The Pushkar Fair, also called the Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela locally, is a yearly event that lasts for five days. It takes place in the town of Pushkar during October and November. This fair is known for being one of the biggest cattle markets in the world. Besides buying and selling animals, it has become a popular place for tourists to visit. Events like the ‘matka phod‘, ‘longest moustache’, and ‘bridal competition‘ are the main attractions that draw thousands of visitors. In recent years, the fair has also featured a friendly soccer match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of tourists from other countries.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2024 Dates
| Information | Details |
| Dates | 9 to 15 November 2024 |
| Celebration Period | Kartik Ekadasi to Kartik Poornima |
| Purpose | Buying and selling of camels, cattle, and horses |
| Location | Pushkar, Rajasthan, India |
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At the end of the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, which sees thousands of devotees bath in Pushkar Lake.
How to reach Pushkar
- Train: Take train for Ajmer, then take an auto or cab for 30 min drive.
- Airway: Nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur, 140 Kilometer from Pushkar
Best Time to Visit to Pushkar
- October to November: The fair usually happens during these months, which is around the Hindu festival called Kartik Poornima.
- Avoid Peak Season: The fair can be very busy, so it might be better to visit on the less crowded days of the event.
History of Pushkar Camel Fair
- The Pushkar Camel Fair started in ancient times for centuries.
- It is linked to the Hindu god Lord Brahma.
- At first, it was a place for local farmers and traders to exchange animals and goods.
- At time passed, it became more famous day by day and attracted visitors worldwide.
- The fair turned into an important cultural event, showing off Rajasthan’s deep history and customs.
- Now, it is a big tourist spot and a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan’s culture.
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Facts for the Pushkar Camel Fair
| Category | Details |
| Number of Visitors | Over 350,000 annually |
| Domestic Tourists | Majorly |
| International Tourists | Increasing (7,500 in 2012, 12,800 in 2018) |
| Camels | Decreased from 30,000 to 1,200 |
| Horses | Approximately 3,340 |
| Cattle | Around 10,000 including cows, buffaloes, goat, and sheep |
| Tourism Attractions | Camel races, beauty contests, traditional dance, longest moustache competition, matka phod, Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple |
| Estimated Annual Revenue | INR 100 crores (approximately USD 12 million) |
| Average Visitor Spending | Contributes significantly to local businesses |
| Tourism Packages Offered | Specialized packages by travel companies |
| Local Economic Impact | Supports livelihoods of camel herders and vendors |
The Camel Market
The Pushkar Camel Fair features the world’s biggest camel market, drawing thousands of camels and their owners from all over Rajasthan and beyond. The diversity of camels showcased is astounding, including breeds like the grand Bactrian camel with its two humps and the slender, single-humped Arabian camel.
The buying and selling process is lively and engaging. Buyers and sellers negotiate prices, their voices rising and falling in a rhythmic exchange. The environment is lively, filled with the sounds of animals, the conversations of people, and occasional bursts of laughter. This event highlights the long-lasting connection between humans and camels, a relationship that has flourished for many generations.
Camel Population and Industry in Rajasthan
| Camel Population (2019) | 213,000 |
| Percentage of India’s Total Camel Population | 84% |
| Decline in Camel Population (2012-2019) | 35% |
| Camel Milk Production | Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Alwar, Pali district |
| Camel Wool Usage | Spinners, weavers, paper makers, leather processors, soap makers |
| Camel Herding Challenges | Reduced demand for male camels, loss of grazing areas |
| Camel Conservation Efforts | NRC’s Vision 2030 |
| NRC’s Plans | Preserving genetic resources, elite herds, disease resistance |
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Varieties of Camels in India
| Varieties | Details | Locations |
| Bactrian Camel | Double-humped camel, adapted to cold climates | Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh |
| Arabian Camel | Single-humped camel, adapted to hot and dry conditions | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana |
| Kachchhi Camel | Smaller, hardier breed | Kutch, Gujarat |
| Tharparkar Camel | Large, strong breed | Rajasthan, Sindh (Pakistan) |
| Jaisalmer Camel | Smaller, agile breed | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan |
| Bikaneri Camel | Large, strong breed | Bikaner, Rajasthan |
Accommodation Options in Pushkar Camel Fair
- Hotels and Guesthouses
- Camping
- Local Homestays
The Colorful Procession
One of the most exciting parts of the Pushkar Camel Fair is the big parade of camels and people. This colourful march is amazing to watch, with camels wearing bright decorations and riders in traditional clothes. The parade is an important religious event, showing the special bond between people and animals. As the camels walk through the streets, people sing holy songs and pray, making a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.
Colourful Bazaars and Shopping Experiences in Pushkar
| Bazaar/Shopping Destination | Timings | Location |
| Pushkar Main Bazaar | Early morning to late evening | The main market area of Pushkar |
| Brahma Bazaar | Early morning to late evening | Near the Brahma Temple |
| Saras Mela | During the fair (October-November) | Fairgrounds |
| Local Markets | Throughout the day | Various parts of Pushkar |
| Handicraft Shops | Morning to evening | Near the main bazaar and temples |
| Rajasthani Fabric Shops | Morning to evening | Main bazaar |
| Spice Market | Morning to evening | Near the main bazaar |
Traditional Rajasthani Folk Performances in Pushkar Camel Fair 2024
| Performances | Timings | Location |
| Folk Dance (Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Bhavai) | Evening | Various venues, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers |
| Puppet Shows (Kathputli) | Evening | Various venues, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers |
| Music Performances (Instrumental and Vocal) | Evening | Various venues, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers |
| Street Performers | Throughout the day | Main bazaar and other public areas |
Delicious Local Cuisine and Delicacies in Pushkar
| Cuisine | Details | Where to Find |
| Rajasthani Thali | A platter of various Rajasthani dishes, including dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laccha paratha | Most restaurants in Pushkar |
| Malan Ki Roti | A thick, unleavened bread made from millet flour | Local eateries and homes |
| Ker Sangri | A spicy dish made with dried khejdi beans and sangri berries | Most restaurants in Pushkar |
| Gatte Ki Sabzi | A curry made with gram flour dumplings | Most restaurants in Pushkar |
| Mirchi Bada | Spicy fritters made from gram flour and chili peppers | Street vendors and local eateries |
| Pyaaz Kachori | Crispy fried pastry filled with onion and spices | Street vendors and local eateries |
| Gulab Jamun | Sweet dumplings soaked in sugar syrup | Sweet shops and restaurants |
| Jalebi | Sweet, deep-fried batter spirals | Sweet shops and restaurants |
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