Pushkar: Holy Lake and Camel Fair

Pushkar is centred around its holy lake which is said to have been created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower. It is still an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Lake is surrounded by bathing ghats and the town is home to one of the few Brahma temples in the world.

Wandering around the lake taking in all the sights and sounds is beautiful but the main attraction for me was the Camel Fair. It is important to time your trip during October to November to include this remarkable event. It is truly fascinating!

Because the religious status of Pushkar it is a dry town (no alcohol).

My short video of the camel fair taken at sunset.

Our Group coming up the steps from the Holy Lake

THINGS TO DO

Pushkar Camel Fair– This is an annual five day camel and livestock fair held between the months of October and November. It is one of the world’s largest camel fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. I loved the fair and found this to be a fascinating and authentic glimpse into rural life in India.

Brahma Temple– On Kartik Poornima during Pushkar Fair, the town celebrates a festival dedicated to Brahma. Devout pilgrims visit the temple after bathing and cleansing themselves in the sacred Pushkar Lake. The Brahma temple has been recognised as one of the ten most religious places in the world and is considered to be one of the five sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. We visited the temple, climbed all the stairs and soaked up the holy atmosphere but of course during the festival it becomes quite crowded so there is a certain amount of jostling… but still worth a visit.

Holy Lake– According to legends, Lord Brahma, who is believed to be the creator of the Universe, dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. Pushkar Lake is serene and quite pretty. We stayed back after the tour had ended for the day to continue our shopping at the markets and we found ourselves walking along the banks of the lake. We enjoyed the calm atmosphere being in amongst pilgrims sitting by the lake, praying and chatting the night away.

Markets, Sadar Bazar & Banda Bazar– Here you will find embroidered Rajasthani clothes, wall hangings, handicrafts, textile, jewellery and leather products.

Savitri Temple– about 15 minutes up the hill for a beautiful view down over Pushkar, especially beautiful early morning or for sunset.