Pushkar
is a bewitching little town set right on the edge of the desert and is only
11 kms from Ajmer, but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake mountain.
This traveller-friendly town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake
with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very
important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of sadhus there.
Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here
each October/November. This massive congregation of camels, cattle,
livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and film-makers is one of the planet's
most incredible events. If you are anywhere within striking distance at the
time, it's an event not to be missed. Being a holy place, alcohol, meat and
even eggs are banned in the town.
Sightseeing in Pushkar -
Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple : This is the only existing temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma. Built in the 14th century, it stands on a high
plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the
floor facing the sanctum-sanctorum or garbha-griha. Around the turtle, the
marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with
donor's names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple
walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of Lord Brahama's consort
Saraswati. The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.
Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple : This
12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Warrah Temple : The Warrah Temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in
the incarnation of a wild boar
Camel Fair : Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which
takes place here each October/November. Each year, upto 200,000 people flock
to Pushkar for the Camel fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and
cattle for several days of pilgrimage, live stock trading, horse dealing and
spirited festivities. There are camel races, street theatre and a variety of
stalls selling interesting handicrafts. The place becomes a flurry of
activity with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and
devotees all converging on the small town. A good camel can fetch tens of
thousands of rupees and is a vital source of income for many villagers. This
fair is the only one of its kind in the world and has featured in numerous
magazines, travel shows and films.
Gangaur Fair :This festival honours Parvati, the consort of Lord
Shiva. The women gracefully balancing brass pitchers on their heads, wend
their way to the temple of Gauri (Parvati) for the ceremonial bath of the
deity. Idols of Shiva and Parvati are taken out in a procession accompanied
by caparisoned horses and elephants.
Reaching Pushkar -
Rail : Nearest railway station is 11 kms far from Pushkar in Ajmer.
Road : Well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan.
Shopping in Pushkar -
Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered
fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its
also a great place to buy books. There is an excellent range of second hand
novels in various languages available
Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of souvenirs.
The shopping centres are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.
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 SUGGESTED
TOURS |
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The
land of Maharajas : (14 Nights - 15 Days)
Delhi / Mukandgarh / Pushkar / Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Mt. Abu /
Udaipur / Kota / Jaipur / Agra / Delhi
Sailing
Down The Ganges Tour : (14 Nights - 15 Days)
Delhi - Allahabad - Varanasi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar -
Delhi |
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Pushkar Attractions
