11 Kilometers from Ajmer, on the edge of the desert, lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar, along with the bank of a picturesque Pushkar lake. It is an important pilgrimage spot. The Nag Pahar or the snake mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar.
Pushkar has a semicircular lake with 52 'ghats'; The maximum depth of the lake is 10 meters. It is a holy place and is known as the king of all 'tiraths'; A holy dip in this lake on Karthik Purnima is said to wash all the sins and leads to salvation. The one who bathes in this sacred water during the brighter fortnight of the Hindu calendar month Karthik and sees a Varah (an incarnation of Vishnu), he or she will not take rebirth on this planet and can enjoy the heavenly bliss forever. The Karthik Purnima holy dip in this lake gives one a blessing equal to hundred penances. Teacher of gods, Brihaspati can not count the many yojana spots.
How the name Pushkar came has a mythological story behind it. Once Lord Brahma worried over the matter of not being prayed to on the earth like the other Gods. He had the desire to have a place on his name on earth. So he threw a lotus flower, which fell in three spots, and water sprang out from there miraculously. The first place where the flowers fell is known as the Jyeshtha Pushkar, the second place is the Madhya Pushkar, and the third place is the Kanishtha Pushkar or Senior, Middle, and Junior, respectively. Brahma threw the flower that is the 'Pushpa' with his own hands that is the 'Kar'; Therefore, the name of this place became Pushkar.
There are 52 bathing ghats built around the lake. The water of each ghat is supposed to have special powers. Some of which are the Nag Kund for fertility, Roop tirath for beauty, Kapil vyapi Kund water helps cure leprosy, and dip in the Mirakand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.
Every year on the day of Karthik Purnima, which is full moon day in the month of Karthik (somewhere in October - November), the famous Pushkar fair takes place here. People from all over the country come to take the holy dip. The town comes alive with folk dancers and musicians who come from all the regions to show their talent. Joyful celebration, cultural variety, and cattle market make Pushkar fair famous. This fair is one of the cultural reflectors of the state of Rajasthan. It is a five-day affair when the small town comes alive with cultural activities and vibrant energy.
Apart from the religious rituals at the Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir and other festivities, people participate in several sporting and cultural events. The great attraction of this fair other than the variety of folk dances and songs that fill the atmosphere is the camel race and the cattle fair. Cows, Buffaloes, Camels, Horses, and even Donkeys are also bargained for in the cattle fair. Pushkar fair attracts tourists from all over the world. We are providing Pushkar fair dates below that you could participate in this colorful Pushkar cattle fair through the Indian holidays.
Pushkar Fair Dates
Pushkar Fair 2024 : 09 November 2024 - 15 November 2024
Pushkar Fair 2025 : 30 October 2025 - 05 November 2025
Pushkar Fair 2026 : 17 November 2026 - 24 November 2026
Pushkar Fair 2027 : 06 November 2027 - 16 November 2027
Pushkar Fair 2028 : 25 October 2028 - 02 November 2028
Pushkar Fair 2029 : 13 November 2029 - 21 November 2029
Pushkar Fair 2030 : 02 November 2030 - 10 November 2030