One of the world's largest camel fairs: trading, races, folk performances and a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.
The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Mela) is held every year in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November, and ends on Kartik Purnima (full moon).
What to expect
- Camel and cattle trading: thousands of camels, horses and cattle are traded in the first days.
- Competitions: camel races, camel decoration, longest-moustache and matka-phod contests.
- Folk culture: music, dance, puppet shows and colourful crowds.
- Religious bathing: on Kartik Purnima pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.
Travel tips
- Arrive in the first days to see the animal trading at its busiest.
- Book a tent or hotel early.
- Pushkar is a holy town: meat, eggs and alcohol are not served.
