Pushkar, a holy town in Rajasthan, India, is a famous tourist destination for a variety of reasons. Pushkar is a colorful town consisting of a maze of alleys and small streets that have cafes, hotels and bazaars teeming with people during the day. Every October-November the town and the sand dunes adjoining the town throbs with life with the huge Pushkar Cattle Fair.
The Pushkar fair takes place on a full moon day or Kartik Poornima. Thousands of villagers and nomads in multihued dress and animal decorations bring cattle, camels, and horses to trade. There is competition and entertainment as well.
Pilgrims bathe in the lake on the night of the full moon and the nights preceding and following. To the Hindus the sanctity of Pushkar Lake is second only to the Lake Mansarovar on the way to Mount Kailash and the former Kingdom of Guge. Traditional jewelry, naturally dyed fabrics, saris, and lenghas or Rajasthani skirts are on sale. This is also one of the best times to visit the city to experience it in its full color.
For those who are not into adrenaline activities and events, they can visit the holy city to savor its religious culture. One of the best places to learn about Hindu religious culture is the world renowned Brahma temple, where pilgrims make their way to each and every year to offer their prayers.
The fair has become famous yet it has retained traditional values. Numerous ghats run down to the Lake. It’s best to honor the sentiments of the local public regarding religion. The pilgrims are touchy about tossing a cigarette in the Lake. It’s best not to photograph bathers. In short show reverence to the Lake in words, actions and gestures.
Buses run frequently from Ajmer. The climb to the hill is spectacular. There is Sarovar Tourist Bungalow, on the side of the Lake opposite the Brahma Temple. Part of it is an exotic looking old palace once owned by the Maharaja of Jaipur. The Pushkar Hotel has a wonderful lawn ending right by the lakeside. The Peacock Holiday Resort has a spacious and shady courtyard.
There are plenty of small hotels and guest houses too where you can book reservations and have a pleasant stay. Some of these include the Pushkar Bagh along Motisar Link road, the Pushkar Heritage, Pushkar Resorts and the Kishan Palace.
If you go to Pushpar during the Pushkar Cattle Fair period, you can be sure you will have the most memorable experience of India.