Every November, the sleepy little township of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity. The occasion: PUSHKAR FAIR. Very few, if at all any, fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. Most people associate the Pushkar Fair with the world's largest camel fair. But it is much more than that.

Pushkar is a pilgrimage site in the North Indian state of Rajasthan. For most of the year Pushkar is a tranquil town with a calm and relaxing ambience. If its tranquility you're looking for, you will find serenity amidst the sand dunes of Pushkar, on a Pushkar Tour, for most of the year.

You can see hundreds of camels patiently resting on the sand dunes, as their owners bargain over their prices. There are also many cultural events held during the Pushkar Fair. The camel Beauty Pageant features camels that are elaborately decorated with ornamental saddles and back cloths decorated with mirrors, cowrie shells and colorful embroidery. Tug of war contests between people and camels, camel dancing events, and 'Laado Oonth' where as many people as possible try to ride a camel are part of the fun and games at the Pushkar desert festival in Rajasthan, India.

There are also performances by folk musicians and dancers at the Pushkar Fair. You can see the vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan on display at the Pushkar Mela. Traditional textiles and handicrafts are also on display. You can shop for silver jewellery and colorful Rajasthani clothes decorated with embroidery and mirror work, at the stalls in the Pushkar Mela.

Pushkar is considered one of the holiest sites in India. The semicircular Pushkar Lake is believed to be extremely holy and has 52 bathing ghats or steps along its banks. The lake is only 10 meters deep in the middle with shallow areas near the banks where devotees can safely take a ritual holy dip. It is believed that whoever takes a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake on Karthik Purnima day is absolved of all their sins. Devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake and pray at the Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma nearby. Lord Brahma is the Creator in the Hindu Trinity. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma Temple in India. In the evening devotees float little boats made of leaves bearing flowers and diyas - little oil lamps, in the Pushkar Lake. This mesmeric sight mirrors the star-studded sky above as the desert festival of the Pushkar Mela draws to a close.

Dance music and colorful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colorfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion.

A host of cultural event against the backdrop of this pretty setting is also organized including attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.

Temples
Pushkar boasts temples, through few are as ancient pilgrimage site many were destroyed by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It's marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. The Rangji Temple chosen is also important. The one - hour trek up to the hilltop temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning; the view is magnificent.

Ghats
Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish to join them, do it with respect - remove your shoes, don't smoke and don't take photographs. This is not Varanasi and the pilgrim here can be very touchy about insensitive instruction by non - Hindus

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