Pushkar Mela needs no glorious introduction as this festival attracts tourists from across the globe. Whether you talk about the extravaganza artistic beauty or the subtle essence of royalty, Pushkar Fair is a package to delight every heart! Also known as Pushkar Camel Fair, it is basically one of the globe’s largest cattle fairs.
While we often wonder about the participation of humans, you’ll be astonished to discover that more than 50,000 animals are a part of this unique festival. Interestingly, it’s a big deal because who gets to see such wonders everyday?
Additionally, Pushkar Fair 2022 is not just about animals and their significance. It is an amazing opportunity to explore the widespread beauty of deserts like never before! You are to be engrossed in lively celebrations, healthy competitions and unbeatable experiences offered here. The festival is highlighted by a royal opening ceremony followed by multiple adventurous as well as touristy activities. What’s more? For that, you must check hotels in Pushkar for an enthralling time giggling with everyone in the Pushkar Mela.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2022: Explore Dates and Location
Pushkar Mela is a 9-day long festival held annually to celebrate the fusion of livestock and budding talents of Rajasthan.
Dates: Pushkar Mela 2022 begins on 1st November, 2022 and ends on 9th November, 2022
Venue: Pushkar Fair is hosted in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan
How to reach Pushkar?
Pushkar city is well connected with transportation systems. Hence, you can opt for the most convenient way to attend the Pushkar Mela 2022.
By Air:
The nearest airport to reach Pushkar is the Jaipur International Airport (150.0 Km) and Kishangarh Domestic Airport (45.8 Km).
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction which is located at a distance of (14.0 Km) from Pushkar. The other nearby railway stations are Madar Junction (26.7 Km) and Nasirabad Railway Station (35.0 Km).
By Road:
Pushkar is easily accessible via roadways. You can opt for buses operated by public transport, private buses or cabs. Private buses are available from Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Delhi.
Best Things to Do in Pushkar Mela 2022
1. Desert Safari
When it comes to the sandy desert of Rajasthan, you simply cannot miss taking a tour of this mesmerising place. Pushkar Mela 2022 is probably incomplete without the famous Desert Safari here. Pushkar is well known for sand dunes and night Camel safari. Tourists love to explore the quaint life and jaw-dropping views of sunset and sunrise in the safari.
You’ll find a plethora of options for Desert Safari, however it’s best to book it in advance to avoid last minute hassle. It is indeed a stimulating experience to sit on the camel’s back and watch different performances in the Pushkar Fair. Surprisingly, the safari helps you explore everyday life of villagers, huge farming lands and the terrain of the area. Most safaris end at a campsite surrounded with folk singers and dancers.
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2. Camping
As you walk through the magically silent voices of sand, the desert area serves you with the quintessential beauty of camping. Pushkar Mela 2022 offers an enthralling opportunity to go beyond the art and culture and explore the astrophile in you. Camping in Pushkar is one of the top things to do here. You can find various camping sites located in the niche areas of the city. All you need to do is find hotels in Rajasthan near the desert area to never miss an exciting moment.
While you are to fall in love with the Pushkar Fair, camping experience is no lesser than a fusion of serenity, culture and unbeatable hospitality. Most camping expeditions generally start with a desert safari to the camping destination. Imagine being surrounded by the warmth of a bonfire, you get to witness dance performances accompanied with Rajasthani folk music. Special arrangements are made for authentic food, luxury tents and hot tea while jamming with the dancers.
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Now that’s something straight out of your fantasies. A hot air balloon ride during the Pushkar Fair 2022 is unbelievably romantic and thrilling. You simply cannot justify the adrenaline rush as you go higher amidst the air watching the sand dunes of the city. Well, you also get to see magnificent palaces and forts of Pushkar from a bird’s eye view.
Hot air balloon rides are particularly famous during the Pushkar Mela as the city looks vibrant. Being decorated with colours, art and enthusiastic humans, Pushkar welcomes travellers from all walks of life to enjoy the romance of hues in the sky. The ride is highly recommended to witness the illuminating sun setting into the desert area.
4. Folk Music and Dance
Pushkar Mela 2022 offers an excellent opportunity for local performers and artists to showcase their talents. Also, Rajasthani folk music and dance is popular for its authenticity till date. These performances are generally performed at open courtyards followed by a traditional dinner. It is indeed a great chance to understand different styles of music like never before!
