Rajasthan – The Pushkar Camel Fair – India Travel
The Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual five-day camel fair held in the town of Pushkar on the banks of the Pushkar Lake in the state of Rajasthan, India, where we will be visiting on our Colouricious textile holidays! The sand dunes will be teeming with camels (many dressed very elaborately) as far as the eyes can see while the population of Pushkar swells to over 200,000 people, with an inflow of pilgrims, camel traders, and tourists. It’s a fascinating but very strange sight, nevertheless a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival. It is one of the world’s largest camel fairs. Competitions such as the “matka phod“, “longest moustache”, and “bridal competition” are the main draws for this fair, which attracts thousands of tourists.
Men buy and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep and goats. The women go to the stalls, full of bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs and exhibitions to follow.
Pilgrims come to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar’s lake and be rid of their sins. The two days around the full moon are considered to be the most important time of the year for bathing in the lake. Those who bathe on the day of the full moon are said to receive special blessings.
The highlight is definitely the camel races, although the comical beauty contests featuring elaborately decorated and shaved camels are also fun. There’s temple dancing, folk and classical music, and arts an crafts bazaar as well, something for everyone, and never leaving you bored!
Come on our Colouricious textile holiday to Rajasthan to experience and explore this exciting and unique event!
Explore our other available Colouricious textile holidays.
Learn more about the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Rajasthan - Pushkar Camel Fair - India Travel
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