Ever seen a camel in a beauty pageant or even in a dance competition? Well, this is your chance to witness such fun and exciting moments at the world’s largest camel fair — the Pushkar Mela in Rajasthan. Held every year in October or November during Kartik Purnima, the Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as the Pushkar Festival, is one of the most colorful and vibrant events in India.
Thousands of traders gather with over 30,000 camels and cattle, turning the desert into a grand cultural playground. From camel races, turban-tying, and matka-phod contests to the famous longest moustache competition — every event adds to the festive charm. Folk dancers twirl to traditional tunes, musicians fill the air with rhythm, and the energy of locals and travelers makes it feel like a true carnival in the desert.
Many Rajasthan tour packages include this amazing Pushkar Fair because it offers the best glimpse of Rajasthan’s traditions, art, and hospitality. If you love colors, music, culture, and unique desert vibes, the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 surely deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
Highlights and Key Details of Pushkar Camel Fair India
- Pushkar Mela of Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in India, celebrated every year with great enthusiasm in the holy town of Pushkar. It is the world’s largest camel and livestock fair, where over 30,000 camels, horses, and cattle are brought for trade, decorated beautifully for races and beauty contests. The Pushkar Fair 2025 will be held from 30th October to 5th November, spread across the beautiful Pushkar Lake and the grand Mela Ground on the outskirts of the town. The festivities start early around 6 AM and continue till 9 PM — mornings begin with spiritual rituals, afternoons are filled with fun competitions, and evenings glow with cultural performances and folk music.
- Held every year in the sacred month of Kartik (October–November), the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan holds immense religious significance as pilgrims take a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake on Kartik Purnima and visit the only Brahma Temple in India. The fair is also famous for unique competitions like turban tying, matka phod, longest moustache, and camel decoration contests.
- The Pushkar Camel Fair attracts thousands of travelers from India and abroad, who also participate in friendly games like tug-of-war, kabaddi, and the bride-and-groom contest. Visitors can enjoy camel safaris across the golden dunes, thrilling hot-air balloon rides, and shopping for colorful Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, and fabrics. The taste of authentic Rajasthani delicacies like dal baati churma, rabri, and kachori adds more charm to the experience.
- What started as a small cattle trading event over a century ago has now become a grand cultural celebration showcasing Rajasthan’s heritage, art, and traditions. Surrounded by the Thar Desert and the sacred Pushkar Lake, the fair transforms the peaceful town into a lively carnival. According to legend, Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower here, creating the holy Pushkar Lake — and bathing in it during the fair is believed to wash away sins and bring prosperity.
What is the significance/ history of Pushkar Mela?
According to legend, the origin of Pushkar Mela is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and the story of Lord Brahma. It is said that a fierce battle took place between Lord Brahma and a demon named Vajra Nabha. When the demon killed Brahma’s sons, the creator struck him down with a lotus flower. As the lotus petals fell on the earth, they created three sacred lakes — Jyeshtha, Madhyama, and Kanishtha — with the largest and most revered being Pushkar Lake.
Another popular version of the tale says that Lord Brahma dropped lotus petals to decide the most auspicious place for a holy yagna (sacrifice). He performed this sacred ritual beside the Pushkar Lake, but his wife, Goddess Savitri, was angered for being excluded from the ceremony and cursed Brahma to be worshipped only in Pushkar. This divine legend explains why the Pushkar Fair is not merely a cultural event but a deeply spiritual one, symbolizing faith, creation, and devotion.
Every morning during the Pushkar Mela, thousands of devotees gather at the 52 ghats around Pushkar Lake to take a holy dip, light diyas, and offer flowers to the deities. It is believed that bathing in the sacred waters cleanses sins and heals skin ailments. The air fills with the sound of temple bells, priests chanting mantras, and the fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of pure devotion.
After performing their rituals, pilgrims often explore the nearby spiritual sites such as the ancient Brahma Temple — the only one of its kind in India — the Savitri Mata Temple perched atop a hill, and the serene Pushkar ghats. These sacred spots reflect the divine origin of the Pushkar Festival and keep alive the centuries-old traditions of this holy town in Rajasthan.
Things to do at the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan
- Attend rituals at Pushkar Lake: One of the most spiritual activities at Pushkar Camel Fair is taking a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake during sunrise and witnessing the mesmerizing evening aarti. Pilgrims gather at the 52 ghats, lighting diyas and chanting prayers, creating a peaceful and divine atmosphere that marks a beautiful start to the day.
- Ride in a Hot-Air Balloon: Experience the breathtaking view of the entire fair from above with a hot-air balloon ride. Floating over the colorful tents, camels, and desert landscape, this adventure offers a bird’s-eye view of the Pushkar Mela and the surrounding Thar Desert — a truly unforgettable experience.
