Festivals of Rajasthan

Puskar mela

The biggest of Rajasthani’s numerous fairs.Pushkar takes its name from the Pushkar lake near Ajmer where it is held annually. A dip in the holy waters of the lake is considered auspicious. The journey to the lake begins days in advance through the sandy wastes of Rajhasthan. The vehicles are myriad as the participants themselves - horses, bullock carts, camels, cars and jeeps. A huge cattle market is Pushkar’s biggest draw where farmers and breeders buy and sell cattle, camels and horses in spirited bidding. A township of colourful tents transforms the arid landscape. Leather sales in whips, bits, shoes, embroidered animal covers and inlaid leather saddles predominate. For the women, it is a chance to bargain over bangles, cloths, pots, pans and other utensils. Necklaces of glass beads from Nagaur, Ivory work from Merta, printed cloth from Jodhpur and Ajmer, prized goods from far and near are bought avidly. The Pushkar Mela ends as it begins, in an endless stream of bullock carts, camels and jeeps.