Rajasthan: Pushkar Fair 2011

Pushkar Fair has been started from 2 November 2011 – 10 November 2011. It is internationally known as colorful cattle fair in Rajasthan. It’s an annual five days livestock and camel fair which is held in Pushkar town situated in the colorful state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest camel safari and camps fair, which has gained major tourist attraction all over the world. This tourist’s place is self sufficient to complement the natural beauty. Pushkar Mela is not only famous for buying and selling of various livestock but competitions like “matka phod”, “bridal competition”, “camel race” and “longest moustache” has also gained tourist attention. Pushkar, the quiet little town of eastern Rajasthan, is located 13 km from Ajmer, on the edge of a small & beautiful lake. Pushkar is a city of 400 temples and 52 bathing ghats. Camel race contest is usually the first event during Pushkar fair. The camels are decorated in finery and are raced to reach the finishing line before the music stops (something like musical chairs). The contrast to the dull desert landscape is the riot of colours – the large gaudy turbans of the native males arriving here to trade their animals or set up the stalls to cater to the booming captive market and the loud hues of the pleated ghagaras (ankle length skirts) of the women bangled by the armful, bejewelled from head to toe- adding charm and zest to the massive affair. At Mela time, Pushkar is Rajasthan under one roof, a complete exhibition of its culture.

Pushkar Camel Fair Rajasthan

Longest moustache competition at Pushkar Mela

Pushkar Fair 2011 Events and Programme :-

1. Thursday 3 Nov, 2011:- Camel Race begins at 10.05 PM.
2. Friday 4 Nov, 2011:- Gorband – Camel Decoration to be held at 11.00 AM.
3. Saturday 5 Nov, 2011:-  Camel and Horse Dance Competitions at 11.00 AM and 12.10 PM respectively, and Cultural Programmes at 08.00 PM.
4. Sunday 6 Nov, 2011:- Kabbadi Match (Local v/s Visitors) commences at 10.00 AM and
   Cultural Programme at 07.30 PM.
5. Monday 7 Nov, 2011:- Turban Tying and Tilak Competition begins at 11.00 AM and Cultural Performances at 07.30 PM & 08.00 PM.
6. Tuesday 8 Nov, 2011:- Horse, Camel and Nagauri Bull-Animal Competition begins at 10 AM, then Matka Race (Water pot race for Women) begins at 11 AM and Cultural Performances at 7 PM & 8 PM.
7. Wednesday 9 Nov, 2011:- Musical Chair Race begins at 11 AM and Cultural Performances at 7 PM & 8 PM
8. Thursday 10 Nov, 2011:- Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution Onwards (Cultural Program, Folk Artists & Camel Parade, Band Show, Cattle Show, Horse Race, Camel Race, Tug of War, Jalebi Race, Water Pot Race etc. begins at 9 AM and Cultural Performances at 8 PM.

How to reach Rajasthan, Pushkar:-

By Air:- The nearest Sanganer Airport, in Jaipur from Pushkar. It is located in Jaipur which is 131 km away, this airport is well connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

By Rail:- Ajmer which is situated at a distance of 11 km from Pushkar, is the nearest railway station. Ajmer in turn is well connected with major destinations in Rajasthan. It is conveniently connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and India. Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express are the best trains to opt for while traveling to Ajmer from Delhi and Jaipur.

By Road:-  Pushkar has to two bus stands. The Marwar bus stand is situated to the north of the town by the post office and has buses to some long distance places including Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner. The Ajmer bus stand is located east of the Pushkar town and offers bus services to Ajmer and Jaipur.