Come October and all roads in Rajasthan lead to the beautiful town of Pushkar in the Ajmer district, which is the venue for one of the largest livestock fairs in the world. The Pushkar Mela or the Pushkar Camel Fair is among the most popular festivals in Rajasthan owing to the grand scale of the celebrations and the vibrant display of Rajasthani culture on offer. This week-long annual camel fair also holds a religious significance because it is believed that the 330 Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism descended upon the Pushkar Lake several centuries ago to consecrate the waters. This is why hundreds of pilgrims visit the fair that takes place during the auspicious occasion of Kartik Poornima, to take a dip in the holy waters. The fair is also a major attraction for tourists from around the world because it provides an opportunity to witness the diverse attributes of the Rajasthani culture in a joyful carnival-like atmosphere. Here are some of the highlights of the Pushkar Mela that make it the shining star of Rajasthan tourism.

1. The Unique Cattle Fair

The most unique attribute of the Pushkar Mela, as compared to other Indian fairs, is the livestock or cattle fair that is one of the primary events of the festival. Cattle owners from different parts of the state participate in the event and display their animals, such as camels, cows, horses, goats, and sheep. The livestock is draped in colorful costumes, and amidst this riot of colors, the purchase and sale of the animals ensues. This is an evergreen tradition of the region that has not lost its charm in the face of time.

2. The Intricate Handicrafts

The Pushkar Camel Fair also serves as a sprawling venue for the exhibition of the intricately designed local handicrafts, which range from silver jewelry and patchwork garments to traditional footwear and printed textiles. Makeshift stalls are erected for the local craftsmen to display their goods. Tourists can purchase a variety of memorabilia from these shops to take home a piece of the vibrant Rajasthani culture. These shops help promote the local small-scale industries and provide encouragement to the rural artisans.

3. The Hot Air Balloons>

If you think that the fair looks extremely enchanting from the ground then wait till you see a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking venue abuzz with activities. The Pushkar Mela offers a rare opportunity to float with the clouds in a hot air balloon and to enjoy the merriment of the fair from the sky. Besides this peaceful yet exciting experience, you can also indulge in other adventures, such as horse riding and quad biking.

4. The Luxurious Glamping Options

Want to experience the authentic rural culture without compromising on your comfort? The Pushkar Mela lets you enjoy the best of both worlds with luxurious glamping options that provide comfortable and spacious tents that are available in air-conditioned as well as non air-conditioned variants. So you can enjoy the festivities of the fair to the fullest and then head over to your tent for some rest or a power nap. This is the perfect fusion of luxury and a rustic experience!

5. Harmony Half Marathon

The Harmony Half Marathon is yet another popular event of the fair that witnesses active participation from tourists as well as locals, along with running enthusiasts from around the globe. The marathon starts at Dargah Ajmer Sharif and ends at the Pushkar Stadium Ground. Registration for the same can be performed online on the official website of the Pushkar Mela.
This year the Pushkar Mela will be held from 28^th October to 4^th November and the event is expected to be even grander than the previous editions. The best accommodation options for the fair include the farmstays and tents that provide a glimpse of the countryside and the rustic heritage of the region. So plan your trip now so that you do not miss out on all the fun-filled activities at the best cultural fair in Rajasthan.