About The Pushkar Fair
Pushkar, an important pilgrim centre in Rajasthan, is famous for world's
largest camel fair, The Pushkar fair. Pushkar is one of the world's most
favoured tourist destinations. This fair is one of the main cultural
activities of Pushkar. It is held in the month of November every year. This
five day celebration begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. The fair ends on the
day of Kartik Purnima. Pushkar fair is well-known for its camel trading and
other religious activities. Villagers come from different parts of the state
and bring their cattle with them. The festival is full of folk dance, and
music. Colorfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion.
Colorful shops make this fair a very charming cultural event. Camel races
are also held during this vibrant festival. Pushkar fair shows the
liveliness of Pushkar.
Religious Importance
The history behind Pushkar is that in battle lord Brahma killed the demon
Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, whose petals floated down to earth and
landed in three places in and around Pushkar where lakes sprang up.
According to legends, Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52
palaces (several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces here for pilgrimage)
at one point. The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and is, in
fact, the only Brahma temple of India. It is interesting to note that Brahma
is not worshipped, even though he is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism.
Brahma, it is said, had descended on earth to perform a Yagna
(fire-sacrifice). His wife Savitri was not with him at that time and the
Yagna would be incomplete without her. Therefore, Brahma married a local
girl and sat down for the Yagna. Meanwhile Savitri landed on earth and, upon
finding this new bride sitting next to Brahma, cursed him that he would
never be worshipped anywhere else on earth.
Events And Activities Of Pushkar Fair
Camel trading is the main activity of Pushkar Fair. So many interesting
events are held during this fair. Camel races and other events like the
Puppet show, cattle show and Magic show are also the part of this event.
Pushkar is also the sacred place for Hindus. Amidst chanting of Vedic
mantras people take bath in the Pushkar Lake.
About Pushkar Town
The holy town of Rajasthan, Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre. It
is among the five Dhams or pilgrimages that are very important for a devout
Hindu. There are around 400 temples in Pushkar; some of these are the temple
of Brahma, the Savitri temple and the 12th century Apteshwar temple
dedicated to lord Shiva. Pushkar is world famous for its camel fair normally
held in Oct-November. The one and only Lord Brahma temple is located in
Pushkar.
Pushkar Ghats
Pushkar is a town of temples and ghats. Numerous ghats run down the lake
and the pilgrims are bathing in the lake's Holi waters. Photography is
prohibited. On the day of Kartik Purnima, people take a holy bath in Pushkar
lake.
Pushkar Temples
There are around 400 temples in Pushkar. The Brahma temple is the most
important temple in Pushkar. Brahma is one of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism,
sharing the honor with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Brahma
is the creator of the universe. Built in 14th century, the temple is
situated near the Pushkar Lake. This is the only temple of Brahma in India.
Shopping In Pushkar
Shopping is one of the main activities during this festival. Decorative
items for Cattles, like saddles, saddle-straps and beads are sold. One can
buy jewelry, garments, silver ornaments, bead necklaces etc.
