DESTINATION: PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
The Pushkar camel fair is one of Indias must see festivals in the romantic state of Rajasthan. This much visited state is a picturesque landscape of hill-top forts, nomads on camel-back, colourful people with equally attractive turbans and saris, great hospitality and endless tea. And every November you have the opportunity to witness a culmination of the culture and life of the desert state at the festival in November.
The Pushkar camel fair is held every year and draws thousands for its merriment, races, dances and livestock bargains. Over the first five days of the fair, camels and other livestock are sold and purchased. The negotiations and hard bargaining are fascinating to watch if you can follow whats going on. Or simply wander the camps set up on the edge of town to see the amazing array of people.
The fair ends with four days of the more official part of the festival including camel races, horse races and a cattle beauty contest where camels are bedecked with colourful cloth and beads. The fair also coincides with a religious festival. Pushkar is one of the only cities in India with a temple dedicated to Brahma, the god of creation. The little lake of Pushkar is considered holy and pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred water on the last day of the festival. A plunge at the ghats is supposed to wash away the sins of a lifetime.
You can get to Pushkar by road, rail or plane. Jaipur is the nearest airport 138km away. Ajmer is the closest train station (14km) and connected to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur by regular services. From Ajmer there is a bus network to Jaipur (138km), Delhi (392km), Ahmedabad (526km), Jaisalmer (490km) and Bikaner (233km).
On Camel Safari...
Rocking through the Thar desert on a camel is the all-out tourist experience. The sandy dunes, desert life and the slow pace of your beast easily create a Lawrence of Arabia other world. Although finding a reputable service operator is your first step. Most hotels and all agencies will pester you for their services. Make sure you compare prices and deals between several operators. Make sure your food (including fruit and vegetables), drinks and all transport is included in the bill. Most of the camel guides speak English and will entertain you with desert songs at night. Theyll appreciate if you have a few renditions to contribute. Jaisalmer is one of the best sections of desert to tour through although if youre in Pushkar for the fair its a more obvious choice.
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN INDIA...
1. Take a romantic camel safari in Rajasthan
2. Down a chai (tea) or two daily!
3. Visit Indias most romantic monument to love - the Taj Mahal
4. Jaunt along in one of Indias rickshaws for some heart pounding excitement
5. Dip a toe or something in the holy Ganges river
picture above: cameleer in desert
6. Try your hand at bargaining in the bazaars
7. See a Bollywood movie
8. Gaze at the might of the himalayan range in Indias north
9. Throw coloured powders at the fun Holi festival
10. Give some spare change to a beggar
picture above: the most famous monument to love - the Taj Mahal
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER:
> Diwali festival of light
NOVEMBER:
> Pushkar camel fair
JANUARY:
> Republic day (26)
> Camel festival, Bikaner
FEBRUARY:
> Holi festival of colours
> Losar, Tibetan new year
> Carnival, Goa
MARCH:
> Elephant festival, Jaipur
> Mathonagrang festival of the blindfolded acrobatic oracle monks, Ladakh
APRIL:
> Gangaur wedding festival, Jaipur
MAY:
> Pop, Beat and Jazz Music Festival, Panjim in Goa
JULY:
> Yuru Kabgyat mask dances, Ladakh
AUGUST:
> Independence Day (15) |
