The picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar lie 11 km from Ajmer. Pushkar is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. According to the Padam Puran, Lord Brahma—Lord of creation—was in search of a suitable place for a Vedic yagna (sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yagna here.

A lively and gigantic fair is held here every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon in October-November). About 1,00,000 pilgrims and ascetics from far and near gather here to take a dip in the holy lake.

The fair is also the biggest camel market. Besides camels, horses and bullocks are sold and bought here. The people in their colourful attires enhance the cheerful mood of the fair. Pushkar abounds in temples and also has the temple of Lord Brahma. This is the only temple dedicated to Brahma.

This somewhat somnolent town reverberates with hectic activity during the festivities. To cope up with the large-scale attendance, extensive arrangements are made; impeccably and efficiently. An aura of gaiety and excitement marks the fair. Gaily costumed enthusiasts rubbing shoulders in the human ocean, hunting around for shopping bargains, engaged in parleys for striking deals in the camel market, savouring an endless mouthwatering delicacies, enjoying the local folk presentations, contribute to enhance the colour of the celebrations. A long record of cultural existence in Rajasthan longs for you at the fair. A host of cultural programmes are staged to enthral the audience. These performances go a long way in familiarising the participants with the Rajasthani way of life and simultaneously create a spicy and crisp atmosphere.

The biggest draws of the event are the cattle auction, bartering the animals and the camel race. It is breathtaking to witness several sports, involving camel—a friend of the desert folk of Rajasthan. Puppet shows are equally alluring and enjoying.

Temple of Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma Temple and one has to climb several steps to reach the point. It gives a beautiful panoramic view of the lake, surrounding desert and villages.

Built by Raja Man Singh I of Amer, stands on the banks of Pushkar and is now a tourist bungalow known as RTDC Hotel Sarover. It is the most convenient place for visitors to stay.

Air : Jaipur 146 km is the nearest airport

Rail :Ajmer 11 km is the convenient railhead

Road : Good road connections

During Pushkar fair, shopping is real fun when you witness an ocean of souvenirs worth buying. Hundreds of roadside stalls sell beads, bangles, embroidered shoes, clothes, shiny brass utensils, belts studded with brass, cloth covers for camels embroidered and embellished with mirrors, colourful saddles and beautifull woven blankes and camel leather goods.

014581

State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur Tel 2006; Punjab National Bank Tel 2027

Master Card, Visa accepted at Hotel Peacock Resort Tel 2093, 3414

General Hospital Tel 2029

Rajasthan Tourist Office, Hotel Sarovar Tel 2040

Rukmani Tours & Travels, Hotel Peacock Resort Tel 2093, 3414 (For Air, Rail and Road reservations)

Police Station : 2046

General Post Office : 2021