A Complete Guide for Pushkar Festival 2024

Table of Contents

         1. When is Pushkar Festival Celebrated?

          2. Why is Pushkar Festival Famous?

• Largest Camel Fair

• Sacred Pilgrimage

• Cultural Extravaganza 
  
  3. Top 5 Things to Do at Pushkar Festival

Known by different names like Pushkar Fair and Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar Festival is one of the most vibrant and captivating events in India, attracting thousands of visitors from across the world. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the sacred Pushkar Lake and the majestic Aravalli Hills, this festival is a perfect blend of spirituality, tradition, and celebration and if you haven’t witnessed the festival yet, you are surely missing out on a lot.

Celebrated annually in the town of Pushkar, the festival is a true spectacle for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan and if you are planning to mark a visit, book your tickets for flights to Kishangarh as it is the nearest airport to Pushkar Lake, where this festival is celebrated.

When is Pushkar Festival Celebrated?

The Pushkar Festival is celebrated every year during the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), with the most significant festivities taking place around the full moon, known as Kartik Purnima. The fair typically lasts for five to seven days, and during this period, thousands of pilgrims, traders, and tourists flock to Pushkar, to visit the holy town.

Why is Pushkar Festival Famous?

Pushkar Festival is globally renowned for being one of the largest camel fairs in the world. However, the festival isn’t just about camels. It is a multifaceted event that showcases Rajasthan's vibrant culture through its colourful fairs, traditional performances, and religious practices.

1. Largest Camel Fair in the World

Pushkar’s Camel Fair is the highlight of the festival, with traders, villagers, and tourists coming together for the buying and selling of camels, horses, and cattle. This unique livestock trading event has evolved into a global attraction over the years, with camel races, parades, and beauty contests for camels adding to its charm.

2. Sacred Pilgrimage

Pushkar is one of the holiest cities in India, with the festival coinciding with the auspicious period of Kartik Purnima, when pilgrims gather to take a sacred dip in the Pushkar Lake. Devotees believe that bathing in the lake on this day washes away sins and brings blessings. The town is also home to one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, attracting devotees during the festival.

3. Cultural Extravaganza

Beyond its religious significance, Pushkar Festival has become a showcase of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. The fair is filled with folk dances, music performances, and art exhibitions that reflect the state’s vibrant traditions. Visitors can witness Ghoomar and Kalbelia dances, Rajasthani folk music, and even puppet shows that bring local stories to life.

Top 5 Things to Do at Pushkar Festival

Here are some must-do activities during the festival:

1. Witness the Camel Trading

The heart of the Pushkar Festival lies in its camel trading. Watching the bustling market with hundreds of camels, horses, and livestock, where buyers and sellers strike deals, is an experience in itself. The sight of camels dressed in colourful accessories and participating in beauty contests adds to the festive spirit.

2. Experience the Vibrant Cultural Performances

The festival is a melting pot of cultural performances. Do not miss the folk dance shows and music concerts that highlight Rajasthan’s artistic traditions. Ghoomar, with its graceful swirls, and the energetic Kalbelia dance performed by the snake charmer community, are particularly enthralling.

3. Participate in Adventure Activities

For those seeking adventure, Pushkar Festival offers a variety of fun activities. Hot air balloon rides over the desert offer stunning views of the fairgrounds, camels, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. You can also enjoy camel cart rides, horse riding, and turban-tying competitions for a hands-on experience of Rajasthani life.

4. Take a Holy Dip in Pushkar Lake

Pushkar is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus, and taking a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake during the festival is believed to purify the soul. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats (stone stairways), where pilgrims gather at dawn to perform rituals and prayers. The sight of thousands of lamps floating on the lake during the evening aarti (prayer) is truly magical.

5. Visit the Brahma Temple

Pushkar is home to the only dedicated temple of Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology. Visiting the Brahma Temple during the festival adds a spiritual dimension to your journey. The temple is beautifully decorated during this time, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion as pilgrims chant prayers and offer flowers to the deity.

Wrapping Up!

In essence, Rajasthan’s Pushkar Festival is a dynamic blend of devotion, culture, and entertainment. Whether you are looking for a spiritual journey, a cultural spectacle, or a vibrant marketplace, the Pushkar Festival offers something for everyone. So pack your bags and plan your visit. Do book hotels in Pushkar in advance so as to skip the rush of thousands of similar travellers alike. 

Happy travelling!