Pushkar Camel Fair: History, Significance, Date, Attractions

Pushkar Fair Dates 2025

The Pushkar Camel Fair in 2025 promises a week of vibrant festivities, falling in sync with the auspicious Hindu lunar month of Kartik.

• Start Date: Thursday, Oct 30, 2025
• End Date: Friday, Nov 05, 2025

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 is scheduled to commence on Thursday, October 30th, and will conclude on Friday, November 5th. This seven-day extravaganza is a truly immersive experience, peaking during the full moon (Kartik Purnima), which is considered an incredibly holy time for pilgrims to take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake. While the official dates span a week, the trading of livestock often begins a few days prior, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Highlights of 2025 Pushkar Fair

• Camel Trading - Thousands of decorated camels, horses, and cattle are bought, sold, and paraded
• Competitions - Different rural sports and games like camel and horse races, longest mustache and bridal competitions, tug-of-war, etc.
• Cultural performances - Traditional Rajasthani folk dances and musical performances.
• Other performances - acrobatic, magic shows, and snake charmers’ performance.
• Religious ceremonies - Grand evening aarti and dip in Pushkar Lake.
• Shopping - Vibrant bazaar filled with handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.
• Activities - Hot air balloon rides for a panoramic view of the fair, stunning fireworks displays over Pushkar Lake.

History, Religious Aspect, and Cultural Story of Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair, locally known as Kartik Mela or Pushkar ka Mela, boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Its origins are deeply intertwined with religious significance. Legend has it that Lord Brahma, the creator deity in Hinduism, dropped a lotus flower while battling with a demon, and the flower fell at three spots, forming the sacred Pushkar Lake. Later, he performed a grand Yajna (ritual sacrifice) at this very site. This event is believed to have consecrated the lake, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

The fair initially began as a gathering for local cattle and camel traders to buy and sell their livestock, coinciding with the auspicious Kartik Purnima. This period was chosen because pilgrims would flock to Pushkar Lake for a holy dip, believing it would cleanse them of sins and bring salvation. This annual congregation of devotees and traders naturally evolved into the grand fair we see today. Over time, the fair expanded beyond livestock trading to include cultural performances, competitions, and a bustling marketplace, showcasing the vibrant traditions and rural life of Rajasthan. It's a testament to the enduring faith and cultural richness of the region, where commerce, devotion, and festivities merge into a unique tapestry.

Things to Do in Pushkar Fair 2025

The Pushkar Fair offers a plethora of activities to immerse yourself in:

• Explore the Camel Camps: Walk through vibrant camel camps, watch herders groom and decorate their livestock, and witness traditional trading rituals up close.
• Camel Safaris: Embark on a magical camel safari across the golden sand dunes, especially enchanting during sunrise or sunset.
• Cultural Performances: Be captivated by mesmerizing Rajasthani folk dances like Kalbeliya and Ghoomar, traditional music, and thrilling acrobatic shows.
• Photography: The fair is a photographer's paradise, with countless opportunities to capture the vibrant colors, unique faces, and lively atmosphere.
• Food Stalls: Savor authentic Rajasthani delicacies and street food from various stalls, offering a true taste of the local cuisine.

Places to Visit When Visiting Pushkar Fair

While the fair itself is a major attraction, Pushkar and its surroundings offer several other captivating sites:

• Brahma Temple: One of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world, this ancient temple is a must-visit for its spiritual significance and unique architecture.
• Pushkar Lake: The sacred lake around which the town is built, featuring 52 bathing ghats and hundreds of temples. It's a hub of spiritual activity, especially during the fair.
• Savitri Temple: Located atop Ratnagiri Hill, this temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri offers panoramic views of Pushkar Lake and the surrounding town. A ropeway is available for easy access.
• Old Rangji Temple: Known for its unique blend of South Indian, Rajput, and Mughal architectural styles.
• Varaha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu's wild boar incarnation, this is one of Pushkar's largest and oldest temples.
• Naga Pahad: A hill separating Pushkar and Ajmer, offering scenic views and believed to be the residence of the sage Agastya.
• Rose Garden: Pushkar is famous for its rose cultivation, and a visit to the rose gardens can be a pleasant experience.
• Gayatri Mata Temple: The Gayatri Temple, often overlooked by the Brahma Temple, holds significant mythological and religious importance for spiritual travelers.
• Gau ghat: One of the most spiritually significant ghats located near Pushkar Lake, this ghat holds great reverence for Hindus, as it is dedicated to the sacred cow.
• Gurudwara Sahib: Testament to Sikh History and the visits of two revered Sikh Gurus: Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Pushkar.

Accommodation at Pushkar

During the Pushkar Camel Fair, accommodation options range from basic to luxurious, catering to all budgets. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, as the town gets incredibly crowded.

• Luxury Tents/Glamping: Many operators set up luxurious tented camps on the outskirts of the fairgrounds, offering a comfortable and immersive experience with modern amenities and cultural evenings. Examples include Sky Waltz Camp and similar offerings from various tour companies.
• Hotels and Resorts: Pushkar has a variety of hotels and resorts, from boutique heritage properties to modern establishments. Options like The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, Ananta Spa & Resort, Dera Masuda, and Gulaab Niwaas Palace offer a comfortable stay.
• Guest Houses and Homestays: For a more budget-friendly and authentic experience, numerous guest houses and homestays are available within the town, often run by local families.
• Dharamshalas: For pilgrims seeking a traditional and economical stay, several dharamshalas (religious rest houses) are available near the Pushkar Lake.

How to Reach Pushkar?

Pushkar is well-connected, making it accessible from major Indian cities:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), approximately 140 km away. Jaipur is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai with regular flights. From Jaipur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pushkar, which is a scenic 3-4-hour drive.

By Train:

Pushkar does not have its own railway station. The nearest major railway station is Ajmer Junction (AII), located about 15 km from Pushkar. Ajmer is a significant railway hub with excellent connectivity to major cities across India.

• From Delhi: Several trains run daily, including the Ajmer Shatabdi Express.
• From Mumbai: Direct trains like the Bandra Terminus - Ajmer Express are available.
• From Kolkata: Trains like the Howrah - Ajmer Express connect Kolkata to Ajmer.
• From other major cities: You'll find direct or connecting trains to Ajmer from most prominent Indian cities. From Ajmer, you can easily take a local bus, shared auto-rickshaw, or taxi to Pushkar.

By Road:

Pushkar is well-connected by a network of national and state highways.

• From Delhi: Approximately 400 km (7-8 hours’ drive) via NH48.
• From Mumbai: Approximately 1000 km (18-20 hours’ drive) via NH48.
• From Jaipur: Approximately 145 km (3-4 hours’ drive) via NH48.
• From Udaipur: Approximately 280 km (5-6 hours’ drive).
• From Jodhpur: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours’ drive). Both private and state-run buses operate regularly to Pushkar from Ajmer and other nearby cities. Taxis and private cars can also be easily hired from these locations.