- Desert Adventures: For thrill seekers, Pushkar offers exciting desert adventures. Hop on a camel for a scenic ride across the sand dunes, try jeep safaris for speed and excitement, or go quad biking to explore the rugged terrain of Rajasthan. These adventures bring out the wild charm of the desert.
- Join Cultural Activities: The fair offers visitors a chance to be part of traditional games and rituals. You can join locals in fun activities like tug-of-war, gilli danda, kabaddi, or even ride a decorated camel. Participating in these cultural traditions gives you an authentic taste of Rajasthani life.
- Watch Unique Competitions: Don’t miss the quirky contests that make Pushkar Fair so lively — from the longest moustache and turban-tying competitions to matka phod and camel beauty pageants. These events draw huge crowds and reflect Rajasthan’s colorful and playful spirit.
- Enjoy Cultural Performances: The evenings at Pushkar Mela come alive with soulful folk music, Kalbelia dance performances, puppet shows, and acts by snake charmers. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and add magic to the night.
- Photography: Pushkar Mela is a paradise for photographers. Capture candid moments of camel trading, vibrant turbans, decorated livestock, and the bustling bazaars. The mix of colors, traditions, and emotions make it one of the most photogenic events in India.
- Try Local Dishes: Savor authentic Rajasthani flavors like dal-baati-churma, malpua, rabri, kachori, and gatte ki sabzi at local food stalls. For a relaxed break, explore the cafés of Pushkar that serve a mix of Indian and global cuisines.
- Explore Other Places in Pushkar: Between the festivities, visit sacred sites like the Brahma Temple, Savitri Mata Temple (ideal for sunrise or sunset views), and Varaha Temple. You can also explore Man Mahal and Pushkar Bazaar for local vibes and temple architecture.
- Shop for Unique Items: The fair’s vibrant marketplace is a treasure trove of Rajasthani handicrafts. Pick up souvenirs like camel-leather products, handmade jewellery, colorful textiles, spices, turbans, and brass items. Bargaining here is part of the fun and adds to your Pushkar experience.
How to Reach Pushkar Camel Fair
If you’re planning to visit the Pushkar Camel Fair 2025, here are the best ways to reach this vibrant destination:
By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is Kishangarh Airport, located about 40 km away, but it operates only a few domestic flights. Most travellers prefer to fly to Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer Airport), which is around 146 km from Pushkar. Jaipur is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, as well as international destinations such as Dubai and Bangkok. From Jaipur, you can hire a taxi or take a state-run bus to reach Pushkar in approximately 2–3 hours.
By Rail: Pushkar has a small railway station with limited train services. The nearest major railhead is Ajmer Junction, situated 15 km from Pushkar. Ajmer is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad through popular trains such as the Shatabdi Express and Pink City Express. From Ajmer, you can take a local bus costing around ₹20–₹50, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Pushkar. Alternatively, taxis are available for ₹500–₹700, though fares may be higher during the fair.
By Road: For those wondering how to reach Pushkar, traveling by road is often the most convenient choice. Pushkar is well connected through National Highways to Jaipur (143 km), Jodhpur (186 km), and Delhi (about 400 km). Regular RSRTC buses operate between Ajmer, Jaipur, and Pushkar, with frequent services during the festival days. If you enjoy scenic drives, you can rent a car or taxi from Jaipur or Ajmer and travel through the picturesque Aravalli Hills, arriving just in time to experience the lively atmosphere of the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Mela 2025 will be held from 30th October to 5th November, and each day offers a unique blend of devotion, culture, and desert excitement. Here’s a detailed look at how the days at the fair usually unfold so you can plan your visit perfectly:
Morning: The mornings at Pushkar Mela begin with religious rituals and camel trading. Around 6:30 AM, you can join the nature walk from Sanjhi Chatt or the Gurudwara to experience the serene side of Pushkar before the crowds arrive. Many pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake, believed to cleanse sins and bring good fortune. By 10 AM, the fairground comes alive with Mandana painting competitions, girls’ dance performances, and traditional sports. Around 11 AM, you can watch friendly football matches between locals and foreign visitors, adding a fun global twist to the fair.
Afternoon: As the sun climbs higher, the energy of the fair shifts toward lively sporting events and rural competitions. Traditional games like Langri-Tang, Gilli-Danda, and Satolia take center stage, while the Inter Panchayat Samiti rural sports bring out the community spirit of Rajasthan. The afternoons are also ideal for exploring the Shilpgram Handicraft Bazaar, which opens around 4 PM. Here, you can shop for handmade jewellery, colourful fabrics, and traditional art. Remember, the desert sun can be intense — carry plenty of water, wear a hat, and rest in shaded spots to stay refreshed.
Evening: Evenings at Pushkar Fair are nothing short of magical. As the sun sets, the ghats glow with hundreds of lamps during the Deepdaan ceremony at around 6 PM. Pilgrims float diyas on the lake, creating a golden reflection on the water. Soon after, Bhajan Sandhya and the Maha Aarti begin around 7 PM, filling the air with chants and divine energy. Post the rituals, the fairground comes alive with folk music, gypsy dances, puppet shows, and fireworks, making it the perfect time to soak in the cultural spirit of Rajasthan.
