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PUSHKAR
Like Goa or Dharamsala, the mellow, quiet and interesting little town of
Pushkar is one of those travellers’ centres where people go for a little
respite from the hardships of life on the Indian road. It’s only 11 km
from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain, and is
situated right on the edge of the desert.
The town
clings to the side of the small but beautiful Pushkar Lake with its many
bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important
pilgrimage centre.
Pushkar is also
world-famous for the huge Camel Fair which takes place here each
October-November. At this time, the town is thronged with tribal people
from all over Rajasthan, pilgrims from all over India and film-makers and
tourists from all over the world. If you’re anywhere within striking
distance at the time, it’s an event not to be missed. Camel rides,
however, are available year-round from a number of operators around the
town. Camel safaris lasting several days are also possible. Camel Fair
 The exact date on which the Camel Fair is held depends on the lunar
calendar but, in Hindu chronology, if falls on the full moon of Kartik
Purnima. Each year, up to 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel
Fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of
pilgrimage, horses dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities.
The Rajasthani tourist office has promoted
the fair as an international attraction by adding Rajasthan dance
programmes and other cultural events, and by putting up a huge tent city
for the Indian and foreign visitors. It’s one of India’s biggest and
most colourful festivals.
Temples
Pushkar boasts temples, though few areas ancient as you might expect
at such an important pilgrimage site since many were destroyed by
Aurangzeb subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be the
only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It’s marked by a red
spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol,
of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. The Rangji
Temple is also important.
The one-hour treks up to
the hilltop temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the
morning; the view is magnificent.
Ghats
Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are
constantly bathing in the lake’s holy waters. If you wish to join them,
do it with respect- remove your shoes.
Things to Buy
Pushkar has a wide selection of handicrafts shops all
along the main bazaar and is especially good for embroidered fabrics such
as wall hangings, bed covers, cushion
Places
to Stay
HOTEL PUSHKAR PALACE (Heritage)
JAGAT SINGH PALACE HOTEL (Heritage)
HOTEL PEACOCK HOLIDAY RESORT
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