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About Pushkar Mela

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About Pushkar Mela

Pushkar Mela is the great fair of Pushkar, a small holy town near Ajmer in Rajasthan. It is held in the bright half of Kartik, in October or November, and reaches its peak on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day.

Pushkar is home to one of the very few temples of Lord Brahma, beside the holy Pushkar Lake with its 52 ghats. Pilgrims come to take a dip in the lake on Kartik Purnima, offer lamps on the water and join the evening aarti on the ghats.

On the sand dunes outside the town, herders from across Rajasthan bring thousands of camels, horses and cattle to trade. The camels are decked in bright cloth, beads and bells. There are camel races, folk music, Kalbelia dance, puppet shows, a moustache contest and hot air balloons over the desert.

Stalls sell bangles, mirror work, leather shoes and hot malpua and kachori. Pushkar Mela brings together faith, trade and the colours of Rajasthan, and visitors from all over the world come to see it.

How people celebrate Pushkar Mela

  • Holy dip in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima
  • Prayers at the Brahma temple
  • Lamps on the ghats and evening aarti
  • Camels decked in colour on the dunes
  • Folk music, Kalbelia dance and races
  • Malpua, kachori and craft stalls

How to wish well

  • Wishes about lamps on the lake, camels in colour and the full moon suit Pushkar Mela.
  • Friends travelling to the fair will enjoy a playful line about camels or balloons.
  • The holy dip is on Kartik Purnima, so you can send a blessing on that day too.
  • For business wishes, the fair is a good time to wish traders and partners a rich season.

Questions about Pushkar Mela

When is Pushkar Mela?

It is held in the bright half of Kartik, in October or November, ending on Kartik Purnima. The start date for each year is shown on this page.

Where is Pushkar Mela held?

In Pushkar, a holy town about 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan, on the sand dunes and around Pushkar Lake.

Why is Pushkar Mela famous?

For its camel and cattle trading, colourful camels, folk music and dance, and the holy dip in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima.

Why is Pushkar holy?

Pushkar has one of the very few temples of Lord Brahma, and its lake is believed to bring great blessings when people bathe in it during Kartik.

What is the main day of Pushkar Mela?

Kartik Purnima, when pilgrims take a dip in the lake, offer lamps and join the aarti on the ghats.

What can you see at Pushkar Mela?

Camel races and dances, decorated camels, Kalbelia dancers, puppet shows, hot air balloons, craft stalls and the evening aarti.

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