Each day at the Pushkar Mela Rajasthan offers a mix of devotion, festivity, and adventure — from peaceful mornings by the lake to lively nights under the desert sky.
Ideal Itinerary to Plan Around Pushkar Festival
The Pushkar Camel Fair India is among the most vibrant and colorful cultural events in the country. The Pushkar Mela 2025 will be celebrated from October 30 to November 5, 2025, in the sacred town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. To make your trip even more memorable, here’s an 8-day itinerary that beautifully combines India’s famous Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — with the magic of the Pushkar Fair.
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in India’s lively capital city, Delhi. Spend the day exploring its rich heritage and bustling markets. Visit Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and the old-world lanes of Chandni Chowk filled with local street food and shops. Relax overnight at your hotel and prepare for your journey ahead.
Day 2 – Delhi to Agra
Drive to Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the Taj Mahal. Witness the mesmerizing sunrise view of this white marble masterpiece. Later, explore Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh for a serene view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 4 – Jaipur Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Jaipur’s architectural gems. Visit the majestic Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory. Walk through the charming streets of the Pink City, visit Hawa Mahal, and shop for jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts in the lively markets.
Day 5 – Jaipur to Pushkar
Depart for Pushkar, one of India’s holiest towns nestled beside the Thar Desert. Upon arrival, visit the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple — the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. End your day by watching the beautiful sunset from Savitri Temple Hill, overlooking the town.
Day 6 – Pushkar Camel Fair
Dive into the festivities of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Watch the spectacle of camel trading, races, folk music, and dance performances, and enjoy the cultural competitions that bring Rajasthan’s traditions to life. The fairground bursts with energy and color, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 7 – Explore Pushkar
Spend another day immersing yourself in Pushkar’s charm. Wander through its narrow lanes filled with handicraft stalls, jewellery shops, and local cafés. Attend the evening aarti by the ghats, where the sound of bells and chants creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Day 8 – Pushkar to Jaipur/Delhi
Drive back to Jaipur or Delhi for your return journey. If time allows, enjoy last-minute shopping or visit any remaining attractions before your departure. This marks the perfect end to your Golden Triangle and Pushkar Fair adventure.
Stay Options During Pushkar Camel Fair
The Pushkar Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, and accommodation options get booked quickly as the fair dates approach. Prices also tend to rise significantly, so it’s highly recommended to book your stay well in advance. Whether you’re a backpacker, couple, or luxury traveler, here are some of the best choices to suit every budget:
- Budget Stays (₹800–1,500 per night) :- Perfect for solo travelers and backpackers, these hostels and guesthouses offer affordable comfort close to the fairground. Popular options include Zostel Pushkar, Moustache Pushkar, and GoStops, along with small lakeside guesthouses. These places are ideal for travelers who want to stay near all the activities at Pushkar Mela without spending too much.
- Mid-Range Hotels (₹1,500–3,500 per night): For those seeking comfort and charm, boutique hotels like Inn Seventh Heaven, Hotel Pushkar Palace, and The Pushkar Bagh are excellent picks. These mid-range stays feature rooftop dining, beautiful lake views, and cozy rooms, making them perfect for couples and families looking to experience the Pushkar Fair in style.
- Luxury Tents & Resorts (₹5,000–15,000+ per night) : If you want a luxurious desert experience, choose from Pushkar Adventure Desert Camp, Royal Desert Camp, or premium resorts like Ananta Spa & Resorts. These stays offer elegant tented accommodations, cultural performances, bonfires, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Staying here lets you experience the true spirit of Rajasthan with comfort and royal hospitality.
Tips for Visiting Pushkar Mela Rajasthan
- Walking involved: Vehicles aren’t allowed near the mela ground, so be prepared for plenty of walking. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals to enjoy the festival without getting tired.
- Keep valuables safe: The fair attracts huge crowds. Keep your phone, wallet, and passport in a secure bag or money belt.
- Bargain smartly: Shopkeepers and camel ride operators may quote high prices. Bargain politely to get a fair deal.
- Check the schedule: Major events like camel races, cultural performances, and religious rituals happen on specific days. Review the schedule beforehand to avoid missing anything.
- Book stays early: Accommodation fills up fast during the fair, and prices rise as dates approach. Reserve your hotel or camp well in advance.
- Stay hydrated and protected: The desert heat can be intense. Carry water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen regularly.
- Respect the culture: Pushkar is a sacred destination for Hindus. Dress modestly, remove shoes at temples, and be respectful around holy sites and ghats.
- Evening aarti: End your day with the serene evening prayer at Pushkar Lake—it’s a truly mesmerizing experience.
