Pushkar is a small, holy town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India, built around the sacred Pushkar Lake. It is one of the oldest living towns in India and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. It is home to the rare Brahma Temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator.
Every year, when the month of Kartik arrives, the town transforms into a huge carnival. Thousands of camels, horses and cattle are brought by herders from across Rajasthan, and visitors from all over the world join them for trading, rituals, music, sports and colourful celebrations.
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The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela) is one of the world's largest annual camel, horse, and livestock fairs. It takes place in the desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India
Temples, ghats, bazaars and viewpoints – the best places to see in Pushkar.
Everything you need to know about the famous Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela).
The Pushkar Camel Fair, locally called Pushkar Mela, is one of the largest livestock fairs on earth. Traders, herders, pilgrims, photographers and tourists gather in the dunes next to the sacred lake. The fair is both a busy cattle market and a joyful cultural festival.
It takes place every year in the Hindu month of Kartik and ends on Kartik Purnima (full moon), usually in November. Since the fair follows the lunar calendar, the exact dates change each year, so please confirm the latest dates with the Rajasthan Tourism department or contact us on WhatsApp.
View More WhatsAppHeld in October–November in the Kartik month. The fair runs for about a week, and the final days around Kartik Purnima are the most crowded and spiritual.
At the Pushkar Mela Ground, on the sandy land on the edge of Pushkar town, Ajmer district, Rajasthan, about 15 km from Ajmer.
Thousands of camels, horses, cattle and other animals are decorated, displayed and traded. The first days focus on trading and the later days on festivities.
Fun contests include the longest moustache, turban tying, camel decoration, matka phod, bridal competitions and the famous camel races.
Enjoy Kalbeliya dance, folk songs, puppet shows, magicians, snake charmers and cultural evenings under the open sky.
Lakhs of pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima and float lamps (deepdaan) on the water in the evening.
Many visitors enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the fair and dunes during festival time for a breath-taking aerial view.
Try dal baati churma, kachori, malpua and masala chai, and shop for handicrafts, camel leather, jewellery and textiles.
Flag hoisting, livestock arrival, camel decorating and cattle trading.
Camel races, sports contests, cultural shows and folk performances.
Rituals and pilgrim arrival, evening aarti on the ghats, music nights.
Holy dip in Pushkar Lake, lamp floating and temple prayers.
By Air: Jaipur Airport (about 150 km). By Train: Ajmer Junction (about 15 km), then taxi or bus. By Road: Well connected with Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
Book early, carry sunscreen, a hat and a scarf, wear light cotton clothes by day and a jacket at night. Ask before photographing people and animals.
Pushkar is a holy town. Alcohol, non-vegetarian food and eggs are not served inside the sacred town limits. Dress modestly near the temples and ghats.
October to March is pleasant. For the camel fair, visit in the Kartik month (usually November). Summers are very hot.
2 to 3 days are enough to see the lake, temples, ghats and bazaar. During the fair, 3 to 4 days are recommended.
Yes. It is crowded but friendly. Keep your valuables safe, stay in a trusted hotel or camp, and book transport in advance.
Yes. Tap any WhatsApp button on this page and share your dates and group size for a custom quote.