Pushkar

Pushkar Travel & Tourism - Pushkar is a small town in Rajasthan, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. An important pilgrimage town, Pushkar also attracts many tourists during the annual Camel Fair held here every November.

Situated 14 Km from Ajmer, Pushkar is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and the Thar Desert. According to legend, Pushkar is one of the five holiest sites of Hinduism. Pushkar Lake is considered very auspicious and pilgrims come to bathe in Pushkar Lake and pray in the temples that surround it. Pushkar is the location of the only Brahma Temple in India. There is also a temple to Savitri the wife of Brahma on a hill overlooking Pushkar Lake.

Pushkar Temples:
Pushar is a town with many temples. It is believed that at one time there were 500 temples in and around Pushkar. The most revered of which is the Brahma Temple, which is the only Brahma temple in India. The temple has a red spire and the symbol of Brahma - a goose is carved over the main entrance to the temple. On a hill nearby is the temple of Savitri, Brahma's wife. Pilgrims climb up to the hilltop to pray and admire the panoramic view of Pushkar town and Pushkar Lake.

Pushkar Lake: Pushkar Lake is a holy site for Hindu devotees. Pilgrims come from all over India to take a ritual dip in Pushkar Lake. The lake is shallow near its edges, with ghats or steps leading into the water. The occasion of Karthik Purnima or the full moon day in November every year, is particularly auspicious. Pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake, pray at the Brahma temple and then release thousands of small boats made from leaves, bearing lamps and offerings to the gads on the waters of the lake. The surface of the lake covered with twinkling lamps, mirrors the star- studded desert sky above.

Pushkar Fair:
Pushkar Fair, is the largest camel trading fair in India. It has become an international tourist event with visitors from all over the world, coming to see rural Rajasthan at its festive best. A city of luxury tents provides accommodation to tourists, who can wander through rows of patient camels, waiting as buyers and sellers bargain over them. Visitors can also enjoy various camel sports including camel racing, lado oonth- where as many as possible try to climb onto a camel, tug of war between humans and camels and a camel beauty pageant, where beautifully decorated camels parade in front of appreciative crowds.

Near Pushkar:
Kishangarh at a distance of one-hour from Pushkar, was founded in the 17th century by Raja Kishan Singh. Kishangarh is known for its school of miniature paintings, which began in the 18th century. Ajmer, 13 Km from Pushkar is also a famous pilgrimage destination with the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti and its annual Urs Mela.

Pushkar is a serene town for most of the year, but during the Pushkar Fair it pulsates with energy and excitement. See the swirling dancers, hear the melodious music and experience the unique attractions of Pushkar.