Folk music and dance experiences generally begin with a tikka ceremony where you are welcomed with an auspicious mark on your forehead. A special welcome song is sung as you step in the world of Indian culture. Once you have the welcome drink, all you need to do is sit back and watch the show. Men generally perform classic singing with percussion and stringed instruments. Women showcase their moves wearing traditional attires and carrying pots over their heads. What’s more? They are sure to invite you to share the stage and move your waist to perform ghoomar.
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5. Cattle Trade Fair
Pushkar Mela is popular for the prime trading of cattle here. You can watch cattle breeders from several regions of India coming to the festival simply for trading. Buying and selling of cattle is done along with different species of birds too. Haryana, Mewati and Kankrej are popular cattle breeds present for the trade. Sellers try to display the strengths and special features of their animals.
Additionally, you can witness special spaces dedicated for selling decorative items for cattle. Saddle shapes, beads and saddles are sold along with garments and silver ornaments for cattle. Large number of camels are traded thereby making Pushkar Mela one of the biggest cattle trading festivals in the world. It is truly an incredible experience to watch cattle being traded for their best of strengths and power.
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Key Highlights of the Pushkar Mela 2022
- Pushkar Fair is so much more than cattle trading. You can find a plethora of competitions for cattle including Camel Dance competition, Mandana competition, Camel Decoration competition and Horse Dance competition.
- Sport lovers, there’s football match, kabbadi match and lagaan style cricket match.
- The cultural touch is added by the Longest Moustache competition and Turban Tying competition.
- You can witness a unique Indian Groom and Bride contest.
- Pushkar Fair is home to an adventure zone perfectly designed for kids as well as adults.
- There are activities specifically dedicated for women including Matka Race and Musical Chair Race.
Best Places to Visit near Pushkar Fair
1. Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif, the dargah is one of the popular places of worship in Rajasthan. The dargah is all decorated with whitewashed exteriors. Ajmer Sharif Dargah is prominent among Sunni Muslims who visit the dargah mostly during its anniversaries and prime days of festivity. You can also find various literary books to help understand practices and preachings of higher authorities. The dargah is illuminated with colorful hues during festivals.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
2. Pushkar Lake
Popularly known as the Pushkar Sarovar, this lake is one of the famous destinations in the city. You’ll find various travellers taking a dip in the ghats (bathing spots) near the lake’s shore. According to the legend, one can achieve spiritual distinction by taking a dip in this lake. Apart from the cultural significance, Pushkar lake is most visited to seek peace with wide open surroundings.
3. Rangji Temple
When in Rajasthan, how can you miss spotting the architectural beauty of the Rangji Temple? The royalty and grandeur of Rajasthan is displayed right in the exteriors of the temple. Located in Pushkar, this place of worship attracts thousands of visitors to seek blessings. The temple welcomes you with an enormous entrance and is home to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The essence of Mughal architecture is elegantly showcased with intricate pillars and paintings.
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4. Sarafa Bazar
Aren’t you attracted to the intricacy of handicrafts and cute puppets? As Pushkar Mela pops in your head, shopping here is always in your subconscious mind. Sarafa Bazar is one of the popular shopping streets in Pushkar. You can find a plethora of textiles displaying the rich heritage of elephants and camel prints on them. Whether you talk about a bedsheet, a shirt or a simple cloth bag, the elements and colours of Pushkar are all embroidered to steal your heart. The artistry is also displayed through stony bangles, statues of gods and goddesses and camel covers.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Preferable)
5. Naga Pahar
Naga Pahar is a famous tourist destination for everyone attending the Pushkar Fair 2022. The Naga Pahar is steadily diminishing and according to the mythological belief, it will completely vanish one day. Located in Pushkar, this mountain is believed to be the ancient home of Agastya Muni. Various pilgrims trek to find blessings in the cave while adventure seekers trek to seek serenity at the top.
Pushkar Fair is undoubtedly the country’s pride because it fills you with an essence of royalty and historic practices of Rajasthan. As the Pushkar Mela 2022 brings you a reason for the perfect getaway, make sure to also check hotels in Ajmer for an extension to your holidays.