Pushkar Camel Fair: Explore India’s Famous Festival
The Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as Pushkar Mela, is one of the most popular cultural events in Rajasthan. Held annually in the holy town of Pushkar between late October and early November, it is the world’s largest camel and livestock fair. The event brings together thousands of traders, farmers, pilgrims, and tourists to witness a celebration that goes far beyond animal trading. Today, it is both a vibrant cultural festival and a religious gathering.While the fair started as a livestock trading event, it has now grown into a week-long cultural gathering. The fairground turns lively and colourful with camel races, unique competitions, folk music, traditional dance performances, food stalls, and bustling bazaars. Visitors also witness activities like the famous turban-tying contests, moustache competitions, and camel decoration shows that make a trip to Rajasthan an unique experience for everyone.
Visitors also experience cultural performances, puppet shows, and music concerts that create a festive environment. Food stalls serve authentic local delicacies, with the marketplace filled with handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs. For many tourists, the Pushkar Camel Fair offers a chance to see Rajasthan’s rural charm and cultural richness in one place. The fair also aligns with the Kartik Purnima, a time when taking a holy dip in Pushkar Lake is believed to be sacred.
When and Where is Pushkar Camel Fair 2025?
The Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 will be held from October 30 to November 5, 2025 at the Pushkar Mela Ground in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The town is located approximately 15 km from Ajmer and 135 km from Jaipur, making it easily accessible for travellers.
The Historical & Cultural Significance of Pushkar Camel Fair
The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India is hosted annually and goes back several centuries. It began as a small gathering locally recognised as Pushkar Mela where herders came together to buy and sell livestock, mainly camels, horses, and cattle. Over time, the fair expanded into one of the world’s largest cattle markets, drawing traders and farmers from across Rajasthan, neighbouring states and across the globe. For travellers opting for a Pushkar fair tour Package', the sight of thousands of camels with colourful decorations is one of the most unique highlights of the fair.
The fair also holds deep religious significance, as it aligns with Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu calendar, falling in October or November. On this day, thousands of Hindu devotees gather in Pushkar to take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake, which is believed to be auspicious. The presence of the Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples in the entire world dedicated to Lord Brahma, makes the pilgrimage even more important.
