi, Kankrej, Nagari, and Mewati. One can even buy decorative items for the cattle like saddles, saddle-straps, jewellery, garments, silver ornaments, and bead necklaces. 

2. Camel Safari

Apart from camel trading, camel decoration contest and camel dance contest, the camel safari is a must thing to do during the Pushkar camel fair festival. This sunset camel safari is likely to stay with one after the magical experience of the fair ends.

3. Camping at the Pushkar Mela

Enjoy camping at Puskar Mela grounds that is one of the amazing things to do in Pushkar Mela.

 4. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Enjoy Hot air Balloon ride which is another popular thing to do. It gives one an aerial view of the entire Mela.  Attend the Maha Aarti at the Ghat. Each day during this annual fair there is pooja aarti’s performed at various ghats. Attend Maha Aarti at Pushkar Sarovar during the last day of the fair. Pushkar lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats. During the annual fair, several numbers of devotees throng alongside the lake for a sacred bath. Be a part of this ritual as it is commonly believed that a dip into the holy Pushkar lake will wash away the sins and cure skin diseases. 

5. Cultural Activities

Pushkar is famed for holding cultural activities during the fair. The rich culture of Rajasthan comes alive in the form of folklores, music and dance performances, cultural shows, exhibitions, and camel competition. Enjoy camel races- is one of the major attraction. The camels are beautifully decorated and race one another to win the prize of the best camel of Puskar, beauty contests, musical chair and laddoo here in Pushkar Mela. 
Handicrafts 

Take back home some beautiful handicrafts from Pushkar Mela. Handicrafts like the paintings of Rajasthan, known for their style- Phads, and Pichwais, and elegance. Buy some pretty sculptures like- Ornamental Pillars, marble statues, Fountains, stone benches, chairs, Lamps. Some other beautiful handicrafts that one can find here are wooden furniture, Tie and dye fabric and block printed fabric, leather articles, puppets, carpets and Durries. 

6. Cuisines

Cooking has always been a serious affair in the kitchens of Rajasthan. Rajasthani food is loved for its taste. Try some popular and lip-smacking food like- Dal Bati Churma, besan ki Missi puri, Lachha parantha, Govind Gatta, Aloo Mangori, Kari sangria, and Ghewar. Each day of Pushkar Mela is fully loaded with fun and cultural events that give one a surreal experience. The real beauty of Rajasthan’s culture is best reflected through every bit of Pushkar Mela. 

Entry fee or ticket for the Pushkar Mela

There is no entry fee to attend the Pushkar Mela. One can attend the Pushkar Mela and enjoy the cultural festivities that are truly worth attending.  If you are planning for visiting Rajasthan, then find the best trip package for Rajasthan

 

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