India is known for its colorful festivals full of jostling crowds and delicious food.
But few come close to the spectacular tableau that
the Pushkar Camel Fair presents every year.
Rajasthan in North India hosts this annual fair during November,
a five-day ritual that started sometime in the 1900s as per the earliest records.
Once meant as a market fair for gypsies and nomads,
today it’s a much-visited tourist event and one of the
greatest travel experiences you can ever have.
Pushkar, a small, dusty town in Rajasthan
is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Devotees converge to the many temples in the town,
especially the Brahma temple, one of the few in the world,
and the only one in India.
Pushkar can be a bit overwhelming at this time
of the year for the inexperienced.
So, we have culled out the top five,
not-to-be-missed experiences to help you get started.
Beauty contest for the camels
The dromedaries are the highlight, no doubt.
Don’t miss the camel beauty contest
where wonderfully bedecked camels vie for a prize.
There are camel races,
dances, and parades that are also equally entertaining.
Lip-smacking food
This fair is a great opportunity to sample different aspects of Rajasthan.
Try the rustic, local food comprising delightful
staple snacks like tikkis, kachoris, and samosas.
Don’t miss the Rajasthani specialty, a delicious swirl
of sweetened milk and cottage cheese called ‘kalakhand’.
Browse the rows of stalls selling village tchotchkes, beautiful handicraft items,
and printed textiles, including the popular tie-and-dye fabrics.
Music for the soul
Watch buskers put on lively acts while musicians strike
up tunes of ancient rhythms that are strangely familiar and charismatic.
Don’t miss the gravity-defying performance of motorcycles
going around in circles in a big, cement pit.
Spiritual rejuvenation
Take walks in the pale,
misty morning sun and visit the many bathing ghats around town.
If you are among the courageous,
try taking a purifying dip in Pushkar Lake’s cold waters,
along with other devotees, to celebrate the auspicious period
of Karthik Purnima, characterized by a full moon.
Don’t miss a visit to the colorful Brahma temple.
Twirl the mustaches!
One of our favorite events is the hugely popular
Longest Mustache competition where men show off their
facial hair so long that it can be twirled around like ropes.
Pushkar is a wonderful, chaotic mélange,
which also makes it easy for the new visitor to get lost.
Take care to stay with your group when you visit and
make sure you pay attention to your location.
Above all, have fun and share your experience with us!
We invite you on a small,
cozy trip to Pushkar from November 4 to 7 for just Rs 15,890.
Get a friend or two and we can discuss further discounts!
Connect with us at+917899603009.
0