World Famous Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, or Kartik Mela, is an ancient, annual week-long festival held in the sacred town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. Historically the world’s largest livestock fair, it blends commerce, culture, and deep religious significance.
Religious Significance: Coinciding with the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, the fair culminates on Kartik Purnima (full moon). Thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy Pushkar Lake to take a sacred dip, believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation. The town also houses the only dedicated Brahma Temple in the world.
Attractions and Activities: The fair is a vibrant spectacle featuring decorated camels, horses, and cattle. Key attractions include:
- Camel Competitions: Races, beauty pageants, and decorations.
- Quirky Contests: “Longest Moustache,” “Matka Phod” (pot-breaking), and “Bridal Competition.”
- Adventure: Hot-air ballooning, camel safaris, and quad biking.
- Cultural Performances: Folk music, traditional Rajasthani dances, and local acrobatics.
- Shopping: A bustling bazaar selling handicrafts, textiles, and silver jewelry.
The Pushkar Camel Fair in 2025 is scheduled from October 30th to November 5th, offering a unique and colorful glimpse into Rajasthani culture.
What Is Pushkar Camel Fair?
The Pushkar Camel Fair (locally called Pushkar Mela) is one of India’s most extraordinary cultural events held annually in the small desert town of Pushkar in Ajmer district, Rajasthan. Traditionally, it began as a livestock trading fair where camels and cattle were bought and sold. Over time, it evolved into a grand festival that now blends religion, trade, and tourism beautifully.
During the event, traders deck up their camels with colourful ornaments, beads, and vibrant fabrics. Camel races, beauty contests, and processions take place every morning, while evenings are filled with folk performances, devotional songs, and bustling bazaars. The charm of this fair lies in its authenticity — it’s a living museum of Rajasthani culture.
Highlights of the Pushkar Fair
- Trading activities of the livestock, especially camel
- Cultural performances which includes school girls group dance, folk dance, Traditional ghoomar dance
- Various competitions as mandana, rangoli, Camel dance, Camel decoration, horse dance, matka race, tug of war, Turban tying contest, moustache competition etc.
- India bride & groom Contest
- Kabbadi match with foreign tourists group
- Shilpgram handicrafts bazaar
- Hot Air balloon ride adventure
- Live dance & music performance by famous artists or groups
- Aarti rituals at Sarovar Ghats
- Camel safari and horse safari
History of Pushkar Fair
From the ancient tales of epic Mahabharata, Pushkar city is mentioned as one of the five holy cities. As per Hindu mythology, on the most religious day of Kartik Purnima, all Hindu gods and goddesses came together to the sacred Pushkar Lake that makes it’s water holy. These are some reasons that pilgrims come here at the occasion of Kartik purnima and take holy dip, do veneration at the Lord Brahma temple. Pushkar fair is the best chance to attend all these at one time. As the fair is arranged in the initial time of winter, visitors can roam easily throughout the day without getting tired.
Main Attractions at Pushkar Mela
The Pushkar Fair organises various competitions, magic shows, cultural performances, and exhibitions that keep visitors entertained. It also brings thousands of livestock in one place for trading and competition. Here is a look at the primary attractions of this grand fair.
Camel shows: Thousands of beautifully dressed camels are the focal points of the Pushkar Fair. Hence, the fair is popularly called Pushkar Camel Fair. You can see some of the best camel shows and activities, from camel dance and parades to beauty pageants and auctions at the fair. Over 25,000 camels are traded at the Pushkar Fair every year.
Cattle fair: This is yet another major highlight of the fair. Cattle owners from across the state dress up their cattle, including cows, horses, goats, and sheep, in colourful clothing and bring them to this grand event for trading. In the initial years, cattle trading was one of the main reasons for organising the fair.
Cultural performances: Pushkar Fair is known for hosting some amazing cultural performances, such as folk dances, acrobats, matka phod competitions, and bride and groom contests. Talented artists from across the country come to this special event and showcase their skills.
Moustache competition: Growing long and thick moustaches is a matter of pride for Rajasthani men. Hence Pushkar Fair also organises a moustache competition that sees participation in large numbers.
Souvenirs: The colourful stalls at Pushkar Fair sell a range of local products that you can take back home as souvenirs. From Rajasthani garments, bags, and jewellery to brassware, toys, decorative pieces, and handicrafts, the collection here will blow your mind! Camel souvenirs are most popular among tourists visiting the fair.
Religious activities: Devotees engaging in religious activities is yet another highlight of the fair. Locals bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake, participate in Maha Aarti, and perform other rituals such as Deepandaan and Pushkar Abhishek.
Other activities: You can also enjoy magic shows, turban tying and tilak contests, tug of war, live music performances, carousel rides, and other interesting activities and competitions at Pushkar Fair.
Nearby attractions to visit in Pushkar
Pushkar, a spiritual city in Rajasthan, is a major pilgrimage center renowned for its sacred sites and vibrant atmosphere. The primary attractions blend religious devotion with cultural experiences:
Pushkar Lake: Considered one of the holiest lakes in India, it is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats where pilgrims take a holy dip. It’s an ideal spot to witness the evening prayers (aarti) and sunset.
Brahma Temple (Jagatpita Brahma Mandir): Dating back to the 14th century, this is one of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site.
Savitri Temple: Located atop Ratnagiri Hill, this temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri (Lord Brahma’s first wife) offers panoramic views of Pushkar Lake and the surrounding desert. You can reach it by climbing 650 steps or taking the ropeway.
Rangji Temple: Notable for its unique architecture, which is an amalgamation of South Indian (Dravidian), Rajput, and Mughal styles.
Pushkar Bazaar: A lively market where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, silver jewelry, and souvenirs.
Adventure Activities: For an outdoor experience, consider a Camel Safari in the nearby desert or a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the town, especially during the famous Pushkar Camel Fair (usually held in November).
Would you like more details on the best time to visit Pushkar for the Camel Fair, or information on places to eat?
How to reach Pushkar
Settled close to Ajmer in Rajasthan, reaching Pushkar is greatly accessible by all modes of transports.
By Air – The nearest airport to Pushkar is located in Kishangarh and Sanganer Airport in Jaipur. All most all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. are connected to Sanganer Airport, so you can reach Jaipur and then either choose car rental or train to reach the town further.
By Train – The closest railway station lies in Ajmer city which is approximately 11 kilometers away from the town. If you’re traveling from Delhi or Jaipur, you can take Shatabdi or Pink City Express to reach Ajmer and then hire taxi services in Pushkar.
By Road – The well-connected network of roadways in Pushkar makes the city easily accessible from anywhere in the country. You can hire a car or drive your own directly to Pushkar without any inconvenience.
