Pushkar fair - Introduction

Pushkar is among the five dhams or pilgrimages that are held in high esteem by the Hindus-Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Pushkar. The annual Camel and Cattle Fair held in Pushkar, several hours west of Jaipur by road, in November attracts lakhs of camel buyers, camel sellers, pilgrims gawking fairgoers and tourists amazed by the whole spectacle. The desert surrounding the city is filled with families who have come to the fair by camel cart, just as their ancestors did generations ago, to camp out in the open for the fairs' duration. Less hardly tourists can stay in pleasant tent-villages that look like medieval encampments, but have excellent facilities. Over time, character of the fair has changed. Forty or 50 years ago, the fair, traded mainly in cattle and horses; now; however, camels definitely predominate.

Pushkar Fair - History and Legends

It is said that in a 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. Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces (several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces here for pilgrimage). 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. So Brahma married a local girl and sat down for the without her. So 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, she was raged with fury and cursed him that he would never be worshipped anywhere else on earth.

The Fair

In the afternoons, people crowd the stadium where camels, horses and cows are paraded and raced. Camels are bought and sold during the Pushkar fair. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care. They wear jewelry of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jingle-jangle when they walk.

On the roadside, stalls of all kinds are set up to sell a cornucopia of items. Almost every household is engaged in setting them up. Rooms are let out at steep rates. The locals try to capitalize on the massive influx of people. In fact, for most, the earnings of these four days are the major part of their yearly income. It is impossible to drive around because of the large crowds. Either you hire a camel or you walk. In this aspect, it is truly a rural bazaar.

As evening approaches, Women start lighting their stoves and preparing their evening meals. Entire families take shelter under the parked camel carts. Business transactions completed, pilgrimage formalities over, families return home. At nightfall, people relax with music and dance. Folk artists from all over Rajasthan come to perform. One major attraction is the singing of couples called Bhopa and Bhopan to the accompaniment of Rawanhattha, a simple string instrument.

The singing of the Langas by the evening fire is another great experience. Langas are a Muslim community who were patronized by the royal families of Jodhpur. Their forthright style of singing in powerful voices has a distinct touch.