Pushkar is a small town located in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India. It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site and is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The serene Pushkar Lake adds more to the beauty of Pushkar.
Pushkar experiences extreme weather conditions in the form of searing heat during summers and chilling cold in the winter season. Day temperature during the summer season can easily peak 45 degree Celsius, while during winters, the maximums plummet below 10 degree Celsius. The best time to visit the region is between the months of October and March.
Pushkar is globally popular for its annual camel fair, the Pushkar Mela. Although dates vary, the fair takes place in the month of November every year. This year, in 2015, the Pushkar Fair will be held from November 18 to 25.
The Pushkar Mela 2015 will see livestock owners from all over the country converge at one point. Camels are the highlight of the fair as other farm animals are also lined up for trade. Mass trading of cattle takes place in Pushkar during this time. Camels, goats, horses, sheep, and cows are bought and sold like daily commodities.
After the transactions, a parade of well-bred and beautifully decorated animals takes place. One can even buy colorful clothing, jewelry, and other items for camels. Several decorated camels participate in a ‘beauty contest’ and the best ones take back prizes. There’s a relatable connection between animals and the people here, which is a spiritual experience in itself.
Other than the unique and grand fair, thousands of devotees also travel to Pushkar during this time of the year, to take a dip in the Pushkar Lake. Tourists can choose from various modern and traditional items which are up for sale. Silver ornaments, printed textiles, patchwork, beads etc. can be purchased for reasonable prices. Lastly, there are food stalls serving lip-smacking local delicacies, which you simply cannot miss.
For the average traveler, Pushkar demands a lot of exploring. Whereas for those of us who believe in scaling maps, Pushkar is a fun retreat. The place looks simply magical when it is surrounded by clouds during Monsoon. The mountains, the lake, and the small but colorful town makes for a painting suitable for every wall around the world. If you’re busy making travel plans for November, then Pushkar is both awesome and apt.
(Featured Image Credit: pushkarfestivals.com)
(Top Image Credit: garageadventures.in)
(Bottom Image Credit: gg2.net)