Every November, the sleepy little town of Pushkar, in Rajasthan, India comes alive in a riot of colors and a frenzy of activity. This is a time when locals of the inhospitable desert surroundings join together with traders and visitors from near and afar to celebrate and enjoy an unparalleled experience; it is the time when Hindus converge in a pilgrimage to worship at the only Brahma temple in the world and “wash away their sins” in the holy Pushkar Lake; it is a season of fun and frolic, colorful festivals and sacred worship. This is the advent of the Pushkar Fair.
The Pushkar Fair
Situated some 11 kms. from Ajamer, Pushkar is a holy place. Legend has it that the Lord Brahma performed Yagna, a ritual of sacrifice, in this ancient town, making it an important center of Hindu pilgrimages. Punctuated by several stunning temples and surrounded by rolling hills, this beautiful, sleepy village has gained worldwide renown for its colorful camel fair. Celebrated in the month of Kartik, November, each year all Rajasthan bustles with the excitement of the Pushkar festivities.
Picture of Pushkar Fair
thanks to A flickr photographer and Ookaboo!
The fair’s lure is its original, rural charm. It opens on the eve of Kartik as hordes of camels make their way across the sands of Rajasthan for a week devoted mainly to them. Thousands of men, women and children, come with their beasts, suddenly inhabit the barren landscape. The riot of colors – turbaned men, women in pleated skirts, bangled and bejeweled from head to toe – contrast the brown hues of the desert plains to put the final touches on the scene. The festive event continues for nine days during which the mass trading of adorned cattle – camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep takes place. Camels, however, rule the roost, where camel auctions, races and competitions are the prime attractions. Soon to be part of a beauty pageant, the newly acquired camels are washed spanking clean and then adorned with handmade saddles, strings of colorful beads, vivid embroidered cloths and woven saddle straps, then ultimately paraded, vying for first place. Other events include “musical chairs”, a weight competition and much more. Though spectators enjoy the entertainment, as they preen before the crowd, it is the camels that enjoy all the attention!
Camels Decorated for the Beauty Parade
The array of goods on exhibit at the fair is endless. Stalls are set up to sell items ranging from saddles, saddle straps, beads, strings and more, all to beautify the camels. For the women, little interested in the world of beasts, glittering wares in stalls under canopies beckon: Intricate, silver ornaments – neckbands, nose rings, hairpins, chains and trinkets are just a few among many. Colorful garment stalls tout clothes of the latest fashion and tattoo stands provide lifelong beauty marks.
Shopping at the Fair
On the last day of the fair, the festivities culminate in a day of ritual worship. Pilgrims scramble for a place on the bathing Ghats where the holy waters of Pushkar Lake wash away lifetime sins. On Kartik Purnima, the night of the full moon, romance touches Pushkar as tiny boats of leaves, flowers and flickering lamps are set asail on the lake, reflecting hundreds of twinkling lights on the waters. The next day dawns to the sight of a mass exodus, as long caravans of camels make their way into the distant desert horizon. Pushkar and its fair is the absolute manifestation of the culture of Rajasthan.
Ghats at Pushkar Lake by Zedzap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ghats_at_Pushkar_lake,_Rajasthan.jpg
