At Pushkar, a sacred town in Rajasthan, one can literally feel a unique experience. Especially if one is there during the time of the one of a kind fair – this fair is the biggest and most eagerly awaited cattle fair across the world.

Situated in the middle of the desert, Pushkar is a sleepy, charming little town in the Rajasthani city of Ajmer. There are several temples here that are located along the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is home to the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. Legend has it that Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) and while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place and a holy lake was formed. To this day Pushkar is a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus.

This magnificent event of the Pushkar Camel Fair is held in Pushkar every year on the occasion of Kartik Purnima (the day of the new moon). An elaborate affair, Pushkar is swarming with tourists and cattle traders where buyers and sellers from all over northwest India during this fair. Traders negotiate deals over their prized animals such as camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep. The government of Rajasthan organizes this fair. Thanks to around 50000 cattle, the minuscule population of Pushkar swells from 15,000 to 200,000.

This is not just a camel fair but also a cultural phenomenon where one experiences vivacious revelry as the atmosphere is alive with colorfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, holy men and tourists exploring this fabulous fair in Pushkar. Although originally meant for trading of camel and cattle only, the Pushkar Camel Fair has now become a major tourist attraction. Highlights of the Pushkar Camel Fair are colorful, vibrant bazaars, enchanting folk music and sports involving camels.

On the concluding day, people rush towards the bathing Ghats for a holy dip while chanting mantras and prayers. At dusk, thousands of small earthen lamps are lighted and kept on delicate leaf boats and released in the placid waters of the Pushkar Lake and these iridescent lamps create a gloriously peaceful sight. This brings to an end India’s largest camel fair.